526 replies to this topic

[roads-scholar]

Sparkleman, on 26 April 2012 - 07:37 AM, said:

Well we can't be choosey. My wife and I were just talking about GDJ last night and really if not for him, we would be on the decline and not the rise with Milliken gone. We really need to start thinking about the future because after George is gone, who will take the lead? Jimmy Gibbs has poured a lot of dough in the city also, but he is about the same age as GDJ.

Agree.  These men are great benefactors to the city.    Let's not quibble over design; at least they are doing something.

[Spartan]

westsider28, on 26 January 2012 - 09:33 AM, said:

Here we go folks.  QT is going to build a gas station at the corner of Pine and St. John.

Herald-Journal article

And get this, they submitted site plans (and got them approved) in May of last year, which is before the Urban Code took effect on July 1.  They didn't even own the property yet at that point, oddly.  So basically, QT can do whatever they please there.  So, in addition to the inevitable traffic nightmare, the gas station will be typical suburban fare (oh yeah, but with nicer landscaping).

Why do they want to build so close to downtown anyway?  Are there any other cities that have a QT right downtown?  Is there anyway for the City to stop them from building here?  I can't say I'm too fond of QT.  I feel like they're oversaturating the market here, as well.

Well, that's enough venting for now.  Words cannot express my displeasure with this development.

Prior to this thread I had never heard of a QT gas station, and quite frankly I never thought I would have anything else to say on this topic. I recently went to a QT to see why people are making such a big deal about it, and I have to say that for a gas station I'm pretty impressed. It is a very European approach to a gas station. They have fresh food of good quality and selection, decent coffee choices, and some outdoor seating. I bought a fruit cup that was better than the same kind that I buy at the grocery store.

In terms of urban form as these stations relate to our downtown core they are terrible. But it occurs to me that they could serve to fill a public need too. As most of you know, one of Spartanburg's primary challenges is the poverty in some of the in-town neighborhoods. Grocery stores have gone out of business in those areas over the years, leaving many people who do not own cars with out access to fresh food. Those people often rely on convenience stores for that purpose. The QT's in and around downtown could help address some of those needs since they provide a far better and healthier selection than any other gas station.

[Sparkleman]

Spartan, on 26 April 2012 - 09:16 AM, said:

Prior to this thread I had never heard of a QT gas station, and quite frankly I never thought I would have anything else to say on this topic. I recently went to a QT to see why people are making such a big deal about it, and I have to say that for a gas station I'm pretty impressed. It is a very European approach to a gas station. They have fresh food of good quality and selection, decent coffee choices, and some outdoor seating. I bought a fruit cup that was better than the same kind that I buy at the grocery store.

In terms of urban form as these stations relate to our downtown core they are terrible. But it occurs to me that they could serve to fill a public need too. As most of you know, one of Spartanburg's primary challenges is the poverty in some of the in-town neighborhoods. Grocery stores have gone out of business in those areas over the years, leaving many people who do not own cars with out access to fresh food. Those people often rely on convenience stores for that purpose. The QT's in and around downtown could help address some of those needs since they provide a far better and healthier selection than any other gas station.

Are the prices comparable to a grocery store or more to C-stores where the mark up is insane.

[roads-scholar]

Spartan, on 26 April 2012 - 09:16 AM, said:

Prior to this thread I had never heard of a QT gas station, and quite frankly I never thought I would have anything else to say on this topic. I recently went to a QT to see why people are making such a big deal about it, and I have to say that for a gas station I'm pretty impressed. It is a very European approach to a gas station. They have fresh food of good quality and selection, decent coffee choices, and some outdoor seating. I bought a fruit cup that was better than the same kind that I buy at the grocery store.

In terms of urban form as these stations relate to our downtown core they are terrible. But it occurs to me that they could serve to fill a public need too. As most of you know, one of Spartanburg's primary challenges is the poverty in some of the in-town neighborhoods. Grocery stores have gone out of business in those areas over the years, leaving many people who do not own cars with out access to fresh food. Those people often rely on convenience stores for that purpose. The QT's in and around downtown could help address some of those needs since they provide a far better and healthier selection than any other gas station.

Check out QT's recently opened store on West Main.  It replaced an abandoned car dealership that was an awful eyesore.  Its a huge improvement!

Personally I'm delighted that a retailer is putting up outlets in the city.  Sure, I'd love to see an attractive office building at the corner of North Pine and St. John but the bottom line is it ain't going to happen, at least anytime soon.

[Spartan]

Sparkleman, on 26 April 2012 - 09:31 AM, said:

Are the prices comparable to a grocery store or more to C-stores where the mark up is insane.

I recall thinking the prices were reasonable. Probably a little more than grocery stores, but that's the nature of that type of business.

[hub-city]

I've switched to their gas and my car loves it!  Nice modern stores and very helpful.  Have you tried the touch screen coffe/expresso counter.  I love pushing buttons.

[vicupstate]

I went to the new QT on Wade Hampton in Greenville and it was easily the most impressive Convenience store I have been in.   Very courteous staff too.  They are opening a location on the edge of DT Greenville and I am much happier about that now that I see what they have to offer.