First, I want to say that it sucks to hear the story of the closure of the Brunswick Square Deluxe French Fries location. My thinking is that I hope that they can find a new spot to open somewhere in the Uptown core, maybe on King St. if they can hack it, so that it's presence in the core can possibly be expanded beyond 30 years. To me, it's only fitting to have a good, quick option for seafood uptown, given the close proximity of the Harbour.
Now, to the real reason I'm here right now.
I had some thoughts about the whole 'dual Irving' gas station thing that exists in West Saint John, in the area of both Main St. West and Fairville Boulevard, and I think I know how that can be resolved.
For the Fairville Boulevard location, which is currently labeled as a 'Big Stop', to me, there's not really anything 'Big' about it. At least, not in comparison with other 'Big Stop's out there.
The way that I can see a true 'Big Stop' located in that part of the city is for the Irvings to buy the former Cox building, which I believe is still vacant, and, in a necessary sacrifice, tear it down.
That would then give the trucks a proper spot to park on that property, and allow for addition of potential scales and a truck wash, in addition to the usual fuel station.
The rest of that land would then see a full Big Stop facility built, with standard gas station, convenience store, full sit-down restaurant, and trucker's pit stop, complete with laundry room, shower room, and even sleeping quarters for the ones who've been on the road a long time, and require more than just their standard cab bunk.
It would also have free Wifi(tested to meet the requirements of all major anti-malware providers), couch space w/TV for news, and the quarters possessing proper AC and heating for either a cool or warm sleep, depending on season.
That would probably make that potential Irving Big Stop the only one located in an urban atmosphere, and yes, the regular residents of the Saint John area would also be able to use the gas station, convenience store, and restaurant to chow down too.
And, if enough space is left over, squeeze a car wash(full type, where your car moves on a track, like on City Road) onto that property as well. Get them Buick's nice and shiny(
).
Now, onto the Main St. West Irving gas station.
With the above that I just mentioned going onto that Fairville Boulevard spot, this would mean that there would no longer be a need for the smaller location on Main West. And this is my replacement idea for that.
First, all Irving logos and whatever are finished on that whole patch of land. Also, the existing fuel tanks underground would be removed.
In it's place would see the construction of...
A] a new Scholten's Convenience store, requiring property realignment,
B] new gas pumps/fuel tanks,
and, if possible, C] a touchless car wash.
The Esso on the corner of Church and Manawagonish is evidence that a touchless car wash can fit on the current Main West Irving station lot.
The new company in charge of the gas sales there would be Petro-Canada. As Shell is already down the street, and an Esso is directly across the road, P-C would need to go there to keep competition alive, unless Shell chose to place a bid as well, and agree to close their station located across the street from the Moosehead brewery.
So, any thoughts from you guys on this?
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This area of the mall was formerly part of Sears. It's been renovated to house Mark's and The Brick as well as Urban Planet.
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