J. Ed. Marston

RaceWay officials have selected operators to run a trio of convenience stores expected to open soon in the Chattanooga area.

"We have been really lucky that we have found a good group of contract operators that are very interested in running our convenience stores," said Vincent Donroe-Wells, director of sales and marketing for RaceWay.

The stores are being built at 405 Signal Mountain Road, 459 Amnicola Highway and 5455 Hixson Pike. Officials expect them to open soon.

"We are working to finish the build-out right now, and we are looking to open them as soon as possible," Mr. Donroe-Wells said. "I don't have a definitive date for you."

J.Ed Marston, spokesman for the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, said it is impressive that RaceWay is making a significant investment in the city amid a distressing economic climate.

"We are always delighted when a company makes additional investments in our market," he said. "We see it as an indication that this company recognizes the growth potential for this market."

Mr. Donroe-Wells said the unidentified contract operators must invest between $150,000 and $300,000 depending on the store and its location.

When looking for operators, officials try to find people with prior retail or small business experience.

The opening of the stores will create around 15 jobs. The operator will decide how many people to hire.

"Our model is such that our contract operators are the ones in the store everyday which is good for the consumers," Mr. Donroe-Wells said. "They are living, breathing and understanding the market."

The new stores are what Mr. Donroe-Wells called RaceWay's "new flagship stores."

Each will have a brick exterior, with new graphics and details such as shutters and landscaping that will give it a "homey" feel.

"It will look good to the consumer and is much more welcoming and inviting," Mr. Donroe-Wells said.

RaceWay officials have declined to release specifics about the cost of the expansion, but the multimillion investment will almost double RaceWay's presence in the Chattanooga area.

The chain already has stores at 2720 Rossville Blvd., 7019 Highway 153 in Hixson, 9208 Lee Highway in Ooltewah and 707 Highway 299 in Wildwood, Ga.