New Zip Trip gas station set to open next year

A new Cenex Zip Trip gas station on East Idaho Street in Kalispell is set to sell barbecued food options and offer expanded parking when it reopens next year.

The new convenience store will be over a thousand square feet larger than its predecessor, and will also have larger bathrooms and additional coolers, according to Steve Haase, the regional gas station brand’s general manager.

According to Haase, the company has been aware of the busy gas station’s lack of parking, as well as the Idaho Street facing entrance that can get chaotic in periods of high traffic.

The property will be expanding into the lot directly north of the old gas station, which is being demolished, which will allow for more parking, Haase said.

The company has been eyeing this expansion for a while, he said.

“We purchased the house that was behind it three years ago with the intent of tearing it down and the store and making it a larger store with more parking,” Haase said.

The new store will have 10 parking spots for customers and staff, including two spots reserved for vehicles with handicap placards.

The new lot will also allow for a sidewalk and curb, with the gas station being set back further from the busy street. Haase said this will be safer and will allow for better motorist flow and access to the gas station. The gas station will maintain access to Third Avenue East North.

As part of the store’s update, the Zip Trip will also have self-checkout options and add an additional fuel dispenser. Haase said the location will have enough room to accommodate electric vehicle charging stations.

The location is one of 39 Zip Trip stores regionally, with the majority located in Montana.

Haase thinks customers will be excited for the kitchen’s selection of food, including hamburgers and chicken sandwiches. He said the store will also be able to sell a wider selection of energy drinks and beer with additional cooler space. Haase expects that the store will be hiring two or three additional employees to work in the new kitchen.

Construction crews are currently in the process of demolishing the old gas station. Haase says he expects to see the new store open by January or February of next year, depending on winter snowfall.

Reporter Adrian Knowler can be reached at 758-4407 or aknowler@dailyinterlake.com.