SHAWNEE, Kan. — There is no more QuikTrip on Nieman Road in Shawnee.
After more than 30 years in operation, Monday marked the last day for the Nieman Road pit stop.
While some are marking the closure in sadness, Pulas Sheth, the owner of the nearby StoneBridge liquor store, was happy when he found out.
Last week, he learned the popular gas station and convenience store would close.
"Well, my employee told me that QuikTrip is closing, she saw the sign over there and I was pretty excited," Sheth said.
After the opening of a new QuikTrip less than a mile away, company spokesperson Mike Thronbrugh told 41 Action News having both locations wouldn't be feasible.
Sheth believes the closure could help his business grow.
Beginning next month, new Kansas alcohol laws will go into effect. Grocery and convenience stores like QuikTrip will be allowed to sell stronger beer beginning April 1.
"From April 1st, the law is going to change, they can sell 5.9 percent which might hurt my business," Sheth said.
Without QuikTrip across the street, Sheth said he isn't facing much competition in the area. He's hopeful a restaurant or fast food chain will replace it.
Thronbrugh said at some point QuikTrip will sell the store to a reputable business that fits the characteristics of the area. In the mean time, they will remove the gas pumps and board up the building.
"I hope that since this is a busy street that something comes up pretty quick, you know," Sheth said.
Shawnee city officials told 41 Action News they could not comment beyond stating there are no plans for the future of the property at this time.
