Thomas Novelly | Collegian
Despite being closed earlier this month, Watkins Oil reopened the Citgo gas station on Broad Street on Friday and replaced the previous Team One Food Store with a new Sunrise Shop convenience store.
“We’re still in the process of making all the changes,” Sunrise Shop manager Courtney Congrey said. “The kitchen is closed now, but we’re making some renovations and making the place new.”
Team One Food Store closed on March 6, after previous owner Mick Ritter faced financial troubles and bankruptcy. His sudden decision to close the 24-hour convenience store left 14 employees jobless.
Numerous employees with Team One Food Store applied to work at the new convenience store just a day after Ritter announced the store’s closure. Now, a week later, many of the employees have been hired back.
Marlene Abbey, a former clerk at Team One, said she is enjoying her new position with the Sunrise Shop.
“It feels good to have my job back,” Abbey said. “There are a lot of things that are different here compared to Team One, but it’s better. The management is better and, overall, I like the way this store operates.”
Abbey did acknowledge that her pay has taken a slight decrease because Team One used to be open 24 hours. The new Sunrise Shop is only open 19 hours a day Monday through Saturday and, 17 hours on Sundays.
Watkins Oil did not respond to multiple requests for comment relating to the new store or Ritter.
In addition to running Team One, Ritter was also a previous part-owner in Broad Street Downtown Market and Tavern. The former pub closed its doors in late January due to high operating costs and unpaid property taxes. Dave Watkins, owner of Watkins Oil, was also a part owner of the restaurant.