DENVER — Suncor, Colorado's only refinery, has resumed service and prices are coming down, but aren't expected to return to normal until Fall.
The price of gasoline jumped fifty-one percent after the plant shut down in December when it was severely damaged by subzero temperatures and fires that injured two employees. Suncor supplies 40 percent of the gasoline that Colorado drivers need and a third of Denver International Airport's usage.
At the start of May, the average cost of unleaded was $3.48, down from a peak of $4.10 after the shutdown. Diesel had taken a big hit as truckers had to go out of state to fill up. Its cost is still high, averaging $4.10.
"We are passing these costs along from our suppliers to our customers," said Eric Liebold, operations manager for Chief Petroleum.
Unfortunately, the increase in supply comes at the start of the summer season when the EPA mandates a switch to more expensive blends and demand is high. In addition, a delay in imposition of a two-cent-a-gallon-fee the Governor delayed last year because of the poor economy went back into effect in April. That tax will increase to three cents in July.
The fee is to address a backlog of transportation projects.
National news is also affecting prices.
LOVELAND — The convenience store expansion continues.
Two new stores are in the development stage here at the intersection of US 287 and Colorado 402.
A Circle K station is being planned for the northeast corner of 14th St., SW. Three lots are being combined to house a 5,200-square-foot store and six gasoline pumps shielded by 4,608 square feet of canopy.
On the northwest corner there will be a Big D Oil station with a 3,400-square-foot store and six covered gas pumps.
Big D is a newcomer to the state, having opened its first convenience store recently in Greeley.
In Colorado Springs, QuikTrip plans to open its second store after demolishing a 40,000-square-foot shopping center. It will feature a 5,312-square-foot store and eight pump fuel stations.
FALCON — Super Star Car Wash is joining the rush to Colorado with the opening here of the first of a planned dozen locations in the state.
The facility provides standard express car wash services along with premium treatment and finish options like Simoniz Graphene and Ceramic Sealants, Carnauba Hot Wax, Triple Foam Soap and advanced Tire Shine.
Other features include free vacuums, microfiber towels, and high-pressure air.
"We have had our eyes on the Colorado area for some time and are so pleased to finally open our first location," said John Lueken, chief development officer.
Other locations will be established in the Colorado Springs and Denver area.
LONE TREE — It's a beautiful design, said the Mayor, but a car wash does not belong in the city's entertainment district.
The City Council rejected a proposal for a Living Water Express Car Wash although the planning commission had recommended it be approved.
Mayor Jackie Milet agreed the city needed a car wash and "We would love to find a home for it in Lone Tree." Wash officials cast doubt on accepting that.
The proposal drew concerns that a car wash did not align with the city's vision, which includes a bank, gas station, restaurants, theater, and a community gathering space.
Mayor Pro Tem Susan Squyer said she envisions the area becoming walkable, somewhat similar to Boulder's Pearl Street. Some believed the car wash would cause traffic problems.
The proposal included a 6,096-foot tunnel, three pay stations and thirteen vacuum stations, replacing a vacant cafe.
The company had tried to reach a compromise by eliminating its standard blue accents and having a copper roof, natural stone accents and neutral tones.
Chad Roach, company spokesman, saw it as a potential launching pad for the surrounding area and some residents agreed that in drawing people to the area it would support the entertainment district economically.
Faced with the denial of locating there Roach said he's not sure what the future of the project will be. Car washes need a certain retail environment to flourish, he said, and he surmised a small town like Lone Tree does not offer much of that.
ELIZABETH — This growing area now has a first-of-its-kind car and dog wash.
Danielle and Rob Kinney were inspired to open Anna's Car and Dog Wash because they have a hard-to-wash Great Dane and there was no place to take him for a bath.
"It seemed like something we and our neighbors could all use," said Kinney. So far it's a hit.
The wash is named after their daughter Anna and is completely family-owned. Anna likes to assist in loading the dogs.
The facility has a 100-foot state-of-the-art tunnel that offers four levels of car wash and can accommodate large vehicles, including dual rear wheel trucks. Vacuums, microfiber towels and cleaner are free.
The dog washing station is equipped with two types of shampoo, a conditioner, and two settings for blow dry. Free dog treats and aprons for kids and adults are available for use on the premises.
The Kinneys plan to be active in the community.
DENVER — A bicyclist rode into a car wash here and shot a man to death.
The shooting occurred just after 7:30 a.m. at a Sinclair gas station. The victim, 52, died at the scene. A female passenger suffered a non-life-threatening wound.
Uriel Rios-Avila, 32, was arrested the same day, despite changing his clothes and cutting his hair to disguise himself. He was hiding in a hole under train tracks.
The shooting was revenge for an alleged affair, according to a witness who knew both parties.
DENVER — Convenience store owner Thue Nhu Hoang is scared to death.
She has been burglarized four times, three in one year, and the losses are escalating. In the latest burglary, to get to the ATM the door was totally destroyed. She had to close the convenience store and usher employees through the back.
As the break-ins become more violent she says, "I don't feel safe at all." Alarms alerted police each time and surveillance cameras were in operation, but they can't seem to catch the criminals.
"I can't go through another break-in," she said.
COLORADO SPRINGS — When calling the cops and giving the homeless the boot hasn't stopped them from loitering some 7-Elevens have turned to fighting back with opera.
"They don't seem to like it," said one store manager.
Management had tried everything else, but when they had to call police 58 times to shoo away loiterers they turned to blasting opera outside.
"It does help," said a clerk, who has worked at the southside store for over a year.
"It's not just the standing around," said Christopher Eliaz, a 7-Eleven owner, who is considering using the technique. "They start asking people for drinks and food." He has even been attacked in the store. "A lot of customers get frustrated and they don't feel safe and take their business elsewhere," he said.
Originally published in the June 2023 issue of the O&A Marketing News.
© KAL Publications Inc. 2023