The Irving gas station and convenience store in Sussex will be home to a new store that will include items from VIto's Restaurants. Image: Greg Hooper
A Charlotte County businessman is expanding in a different direction with well-known partners in the restaurant and gas station retail business.
Greg Hooper has teamed up with Vito’s Restaurants to buy the Irving gas station and Wayne’s Convenience in Sussex.
He said the deal it’s been in the works for a while but became official last week.
Hooper owns Uncle Mayn’s in St. George, among other businesses.
“We’re going to do a major renovation to the store. I think it’s roughly around 6,000 square feet. We’re going to have a little bit of everything, a ‘one-stop shop’ sort of thing,” Hooper said.
Hooper said the Georgoudis family liked the idea and came on board.
“With the Georgoudis family, I mean, there are legendary in the foodservice [industry]. There are going to be a great partner and having Irving on board, we’ve had a great relationship and partnership with them for a number of years. We’re excited about this,” Hooper said.
Hooper said the store should have about 30 full-time employees and it will include select items like pizza, garlic fingers and lasagna from the Vito’s menu and the ‘famous fish & chips’ Uncle Mayn’s is known for.
Hooper was attending a trade fair in Toronto on Monday looking for equipment to use in Sussex.
“We’re purchasing some equipment and stuff now. Some equipment is being hauled in from Minnesota, I think, later on next week,” Hooper said.
Construction will start in a few weeks with the goal to open in early July.
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