As a home renovation specialist based in Texas, I‘ve witnessed firsthand the massive growth of QuikTrip (QT) across the state over the past 20 years. QT‘s 250+ convenience store and gas station locations in Texas have become a ubiquitous presence from El Paso to Houston. In this in-depth guide, I‘ll analyze QT‘s Texas expansion and how it relates to home upgrades, remodels, and the improvement industry.
QuikTrip‘s Texas Takeover By the Numbers
QuikTrip has grown exponentially in Texas, but just how rapidly are they expanding? Here are some key stats:
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1991 – QT opens their first location in Texas in Dallas
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250+ – Current number of QT stores in Texas as of 2023
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20-30 – QT‘s target number of new Texas store openings per year
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800+ – Total number of QT stores nationwide
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12,000 – Size in square feet of the massive "Taj Mahal" QT location in Katy, TX
This data shows QT is in growth mode in Texas. All those new stores means lots of construction and renovations!
How QuikTrip Renovates Existing Texas Stores
QuikTrip has a thorough process for keeping their Texas stores updated and sparkling:
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Store refresh – QT locations are fully updated every 5-7 years including floors, equipment, lighting, exterior
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Partial remodels – Certain sections like kitchens or bathrooms are redone as needed
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New offerings – QT renovates to add fresh food, beverages, or amenities to stores
QT partners with local general contractors and relies on trusted suppliers like Commercial Flooring Systems, Acorn Sign Graphics, and MSC Construction Services for remodels. Stores are customized to neighborhood preferences. For example, a Dallas QT may get a modern polished concrete floor while one in a coastal town like Galveston would use stained concrete made to resemble a beach boardwalk.
QuikTrip‘s Impact on Texas Home Improvement
How else is QuikTrip driving the home renovation industry in Texas? Here are some examples:
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Increasing property values – Homes near QT see a rise in value. Upgrades appeal to potential buyers.
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Boosting remodeling jobs – 67% of homeowners take on projects within 18 months of moving in. QT prompts more renovations.
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Lighting upgrades – Better exterior lighting added due to increased traffic near QT.
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Fencing/privacy – New fences and walls installed for privacy from busy gas station.
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Garage expansions – Extra parking added with QT bringing more traffic.
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Landscaping – Yards renovated to increase curb appeal near new QT.
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ADA compliance – ADA requirements for public businesses prompt similar home upgrades.
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Solar installations – QT‘s use of solar power inspires homeowners to add it.
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EV charging – Electrical upgrades done for home EV chargers after seeing QT‘s.
QuikTrip Teaches Texas Homeowners Convenience Store Design Tricks
QT uses clever design strategies in their stores that Texas homeowners can mimic, including:
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Open floorplan – Creates airy, uncluttered feel. Smart for living spaces.
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Lots of light – QT stores are bright with ample windows, skylights. Lighting can make home feel larger.
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Glass doors – Doors around cooler section provide open visibility. Works well for rooms like kitchens.
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Outdoor space – Patios at QT make small footprints feel bigger. Porches/decks do the same for homes.
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Warm finishes – QT uses wood-look floors and textures for warmth. Important for homes too.
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Flexible fixtures – Movable shelves and displays adapt with QT needs. Help make home rooms multi-purpose.
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Concrete flooring – Polished concrete everywhere is easy-clean. A great home flooring choice.
Transforming a Texas Home Into a QuikTrip
What would it take to convert a standard suburban Texas home into a functioning QuikTrip store? Here are some key steps in that hypothetical remodeling project:
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Knock down walls and add skylights to open up floorplan
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Replace flooring with polished concrete that can handle heavy wear
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Add commercial-grade vinyl flooring in kitchen area
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Install floor-to-ceiling shelving and coolers along walls
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Build checkout counters and design cash wrap area
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Add handicap-accessible bathroom that meets ADA regulations
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Upgrade electrical system to support ovens, coolers, gas station demands
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Install commercial kitchen equipment like pizza ovens, roller grills
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Swap residential front door for automatic sliding entrance doors
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Create parking lot with drainage and landscaping
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Add gas station pumps/tanks, potentially car wash bays
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Install exterior signage, lighting, canopies
Obviously converting a home into a fully-functioning convenience store is an extreme example. But QT‘s savvy design choices can certainly inspire renovations that make Texas homes more functional and livable.
The Impact of QuikTrip on One Texas Resident – A Firsthand Account
To provide some direct perspective, I spoke with my neighbor Jane, who has lived for 15 years in her home near the intersection of Highway 290 and TX-71 here in Austin. Last year, a new QuikTrip opened up right across the street from Jane‘s house.
She explained that while initially hesitant about the busy gas station coming in, Jane has been pleasantly surprised. Property values in the neighborhood have increased nearly 5% just since the QT opened. Jane also noticed more pedestrians and bicyclists passing by throughout the day. Inspired by QT‘s use of warm finishes, Jane renovated her home‘s interior with rustic wood details. And thanks to the QT‘s presence, she always has access to hot pizza and chocolate milk just a 3 minute walk away!
Key Takeaways on QuikTrip and Home Improvement in Texas
In reviewing QuikTrip‘s massive expansion across the Lone Star State, key points for Texas homeowners include:
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QT renovates stores with general contractors and suppliers you can use for your home projects
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An incoming QT will likely increase nearby property values, prompting remodeling
-QT inspires upgrades like lighting, fencing, garages, landscaping, and ADA compliance
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QT‘s savvy store designs provide remodeling ideas like open concepts and concrete flooring
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One Texas resident saw 5% value increase and new renovation inspiration after QT opened across the street
So while I can‘t fully convert your home into a QT, their convenience store insights can certainly help maximize the value, function, and enjoyment you get from an upcoming home improvement project. Feel free to reach out if you need any professional renovation help after stopping by your local Texas QuikTrip!
