Brand names, prime location to serve as foundation for business under construction at Connell Street exit

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Since the opening of the new fourlane Trans Canada Highway last November, travellers are seeing more and more businesses rising into the skyline at various highway exits in the Upper St. John River Valley.

PHOTO BY SHAWN MERRITHEW

The Woodstock Travel Plaza will call this vacant lot next to the Trans Canada Highway, just off the Connell Street exit in Woodstock, home. The plaza, which will feature a Quiznos Sub, a Country Style coffee shop, a Petro-Canada gas station and a Kojax Convenience store, is currently under construction with plans for a June 1 opening.

A local businessman is among those seeking to capitalize on both the improved infrastructure and the ongoing growth of the Woodstock-area economy.

Last week, businessman Kevin Bubar and his wife Victoria announced the construction of the Woodstock Travel Plaza, just off the Connell Street exit of the Trans Canada Highway.

Bubar’s venture will see four new businesses open under one roof – Petro- Canada gas bar, Kojax Convenience, a Quiznos Sub franchise and Country Style, a Canadian coffee-shop franchise.

Bubar pointed out the Country Style will feature a drive-thru, with seating inside, and Quiznos Sub will also feature seating inside.

“They are each separate but they are all under one roof,” explained Bubar.

“You can go through one set of doors and can go through the whole place, but it is not like it is a food court. They are each individual but are all linked together.”

Bubar, who purchased the land adjacent to the Ambulance New Brunswick, said he saw potential in the property as prime location for new business.

Since the completion of the fourlane Trans Canada Highway, he said, Exit 185 at Connell Street has quickly become a main artery for traffic in and out of Woodstock.

With this increase in traffic, he decided now was the time to develop the land.

“I felt there was an opportunity along the new four-lane highway and a busy Exit 185,” said Bubar.

He said his business will offer residents more consumer choices and entice travellers off the highway, which, in turn, will generate more business for the local economy.

With Murray’s Esso at Beardsley Road exit and the rumoured truck stop to be built off the highway at the Waterville exit, Bubar said, competition is a concern, like it is for any business.

He said his venture will enjoy the benefits of a prime location and brand names.

“Due to our location being on the main exit coming and going to Woodstock – with the national chains we have – and the combination of all of them put together, we feel very confident in the business,” he pointed out.

Bubar expressed confidence his business will thrive in the Woodstockarea market place.

He said construction is underway with plans to be operational by June 1.