The exterior of Huck’s Market is the first eye-catching feature. Customers are welcomed by a brick façade with dark tones, an elegant sign built into the brick front, and complementary earth tones. Brown and gray earth tones continue to flow into the 4,800-square-foot store, where Huck’s Market makes a nod to the past with soft blue signs on corrugated metal to resemble an old-fashioned washboard, and a floor showcasing a woodgrain look that resembles stores from the not-so-distant past. Weathered faux wood accented with vinyl applications drape the cabinetry, while stylish category headers use laser-cut metal boasting a wrought iron and rustic wood look. “I would describe the aesthetics of the new Huck’s Market concept as ‘vintage modern.’ It’s friendly, inviting and comfortable; almost feels like an old pair of jeans,” Cohen expressed. Beyond the design, Huck’s Market aims to have what customers are craving, no matter the daypart: •F or the morning drive to work, the store offers breakfast sandwiches, breakfast pizzas, and bakery fare comprised of doughnuts, cookies and pastries. •L unch and dinner finds include Godfather’s Pizza and Huck’s Famous Fried Chicken. Other menu options are livers, gizzards, submarine sandwiches, salads, hot dogs and other roller grill items. • In-between-meal fillers and snacks include healthy options, such as fresh fruit, keto-friendly snacks, yogurt, and a wide offering of protein-packed items. More indulgent packaged goods can also be found. When it comes to amenities, the forecourt at Huck’s Market features 10 fueling positions that offer the retailer’s proprietary branded fuel and diesel at competitive prices. Additionally, taking a modernized approach to technology, the retailer is getting ready to launch the Huck’s Buck loyalty program, which will feature a frictionless checkout option for enhanced convenience. The Huck’s Market in Seymour is not a one-and-done deal. This summer, the retailer plans to introduce a second location that’s larger at 6,000 square feet — the first of this size for Huck’s — in Newburgh, Ind. Remodels of existing stores are on the drawing board, too.
The inaugural Huck’s Market store aims to be a restaurant that sells gas, rather than a gas station that sells food.
“Remodeling existing stores to mirror the new image will be an ongoing project. With 125 stores to update, it will be a long-term plan that will eventually touch the entire company,” Tokad told Convenience Store News, adding that two other Huck’s Market locations are currently at various stages of construction in Washington, Ind., and Hannibal, Mo. CSN
May
2020
Convenience Store News 6 5