Operations | Best New Store Design Awards
2023
BEST NEW STORE DESIGN AWARDS Simon Xpress and Oak Grove Market showcase new designs that compete in the evolving c-store space. Emily Boes • Associate Editor
WINNER: S imon Xpress Simon Xpress, a family tribute, features a modern, clean look with a high ceiling and a glass front. Convenience stores are increasingly renovating and experimenting with store design. CStore Decisions is recognizing Simon Xpress with a “Best New Store Design Award” for its clean, upscale and modern design, complete with a dedicated foodservice area. Owned by Island Lane Capital and designed by Federal Heath, Simon Xpress operates one branded location in Warren, Mich., although President of Island Lane Capital Faiz Simon also operates 14 other sites that he built from the ground up under a different banner name. Simon Xpress is dedicated to Simon’s 54
CSTORE DECISIONS •
February 2023
father, Ramzi Simon, who was born in 1933 and passed away Sept. 5, 2012. Ramzi taught his son to always try, be patient and never give up. “So I decided to build a really nice-looking site to dedicate it to my father,” Faiz Simon said. “My father passed away 10 years ago, and he inspired me to be the best person around and … he really helped me (get to) where I’m at. I dedicated the building for him and the design.” Simon plans to build two more convenience store locations branded under the Simon Xpress name.
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