Robert Button, owner of the Big Lake Superstore, which includes a Tesoro service station, said he was amazed to learn there are some 8,900 vehicles a day moving up and down Knik Goose Bay Road. That road connects with another road leading to Point Mackenzie, a port site and the area where a large new prison is to get under construction this spring.

Spinell Homes is the contractor for the 3,860-square-foot retail facility, which is already under construction. Contractor Chuck Spinelli has also been building new single family homes not far from the site of the new convenience store at Mile 8 of Knik Goose Bay Road.

"The area is growing pretty rapidly, so it might be a good spot," said Button. The store will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and employ about 10 people.

The new store will also have a variety of staples, including milk and bread, plus hot foods, flavored cappuccino, fresh pizza and other hot foods to go. Propane, water and dump facilities will be available for recreational vehicles.

At least two other entrepreneurs in recent years have mentioned an interest in developing a new combination service station and convenience store on Knik Goose Bay Road, but neither plan led to development.

The only existing service station and convenience store on this stretch of road has been a Tesoro service station and convenience store at Mile 4.