Gas Station Chain Pumps Up Design

RaceTrac (Atlanta), which operates more than 500 gas-convenience stores across the southeast, is introducing a “neighborhood marketplace” concept in south Florida.

The new store model will debut in Lauderdale Lakes early next year, followed by Lake Worth, Lantana, Opa-locka and Miami Gardens, according to the Sun Sentinal.

The stores will put an emphasis on design, customer experience and higher-quality food and beverages, including Swirl World, a pay-by-the-ounce frozen yogurt station with 10 flavors and 40 toppings. An expanded coffee bar will offer six freshly brewed blends, and the “beer cave” walk-in cooler will feature dozens of brands.

Visitors can grab a quick breakfast or lunch from the selection of freshly baked items that will be trucked in daily or sit in the new dining area and enjoy free Wi-Fi.

At 6000 square feet, the new models are about a third bigger than the tri-county area's 16 current RaceTrac stores, the Sun Sentinal reported.