Kalona
Kalona got an early holiday gift on Black Friday morning as the long-anticipated Kwik Star officially opened its doors. Excitement filled the air as a line of eager customers stretched outside before sunrise, all waiting to step into the new store for the very first time.
Kalona Mayor Mark Robe had the honor of being the first customer through the doors. He celebrated the moment with a box of Glazers — one of Kwik Star’s most beloved staples. Robe said some residents began lining up as early as 3 a.m., braving the frigid temperatures just to be part of opening day. He said the smiles and excitement from those in line made the morning unforgettable.
The new Kwik Star brings a wide range of offerings to Kalona, including fuel, hot food, fresh coffee, Glazers, and an assortment of groceries such as milk, bread, and eggs. Shoppers can also take advantage of the Kwik Rewards app, which lets customers earn visits with each purchase and redeem them for perks — including discounts like three cents off per gallon after 15 visits.
Because of the icy conditions and the near-freezing wind chills on Friday morning, staff took an extra step to make the experience a little warmer. Team members walked the line handing out hot chocolate to the customers who were bundled up and patiently waiting for the doors to open. Robe said the gesture was small, but it perfectly reflected what he believes the brand does well — creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Robe also mentioned one thing that stood out to him throughout the planning and construction process: the commitment Kwik Star has made to being a strong community partner. “The relationship Kwik Star had with the community and how well they treat their employees,” he said.
“It seems to me that it is important to them to take care of their people and be a good neighbor.” That emphasis on people, he added, is what made the opening feel meaningful, not just exciting.
The store’s layout is similar to other recent Kwik Star builds, featuring a large, open interior with clear sightlines and expanded food service areas. Customers can pick up everything from made-to-order pizza to fried chicken, sandwiches, donuts, and other freshly prepared options. For many, this means a nearby stop for breakfast or lunch — something residents have long asked for.
Shoppers can also take advantage of the Kwik Rewards app, which allows customers to earn visits with each purchase and redeem them for perks. One of the most popular rewards is a fuel discount: three cents off per gallon after 15 visits. Leibl said reward programs like this help encourage return visits and provide consistent value for regular customers. With Kalona residents already showing such strong interest, he expects the rewards system to be especially popular in the first few weeks.
The city of Kalona approved the convenience store back in December of 2023.
Construction officially began in June, and despite the tight timeline and a summer of unpredictable weather, the project was completed in roughly five to six months. City officials said the project stayed on schedule, thanks in part to Kwik Star’s experience in building similar stores across the region.
During the opening on Friday morning, many customers were excited to have Kwik Star in town.
Before the opening, Kwik Star Public Relations Specialist Ben Leibl expected a few hundred people to show up throughout the morning. However, it quickly became clear that the turnout would exceed even those optimistic expectations. Within the first hour, the store had already met — and possibly surpassed — the attendance Leibl originally anticipated for the entire morning.
He noted that he wouldn’t have been surprised to see people lining up early; openings like this often draw large crowds. But the sheer volume of customers in Kalona spoke to the excitement built up over the last year.
Despite the heavy traffic in and out of the building, Kwik Star managed to keep customers moving. Most convenience stores typically operate with just two registers open at a time, but Kwik Star took a different approach on opening day. They staffed four registers simultaneously, allowing customers to check out quickly. Leibl said this isn’t unusual for them — speed is one of their priorities.
While speaking with The News, Leibl explained the difference this makes. “We’ll have four registers open throughout the day, so customers can get in and out quickly,” he said. “In this industry, people value speed, and we want transactions to be smooth and efficient.” That pace was clear on opening morning, as lines continuously flowed but rarely stalled.
Leibl also shared details about the store’s staffing. The Kalona location employs around 40 to 50 workers, with roughly 60 percent part-time and 40 percent full-time. That number, he said, ensures the store can remain fully staffed throughout the day, especially since Kwik Star operates 24 hours and sees heavy morning and lunchtime traffic.
He also explained how new employees completed their training in preparation for the grand opening.
“We began the hiring process a few months ago so employees could complete their training. We send new workers to other nearby Kwik Star locations, where they learn everything from running the registers to kitchen procedures, food preparation, cleaning restrooms, and unloading deliveries. There’s a lot that goes into it, and the full hiring and training process takes several months.”
With the official opening now behind them, residents can expect the store to settle into regular operations quickly. But if Friday’s crowd was any indication, Kwik Star’s arrival in Kalona is already a major success — and a welcome addition to the community heading into the holiday season.
If you haven’t visited the new Kwik Star yet, you can stop by their Kalona location at 301 1st Street, on the southwest corner of Highway 1 and Highway 22. The store is open 24 hours a day.
877-292-2126
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