Ribbon cutting marks new Casey's officially open for business

<span class="s1">Travis Warren, manager of the new 24-hour Casey</span><span class="s2">'</span><span class="s1">s General Store at </span>631 N. Main, said his new gas station and convenience store was busy before they even opened.

Customers were trying to come in the door before the May 21 opening, the manager said with a smile, "We unfortunately had to run people off because we weren't open yet."

Everyday since opening, the store has been busy. Complete with a pizza kitchen, coffee bar and lunch-to-go items, the manager said the store has been popular with customers so far.

"We've had nothing but positive response," Warren said.

At the store's ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, customers occupied the majority of the station's gas pumps and parking spots.

"I think it just shows the traffic count, and the validity of the new Route 13," said Mayor Dale Fowler, adding that other new and updated Harrisburg gas stations such as Mach 1 and Citgo are signs of the city's rebounding success.

"I'm the most confident I've ever been that we, the city of Harrisburg, are the hub of southeastern Illinois," the mayor said.

The addition of the new Casey's represents a $1.5 million investment in the city, Fowler said, and brings 28 jobs to the area.