Polk, Brookshire Brothers: Out with the old, in with the new at South Diboll location
By MARCELLA HERNDON Staff writer

NEW CONVENIENCE ON THE WAY - Brookshire Brothers executive, Jack Gabriel and Polk Oil CEO, Carl Ray Polk Jr., announced the construction of a new state of the art convenience store and gas station, at the south end of Diboll, replacing the 30-year-old Polk station. Demolition crews have already taken down the old store and have laid ground for the new one.

During the December 10 Diboll city council meeting, Brookshire Brothers executive Jack Gabriel announced the demolition of the old Polk convenience store and station, with the reconstruction of a new store.

Gabriel said the old store was in need of dire repair and upgrade. "The new store will have shopping and franchise eateries inside," said Gabriel.

According to Carl Ray Polk Jr., president and CEO of Polk Oil Co., the old Polk store at the south end of Diboll had been in business for more than 30 years.

Although the old store may be missed, the new, 8,000 square foot, state of the art convenience store will have plenty for Diboll residents to appreciate. The new store will brandish the name of Chevron instead of Polk, once construction is complete.

The store will also cater more to local trade and family travelers, according to Polk.

"The theme décor inside will simulate Diboll's timber history with photos of years gone by with Temple-Inland, which will also tie in the theme to Diboll's local environment. The theme will be relative to East Texas and the timber public. Travelers will have a good idea of how great the town of Diboll is," said Polk.

The new store will center its store products on travel contents. Of the several features in the store, Carl is most proud of the facility's restrooms. "This store will focus a great emphasis on cleanliness in the restrooms and all throughout the store. It will have a Subway Sandwich store, Hunt Brothers Pizza and HC's Fast Grill which will feature made-to-order food like chicken baskets and hamburgers. The store will also offer fresh fruit and fresh pre-made sandwiches for travelers on the go," said Carl.

The new store will create approximately 14 to 16 new jobs and once fully staffed, will ultimately employ up to 30 people. The store will be able to accommodate recreational vehicles but will not be able to handle big trucks. The new store will maintain all permits and licenses of the old store and will welcome weary travelers passing though Diboll.

Polk estimates the new store will be completed by Memorial Day.

Polk Oil, Brookshire Brothers and city officials will host a ribbon cutting ceremony once construction is complete and the store will open it's doors four to six weeks later.