Three new RaceTrac convenience stores in the works

Although the new RaceTrac planned for 5015 Florida Blvd., between North Foster Drive and Melrose Boulevard, is the company’s first planned “RT6K” convenience store model for Baton Rouge, it won’t be the last. RaceTrac will begin construction in the next few weeks on another new model convenience store—a 6,000-square-foot prototype it began introducing in 2012—at 10480 Burbank Drive, on the corner of Bluebonnet Boulevard, says RaceTrac Communications Manager Ashleigh Collins. The Atlanta-based company is also under contract to purchase property at the corner of Bluebonnet Boulevard and Jefferson Highway for a third RT6K prototype store. The construction timeline for the Jefferson Highway location won’t be clear until the land purchase is finalized, Collins says. While RaceTrac has already purchased the land for the Florida Boulevard location, it won’t begin construction until early 2015, she says, after Digital Press & Graphics—previous owner and current occupant of the space—relocates. Altogether, the three new RaceTrac locations will bring about 60 new jobs to Baton Rouge, Collins says. As Daily Report previously detailed, all new store models will feature RaceTrac’s own frozen yogurt bar, called Swirl World, as well as an expansive coffee bar and a variety of fresh food options. Other new amenities include indoor and outdoor seating and free WiFi. —Rachel Alexander