Here We Grow Again!

American Depot Holds Grand Opening

By Will Johnson
Messenger Reporter

GRAPELAND – While the convenience store/gas station has been open since August, the American Depot held its grand opening on Friday, Sept. 22.

Hosted by the Grapeland Area Chamber of Commerce, the ribbon cutting ceremony was held at the store’s location at the corner of U.S. Highway 287 and FM 228.

After the formal ceremonies concluded, owners Asim Raees and Carolyn Lucas spoke about the re-opening of the store.

“It’s the first one in a franchise,” Lucas said. “It’s a good location.”

“It has great potential, the way I see it,” added Raees.

“It had been neglected by the past owners and I think we can actually take it to the next Level. That is the way I see our place,” he said.

Raess was also asked if he had plans to open the kitchen as the store begins to take hold in the community.

“Oh, definitely. That is definitely on our agenda. We have the mart and the gas up and running. So, next month we will begin fixing up the deli and have that open as well,” Raess said.

As far as the tire shop that sits adjacent to the store Raess said that would be a future project. “That is still Mr. Harold’s (Shepherd) and we will deal with that later,” he said.

The staff at The Messenger would like to extend our best wishes to American Deport and wish them success on the newest business venture in Grapeland.

Will Johnson may be contacted via e-mail at [email protected].