FENTON, Mo. — Wally's first St. Louis-area location is now open. The travel center held a grand opening Friday morning at its new Fenton location.
The 36,000-square-foot facility boasts 72 gas pumps and five electric vehicle charging stations, according to our partners at the St. Louis Business Journal.
Inside Wally's, travelers will find a variety of food options to choose from like BBQ, sandwiches, popcorn, jerky and ice cream.
"I’m from Chicago so we pass the Pontiac Wally's all the time," said Grace Evans. "I stop for lunch and get a brisket sandwich so now that this one's open. We made a trip for Hunter's birthday to come and see it so we're having a blast."
There's even a Winnebago inside the building showing off some camping and travel gear. The travel center also has some home items and clothing for sale.
The new travel center opened at Fenton Logistics Park, which was once the site of the old Chrysler assembly plant that shut down in 2009.
"It's just amazing to be a part of what's going on at what is the old Chrysler plant and be a part of the revitalization," said Wally's CEO Michael Rubenstein during the grand opening Friday. "We lived in Sullivan growing up, we drove here all the time, so it's really amazing to see how the park is being revitalized with Grey Eagle, 1st Phorm and Amazon, the new Fenton Fire Department. We're just really excited to be a part of it."
The new store is a paradise for roadrunners and food-enthusiast like Donna Davis.
"This is beautiful. I'm just coming off a trip from Wyoming, so I stop at places like this all the time,” Davis said.
Wally's will be open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
"This is really for the daily commuters, the family travelers, the workers, construction, etc.," said Rubenstein.
Owners told 5 On Your Side they realized it was a tough time right now financially for themselves and future customers.
Those challenges included gas prices, supply shortages on fuel and other items, and customers may be short on cash.
"We try to have value items and make sure that people understand we're paying really good wages. We take care of our people because if people are going to spend their money with us, we need to ensure their trust," Rubenstein said.
"Working with a great team and having fun, anything is possible," said co-founder Chad Wallis.
There are about 100 staff members employed and there are hiring signs still up.
Wally's first location opened in 2020 in Pontiac, Illinois.
Check out some photos from inside the store in the gallery below.
Photos: Take a look at the new Wally's in Fenton
You can watch Wally's grand opening here: