ALABASTER -The Murphy USA gas station on Colonial Promenade Parkway celebrated its grand reopening at a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, May 17. According to District Manager Ishtiaq Farooqui, the store officially reopened to the public on Tuesday, May 16.

Farooqui said the original Murphy USA building was torn down in February in order for the company to rebuild a new and improved store in its place. The completion date was set for early June, but Farooqui said the store was able to open earlier.

“We are actually 15 days ahead of schedule,” Farooqui said.

The lot that the building stands on was increased from 200-square-feet to 1,200-square-feet. While the old gas station had an outdoor kiosk where customers could buy snacks and drinks, Farooqui the recently built walk-in store will give customers more food and beverage options.

“It’s a bigger, nicer place. We now offer coffee and fountain drinks. Our alcohol license is expected on June 15^th,” Farooqui said.

Farooqui said there are now more gas pumps available, and Murphy USA will start selling higher quality gas at a low price.

“This is a more convenient place for customers to come and buy gas. We have a better, ethanol free gas. For your money, you will get a better quality gas,” Farooqui said.

By rebuilding the Alabaster Murphy USA, Farooqui said more jobs will be available to the community and he looks forward to seeing the story contribute to the city’s economy.

“We have about 13 people working here now, and we have more job openings,” Farooqui said. “We want to invite the community to come and enjoy what we have to offer.”