Hays Post

Work is nearing an end on the newest development in Hays, with JT Travel Plaza expected to open in phases in the coming weeks.

“We’re starting the interior setup, finishing up the interior finish work,” said Curtis Weilert, general manager. “Just the final touch-up and we’re starting to set up the equipment.”

He said the Cenex convenience store, which will have highly visible gas prices posted on two separate signs, is expected to open the week of Nov. 7 at the 41st Street location.

Schlotzsky’s and Cinnabon will open later in the month, with a scheduled opening of Nov. 17.

“We’re planning a big event for Schlotzsky’s on Nov. 17 — lots of cool specials … lots of free stuff,” Weilert said. “Most of the head Schlotzsky’s people are going to be here.”

Store manager Nick Finnegan said one of those specials will include a yearlong prize for 100 customers. The first 100 customers buying a six-pack of classic Cinnabon rolls will receive a certificate for one free Schlotzsky’s each week for a year.

The three-store development is expected to employ about 40 full- and part-time workers, and hiring is ongoing.

Applications are available at http://www.jttravelplaza.com and can be emailed, mailed or dropped off at the site, 1130 E. 41st Street .

The development is the first of several proposed at the Home Depot plaza, with the Hays City Commission recently being asked to create a Commercial Improvement District to help fund infrastructure. While JT Travel Plaza will be part of that CID, none of those fund will go to the travel plaza.

“We built this project — and we’re very proud of this — completely 100 percent on our own without any additional funding from the CID or anything else,” Weilert said, noting that future development of the Home Depot area will be a positive. “There are a lot of good things going on around here.”