Freeman-Journal by Robert E. Oliver: This site of the former Doc's Stop is being redeveloped using $1.2 million in TIF funds.

A Storm Lake-based convenience store chain, Royal Brew, LLC, asked the City Council of Webster City last night for $1,200,000 to aid its purchase and remodeling of the former Doc’s Stop convenience store at 407 Closz Drive in Webster City.

The council agreed the project was a good use of tax increment financing–TIF funds, and agreed in consensus that staff should work with Royal Brew to develop an agreement to be brought back to the council at a later date.

Details in the council meeting packet suggest $60,000 to $110,000 per year in TIF funds will be earmarked for 11 to 20 years to fund the project. City Manager John Harrenstein recommended an initial 10-year term for the TIF agreement, with extensions beyond that as required.

Royal Brew, often known simply as “Brew,” the brand name used on their stores, operates 35 convenience stores in Iowa. The firm plans a complete remodeling of the former Doc’s Stop 9,500-square-foot building, and surrounding 5.69 acres. It listed an acquisition price of $950,000, and forecasted expenditures of $1,000,000 for “site development,” and $3,632,000 in “building costs.” In addition to a new fueling plaza for automobiles and over-the-road trucks, it hopes to bring franchised Subway and Dunkin’ Donuts to the remodeled building. The company says the store will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

According to the company’s website, www.gobrewgo.com, “many Brew locations feature full coffee shops, offering a wide variety of freshly brewed coffee, handcrafted specialty drinks and so much more.” The company also sells wine, liquor and cigars at some stores. It has not been confirmed whether any of those products will be sold at the Webster City store.

City Development Director Ariel Bertran, told The Daily Freeman Journal that Brew bought the former Doc’s Stop in December 2024. She added, “the redevelopment of 407 Closz Dr. has been a top priority and we’re thrilled to see a developer step forward to give this pivotal property the facelift it deserves. As a primary gateway into our community, this investment will significantly enhance the vibrancy of our city’s entrance and serve as a powerful draw for travelers moving along the Highway 17 and Highway 20 corridors.”

At present, work crews are replacing the old underground fuel tanks with two new ones, each holding 20,000 gallons. Fuel Tank #1 will hold 12,000 gallons of diesel, and 8000 gallons of E10 gasoline. Tank #2 will hold 10,000 gallons of E15 gasoline, 6000 gallons of premium gasoline, and 4,000 gallons of diesel exhaust fluid, often shortened to DEF.

Convenience stores were big news in Iowa in 2025. Mega Saver, of Omaha, bought 29 Yes Way stores in Iowa, and is in the process of rebranding them. Salt Lake City, Utah based Maverick Convenience Stores bought 96 Kum and Go stations in Iowa, which are transitioning to its Maverick brand. Kwik Trip, Inc. out of La Crosse, WI., has 125 stores in Iowa, including two in Webster City. It’s Iowa stores operate under the brand name Quick Star.

The biggest operator of convenience stores in Iowa remains Casey’s based out of Ankeny, with 550 locations, including two in Webster City. Like Mega Saver, Maverick and Kwik Star, Casey’s is considered a regional brand, with the majority of its stores in the Midwest. The company is now aggressively expanding in Texas, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee and Michigan.