UPDATED: Kwik Trip In, Highland Bank Out as Albertville Business District Revamps

After a year of construction, traffic changes and re-routes along Interstate 94 and the County Road 37 exit, three Albertville businesses closest to the exit are struggling and in turn, making some changes.

Sunoco gas station closed seemingly overnight this week. The store was locked up tight Monday night, with signs turned off and bags over pump handles.

Shelves inside the convenience store were bare.

With the closing came rumors that the convenience store giant Kwik Trip purchased the station, but the St. Michael Kwik Trip would neither confirm or deny the story.

However, Albertville City Engineer Adam Nafstad told St. Michael Patch that "Sunoco closed late last week and has entered in a purchase agreement with Kwik Trip. It is my understanding that the acquisition is in the due diligence period, and Kwip Trip is reviewing options for the property."

Superior Brake and Auto Repair would remain in the building as of now, a sign on the property indicates. 

"We do have a signed purchase agreement and are doing our due diligence. We would like a second store in the area," Hans Zietlow from the Kwik Trip real estate department said noting that they need to do a survey and environmental testing and hope to have plans in place this spring.

Perfect Pasta, the pasta-to-go restaurant in Albertville closed nearly a month ago after a very short run in Albertville. "They never technically opened," interim City Administrator Bob Thistle said Tuesday noting that the restaurant had not received an occupancy permit from the city.

The property is owned by Paul Schulte, who confirmed that the restaurant is indeed closed with no plans on re-opening.

"I have some potential renters lined up that I will be meeting with soon," he said.

Just across the street, Albertville's Highland Bank has informed the city it, too, will also be closing at the end of the year.

"I believe they are consolidating with their St. Michael location," Thistle said. Patch contacted the bank for an official statement, but at the posting of this story had not heard back.