The Schnepf Farms Circle K is nearing completion at the northwest corner of East Rittenhouse and East Riggs roads, at 23024 E. Riggs Road.
"We broke ground in January this year with plans to build a gas station and mini-mart for our visitors that looks like it's part of the farm with rustic, country vibes. We wanted it to compliment the land it sits on and its surroundings," said Mark Schnepf, who sold Circle K the land on his family's farm. "It's now being called the new flagship of Circle K because of its unique design made just for Schnepf Farms. One of our tractors is now permanently placed in front. We hope this serves as a convenient stop on your way into or out of our farm."
Schnepf noted that this Circle K will have a single lane of gas pumps, not two or more which are common at other convenience stores in the Valley.
As Queen Creek's first mayor and one of the town's three founding fathers, Schnepf coined the town's "agritainment" concept of an entertainment area with a nod to the town’s agricultural heritage, anchored by his popular family farm.
"We’ll have a sign that will read ‘Welcome to Schnepf Farms Agritainment District,’” he said, adding that the Circle K will anchor 16 acres at the tip of the planned agritainment district where the land will eventually be developed with the same authentic rural feel that has made Schnepf Farms so popular and successful.
“Our long-range plans are to put a hotel there that will look like it belongs on the farm. We expect to put a couple of upscale restaurants in there as well and then some retail and some more entertainment," added Schnepf. "This is what our farm is all about, agritainment.”
