LAPLACE — Corner Store celebrated the grand opening of its first store in Louisiana in 23 years Thursday with giveaways and a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The store is located at 647 Belle Terre Blvd. in LaPlace.

“Last year, we decided to explore expansion opportunities in Louisiana along the I-10 and I-12 corridors all the way to Mississippi,” said Paul Clark, senior vice president of construction and real estate for CST Brands, Corner Store’s parent company. “We found three great sites that went under construction, with the store in La Place opening first. We look forward to developing additional sites in Louisiana in the near future.”

At a ribbon cutting, Pete Linton, regional vice president for CST Brands, presented East Saint John High School with a check for $2,500 to show the company’s commitment to the community.

“At Corner Store, we want to be team players in the communities we serve,” said Kim Lubel, President and CEO of CST Brands. “Our Team Members (employees) build strong relationships with customers, and we are excited to meet and get to know the wonderful people in the neighborhoods surrounding our newest Louisiana Corner Store.”

St. John the Baptist Parish President Natalie Robottom and members of the River Region Chamber of Commerce, as well representatives from East Saint John High School, attended the ceremony.

At 4,683 square feet, the store features a Redbox, E85 fuel, diesel and 16 fueling stations. Demetrice Joseph will serve as store manager.

This year, CST Brands plans to add 35 to 40 new-to-industry stores to its network of more than 1,000 Corner Stores throughout Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Arizona and California.

The new stores are larger with ample parking, colorful and spacious design, and a wider variety of food options. Most are equipped with kitchens to prepare breakfast tacos with homemade tortillas, empanadas, whoopie pies, cookies, donuts, savory kolaches and other items in the store’s signature food line, Fresh Choices.