From the creative mind behind the rejuvenation of the Gary Milk House comes a new tale of business expansion: Derek Medved has bought the last two Lakehead Oil convenience stores.
"He wanted out and I wanted in - that was my motivation to say let's make this work," said Medved, 22. "They are great locations, with great setup, great history and managed phenomenally."
The stores, at 4704 Hermantown Road in Hermantown and at 407 W. Lake St. in Chisholm, were the last of Lakehead's locations after more than a dozen were sold over the years. Medved, who bought the Milk House after the popular store - and pizzeria, deli and car wash - closed in 2014, said it was a natural buy as business continues chugging along in Gary-New Duluth.
"Surround yourself with good people, and good things will happen," he said. "Everything fell together in such a way that it was almost meant to be."
With Kwik Trip attempting to conquer the convenience store market in the Northland, Medved said he appreciates the challenges to come.
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"Kwik Trip brings that incentive to make it more competitive," he said. "Change is great and good, and I want to bring that change to the table to get that curb appeal up, giving customers what they need and expect."
Rather than make any fast, sweeping changes, he said there will be a deliberate process to improving the stores, which already pride themselves on sourcing local products.
