Convenience store operator Yesway acquired the Allsup’s chain last fall and set to work creating a new concept store called Allsup’s Express, which held its grand opening Tuesday in Lubbock, near the Texas Tech University campus.

The new Lubbock location is the first Allsup’s Express in the nation.

Allsup’s Convenience Stores is a 304-store regional chain in New Mexico, West Texas, and Oklahoma. They are well-known for their burritos.

“When you get an Allsup’s, you know that you’re growing as a community. So, it’s exciting to have Allsup’s as part of the city of Lubbock now — very exciting,” said Lubbock City Councilmember Christy Martinez-Garcia.

The opening on August 16 at 1111 University Avenue was just in time for the beginning of the university’s fall semester.

Tom Brown, Yesway’s head of real estate, said the store’s merchandise is tailored to university students, offering items “from pet supplies to laundry detergent, things of that nature.” He said he thinks they are “fairly unique in that environment.”

“If it’s going to work anywhere, it’s going to work in Lubbock,” said Brown.

“Lubbock is a great, world-class city,” said Derek Gaskins, the chief marketing officer with Yesway. Furthermore, he added, the Northwest Texas city “is one of the fastest growing cities” not just in Texas, “but in all of the nation.”

Allsup’s reputable food is what most people who spoke with KLBK News said they were most excited to experience.

Store manager Gabrielle Boxten said when the store opens, she is “expecting to see a lot of people coming in and trying to get famous burritos because that’s all they’re talking about.”

Councilwoman Martinez-Garcia concurred.

“The burritos are the best,” she said. “I mean, literally, we’ve been driving all the way to Slaton just to get a burrito. Now we can get it right in our own backyard.”

Employees said the store will be open Sunday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to midnight and will have extended hours on the weekends.