Country Depot takes over UPI gas bar in Kincardine

Those friendly, smiling faces you see pumping gas and washing windshields at the UPI gas bar in Kincardine are local and familiar, and definitely a welcome sight.

Country Depot, owned and operated by Jim Hamilton, took over the UPI franchise, effective June 27.

Hamilton says the previous franchisee had to leave the country in a hurry, so UPI approached him to see if he was interested.

"I worked with them years ago when we ran the old Co-op store here," says Hamilton. "I put in the gas bar, and Dale Martin ran it. I opened Country Depot 23 years ago, and Dale continued to run the gas bar."

UPI management has changed over the years, and Hamilton agreed to take on the franchise, returning it to a full-serve gas bar, complete with friendly service, windshields cleaned, etc.

"We've received lots of favourable comments about the change," says Hamilton, "and it helps that the price of gas went down to $1.17.9/L from $1.20.9/L."

Store manager Donna Bridge is operating the gas bar and says people are enjoying the friendly conversation, smiles, and full service gas pump.

Staff is being trained on operating the store and the gas bar, she says, and six employees have just been licensed to pump propane, offering that service as well.