New c-store features a contemporary design, including touchless restrooms and fresh made foods.

Big Red Stores is opening its first of three planned new convenience stores for 2016 in Ward, Ark. This is part of a continuing growth strategy focused on meeting customer needs.

The first store is set to open in early May at 906 North Street in Ward, Ark. The Big Red Store in Ward will be the fourth location using a contemporary design developed by the company to meet changing customer needs. It includes touchless bathrooms, fresh made items such as fruits, pizza and burgers, f’real milk shakes and many more new additions.

“Customers’ needs and expectations are changing. They want to shop when they want and how they want, and we are transforming our stores to meet those expectations,” said David Hendrix, president of Summerwood Partners LLC. “In addition to providing customer access to a variety of consumer needs, including made fresh foods, Big Red’s new rewards program‐where loyal customers will Never Pay Full Price for Gas Again, will provide even greater value.”

Big Red Stores are Arkansas owned and operated in Central Arkansas, with a total of 32 locations, including this newest location. The company office is located in Bryant, Ark.