$20 Million Investment Marks Major Economic Development Milestone for South Kankakee

KANKAKEE, Ill. (June 15,2026) – The City of Kankakee, Mayor Christopher W. Curtis, and the Economic Development Agency of Kankakee invite community members, business leaders, and local officials to attend the official groundbreaking ceremony for QuikTrip's newest location in Kankakee.

The ceremony will take place on Friday, June 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at 1340 May Road, located at the northeast corner of RiverStone Parkway and U.S. Routes 45/52.

The project represents a $20 million private investment in the City of Kankakee and culminates nearly five years of planning, collaboration, engineering, and development efforts between QuikTrip, the City of Kankakee, the Economic Development Agency, and various state and local partners.

The new QuikTrip facility will include a 5,400-square-foot convenience store, a future QT Kitchen, eight gasoline fuel pumps, four diesel fuel pumps, and is expected to create approximately 20 to 25 full- and part-time jobs. Construction is anticipated to take approximately 40 weeks.

"This groundbreaking represents much more than the start of construction," said Mayor Christopher W. Curtis. "It reflects the strength of public-private partnerships and a shared commitment to Kankakee's future. QuikTrip's investment is a strong vote of confidence in our community and another significant step forward in the continued growth and revitalization of the City's south corridor."

The project faced several challenges over the years, including infrastructure and access modifications that required extensive coordination and redesign. Despite those obstacles, city leaders and QuikTrip remained committed to finding solutions and moving the project forward.

"Bringing a nationally recognized company like QuikTrip to Kankakee demonstrates the strength of our market and the value of long-term economic development planning," said Barbara Brewer-Watson, Executive Director of the Economic Development Agency of Kankakee. "This investment will create jobs, generate new economic activity, and serve as a catalyst for continued development along the RiverStone Parkway corridor. We are proud of the partnerships that helped make this project a reality."

QuikTrip Corporation, headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, operates more than 1,200 stores across 22 states and is recognized nationally for its customer service, clean facilities, and commitment to the communities it serves.

The City of Kankakee encourages residents and members of the business community to join in celebrating this significant milestone and the beginning of a new chapter for economic growth and investment in Kankakee.

Groundbreaking Ceremony Event Info

Date: Friday, June 26, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location: 1340 May Road, Kankakee, Illinois
RiverStone Parkway & U.S. Routes 45/52

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About the Economic and Community Development Agency (ECDA):

The Kankakee Economic and Community Development (ECDA) is a local government agency whose mission is to improve the lives of Kankakee residents and enhance the economic vitality of communities through housing, economic development and community development. The ECDA administers programs that serve the neighborhoods and residents of the City of Kankakee provided by federal, state and local funding. For more information, contact ECDA at 815-933-0506, Monday – Friday between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit our website at https://ecda.citykankakee-il.gov/.

 

About the City of Kankakee, Illinois:

The City of Kankakee is dedicated to protecting, building and nurturing the community while enhancing lives. We are a historic, vibrant and active riverfront community. We continue to transform into an extraordinary place to dream, grow and thrive. Embracing our diversity, we strive to be progressive, inclusive and innovative. For more information on the City of Kankakee, please visit the website at www.citykankakee-il.gov.

 

About the QuikTrip Corporation:

QuikTrip Corporation is a privately held company headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Founded in 1958, QuikTrip has grown to a more than $11 billion company with more than 1,200 stores in 22 states. QuikTrip gives back to the communities it serves, donating five percent of net profits to charitable organizations in those communities. With more than 31,000 employees, QuikTrip has consistently been ranked as one of the top convenience store marketers in product quality and friendly service. For more information on the QuikTrip corporation, please visit the website at www.quiktrip.com

 

Download the Press Release - CITY OF KANKAKEE TO CELEBRATE QUIKTRIP GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY