DARE TO DREAM. A Kwik Trip at Big Falls? (Terrible Photoshop by Eric Christenson)

This summer, a brand new Kwik Trip opened on Water Street in Eau Claire – and it’s unlike any other Kwik Trip you’ve seen before. There are no gas pumps; it’s a street-level convenience store complete with self-checkouts, all the classic Kwik Trip food, and walls of booze (’cause it is Water Street after all). But that got us thinking: Why doesn’t Kwik Trip break the mold more often? The Chippewa Valley seems like a perfect place to try out some less-than-conventional Kwik Trips. So we did a little brainstorming ...

1. FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT-INSPIRED KWIK TRIP AT BIG FALLS.

Just because it’s a gas station / convenience store doesn’t mean it can’t have a little architectural flare, right? Wisconsin native Frank Lloyd Wright’s signature styles could pair perfectly with the chain. And with the natural beauty and, ahem, falling water of Big Falls County Park, it might be the perfect spot to try it out.

2. KWIK TRIP/CULVER’S MASHUP.

It’s every Wisconsinite’s dream, right? Kwik Trip and Culver’s – two bastions of Wisco culture – all under one roof? Just think ... you could do a Butter Burger where the bun is made of Kwik Trip Glazers. Or pair some Karuba Gold with Culver’s cheese curds? My heart’s palpitating just thinking of the endless possibilities.

3. IRVINE PARK ZOO KWIK TRIP.

A cross-cultural combo pairing the great wildlife of the world with the great food, gas, and service of a Midwestern convenience chain. Maybe the hyenas will ask if you want to swipe your rewards card. Wouldn’t that be fun? Imagine stopping in for a late night beer run, and crossing paths with a black bear. How badly do you want that 40 oz. of Miller High Life? Enough to wrestle a bear for it? In the winter, with all the holiday lights and yuletide magic at Irvine Park, wouldn’t it be great if the vibe was totally ruined by a Kwik Trip?

4. SILVERMINE SKI JUMP KWIK TRIP.

Imagine a Kwik Trip suspended in the air, hoisted by four helicopters. It’s so exclusive – and so elusive – that the only way to enter the building is by performing a death-defying ski jump at the legendary Silvermine in Eau Claire. Have you ever eaten a Spicy Chicken Sandwich while in mid-air, feeling the chilling breeze on your cheeks? I bet it’s kinda cool!

5. KWIK TRIP FARMERS MARKET.

It’s important to shop local and to be conscious of where you source your food. We have so many awesome growers and local producers in the Valley and surrounding area. I think Kwik Trip could invite some of our farmers to set up stands in the store to sell fresh produce and local meat, instead of wherever the heck they’re getting it from now.