After almost 22 years in business, a landmark gas station and eatery is going under new management. Owner Leann Hendrix announced Rick’s 66 has been acquired by Casey’s.
The decision to sell was a bittersweet one. She and her husband Wendle Hendrix felt ready to move forward in other business endeavors, but were sad to leave the network of employees and longtime customers.
“We’ll miss everyone. I’ve had a lot of people who have worked with us over the years... This has been good for us, good for our family, and I want to thank you all for being part of it with us,” she told well-wishers Monday at a farewell party for the business.
“The people on the South End have been the best thing,” she said.
Rick’s 66 was built by Leann Hendrix’s father Rick Cheshire, who said his daughter had “been there since day one.” He owned Rick’s 66 for three to four years before selling it to her.
“Those two kids earned everything they got. They did a real good job. I’m very proud,” he said.
Leann Hendrix noted Rick’s 66 predates even Subway and Taco Bell in the South End neighborhood. She expects the location will continue serving Poplar Bluff for years to come. “I think the business will be in good hands with the new owners,” she said.
“We’re very excited,” said Casey’s District Manager Dillon Goodell, who is taking over operations.
Currently, the company’s plans only extend to remodeling the building to convert it into a Casey’s. This will result in a brief closure.
Moving forward, the Hendrixes plan to continue investing in rental properties, real estate and other local business endeavors to improve the South End neighborhood, where Leann Hendrix grew up.
“We would still like to continue developing the South End of Poplar Bluff,” she said.
Longtime friend and regular Terry Tomlinson said Rick’s 66 has provided more than food and fuel to the South End.
“It’s a place you can just hang out, aside from getting something to eat and getting your tank filled up,” he said.