Fabulous Freddy's set to open in Sandy in '08

Sandy residents soon can prepare for some "fabulous" service with the opening of a new fuel center.

Fabulous Freddy's, a full-service fuel station, is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2008. Ground will be broken sometime in the summer. The station is intended to be a consumer's one-stop shop with a lube shop, carwash, convenience store and coffee franchise. A full auto-body shop is also under consideration.

"What we do is pump people's gas for them at no extra charge," said Freddy Smith, owner of the Fabulous Freddy's stores, adding that they will check someone's oil upon request.

Dennis Nuckles, sales and marketing manager for ArrowStar Construction, which is building the store, says full service will appeal to many people but especially women.

"We've got a lot of women who will actually appreciate having someone come so they don't have to get out in the middle of winter and pump their own gas," he said. "We're very big on customer service and friendliness."

The store will be located in the Quarry Bend development in Sandy at approximately 9000 S. 1000 East. Smith chose the location because he felt the station would fit in well with other businesses. Smith's mother, real estate broker Liz Smith, helped get the property.

"It's an area in Sandy where a lot of people go to get their cars taken care of," he said.

The new facility will provide about 80-90 jobs. Fabulous Freddy's is affiliated with both the Make-a-Wish Foundation and Little League and will provide funds to both.

Construction costs haven't been finalized and change all the time, but Smith anticipates it could cost between $2 million to $4 million to build the station. This will also be the ninth location of Fabulous Freddy's. Six stores are in Las Vegas and two in St. George. Smith is considering the possibility of building more along the Wasatch Front but will wait to see how the store is received before deciding.

The concept for the stores came from Smith's enjoyment of working with cars.

"I love car washing. I love being in the service industry," he said. "I love cars and try to provide a one-stop shop."

For more information about Fabulous Freddy's, the services it offers and pricing, visit www.fabfred.com.

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E-mail: twalquist@desnews.com