Doors shut at Lewiston APlus/Sunoco; Tops Xpress expands hours

By Joshua Maloni

GM/Managing Editor

Earlier this week, the Village of Lewiston was notified Reid Petroleum Corp. was not renewing its lease with Sunoco/APlus for the gas station and convenience store at 890 Center St.

A note on the building’s front doors said the business would close as of Wednesday night. Plastic tape is now around the pumps and in front of the entrance.

NFP reached out to Reid Petroleum and the corporate offices of Sunoco/APlus for comment, and is awaiting response.

In the meantime, Tops Xpress has stepped in to fill the early, early morning shopping and coffee needs of those who patronized the APlus. Owner Anthony DiMino said his convenience mart is now open from 5 a.m. to midnight seven days a week at the corner of Cayuga and South Eighth streets.

A pair of store coolers recently added cheese and an expanded line of dairy products. Tops Xpress also sells rock salt and ice for drinks – two popular items at the APlus.

DiMino said he expects the Sunoco shuttering to be temporary. He was told another franchisee is lined up for this location.

No paperwork has been submitted to the Village of Lewiston. Signage for a new business would have to be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission and approved by the Planning Commission.

DiMino said he was happy with his gas station and mini-mart, and has no interest in the Center Street property.

Of course, coffee is readily available at the Orange Cat Coffee Co., the Village Bake Shoppe, Syros and throughout the village.

Tops Xpress is looking to fill the void now that the APlus doors are shut.