In a significant development for South Dakota’s real estate landscape, a former restaurant property near The Empire Mall in Sioux Falls is set to embark on a new journey. As of December 22, 2025, this 2.2-acre site at 4301 W. 41st St. has found a new owner in Kwik Trip Inc., emphasizing the evolving business dynamics in Sioux Falls.
The property, most recently the home of Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom, which shuttered its doors in 2018 after a remarkable 14-year run, has remained vacant until now. Prior to Old Chicago, the site housed the well-loved Chi-Chi’s Mexican Restaurante from 1983 to 2003. Located in the famed ‘golden square’ of Sioux Falls, this piece of real estate has long been considered iconic due to its prime positioning in one of the city’s most trafficked areas.
Kwik Trip Inc., which operates under the name Kwik Star in South Dakota, has exciting plans for the property. A gas station, convenience store, and car wash are all part of the proposed development, slated to begin construction in early 2027, with an opening by that summer. Ryan Ammann of NAI Sioux Falls, the agent who had listed the land for several years, is optimistic about the transformation. He highlights the strategic appeal of the location, noting, “There’s more than adequate room on the site to get everything done with traffic flow, so it worked out really well.”
This development not only enhances the commercial landscape of Sioux Falls but also boosts Kwik Star’s presence in South Dakota. With plans to open additional locations in 2026 at 77th Street and Cliff Avenue in Sioux Falls, Brandon, Hartford, Brookings, and Tea, Kwik Star is on track to expand to 17 locations across the state. These new outlets are expected to create jobs and offer more convenience to residents, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to serving the community efficiently.
Prior to Kwik Trip taking over, numerous retailers had shown interest in the site. However, the condition of the existing structure posed challenges. “Over time, we ended up realizing that the cost to remodel and retrofit that building just was not going to be commensurate with the deals we were able to attract from a retail standpoint,” said Ammann. As such, Kwik Trip’s decision to opt for new construction is a strategic move that aligns with modern retail needs.
The significance of this development extends beyond business operations. It reflects the growing economic vitality of South Dakota, particularly in Sioux Falls, which has seen a steady rise in commercial activities. The Empire Mall area, a bustling hub of shopping and dining, continues to be a focal point for both entrepreneurs and consumers. This new Kwik Star site is expected to further stimulate local commerce by drawing more traffic and inviting other businesses to capitalize on the increased footfall.
Looking at the broader impact, Kwik Star’s expansion signals a positive trend for job creation and economic growth in South Dakota. As the company broadens its footprint, it not only reaffirms its role as a key player in the convenience store sector but also contributes significantly to the state’s GDP by fostering employment opportunities and enhancing consumer choice.
Visitors to The Empire Mall area can look forward to having a new, convenient spot to fuel up, grab quick essentials, or get a car wash, all set against the backdrop of South Dakota’s vibrant economy. The transformative journey of this once-vacant property into a modern Kwik Star outlet is a testament to Sioux Falls’ robust growth and the promising future of South Dakota’s retail and service industry landscape.
The anticipation for this new establishment builds as residents eagerly await the revitalization of a once-vacant lot into a bustling hub of activity and commerce. With Kwik Star at the helm, South Dakota prepares for yet another chapter of community enrichment and economic prosperity, driven by innovation and strategic foresight.