BETHLEHEM — The owner of a Lehigh Valley convenience store chain hopes to build a 24-hour indoor recreational center in the area, according to an area financial group.
The plan by Iffy Ansari, owner of A1 Quick Shops, was announced in a release from Lehigh Financial Group LLC in Allentown.
“There’s a huge need for a facility like that in the Valley. As a professional marathon walker and badminton player, I know how important it is to have healthy spaces where kids and adults can stay active.”Iffy Ansari, owner of A1 Quick Shops
The group revealed Ansari's plans in announcing that he also has purchased a former beauty salon at 1225 N. New St., Bethlehem that he plans to convert into A1 Quick Shop's 21st neighborhood grocery store.
The release said the recreational center could offer pickleball, badminton, table tennis and a walking track.
"Looking ahead, Ansari hopes to make a lasting impact on the community," the release said.
It said he is searching for land or an existing warehouse to convert and said Barber already has offered to help secure the financing for the project.
“There’s a huge need for a facility like that in the Valley,” Ansari said in the release.
“As a professional marathon walker and badminton player, I know how important it is to have healthy spaces where kids and adults can stay active.”
'Knew it was perfect'
Ansari moved to the Lehigh Valley in 2005 after a family trip to Dorney Park, according to the release. He bought his first business that year on West Turner Street in Allentown.
He has grown his operation to include convenience stores, a wholesale business and a laundromat.
The new street store would be the 21st location for Ansari, according to the release.
“I saw the sign and knew it was perfect. It’s a busy neighborhood, close to the university, and surrounded by other successful businesses. It’s the best location for a convenience store.”Iffy Ansari, owner of A1 Quick Shops
Ansari said in the release that he "was immediately drawn to the property’s prime location."
“I saw the sign and knew it was perfect,” Ansari said. “It’s a busy neighborhood, close to [Moravian] University, and surrounded by other successful businesses. It’s the best location for a convenience store.”
Ansari said the store will carry essential grocery and household items, drinks, tobacco, coffee and Pennsylvania Lottery tickets. It will not sell alcohol.
“I hold all my stores to a high standard,” Ansari said. “They are always clean, well-lit and fully updated. They may not be Wawa, but they’re decent and respectable stores. Everything inside is brand new.”
The release said he expects construction to begin this week and hopes to open the store before the New Year.
