A Sam's Club in Grapevine is holding a celebration to reopen its gas pumps after the store was damaged by a tornado in 2022. December 13, 2022, a total of 16 tornadoes were confirmed in North Texas; two hit Grapevine.
The mayor says five people had minor injuries, and ten buildings were damaged.
Among the buildings damaged were the Sam's Club near Highway 114 and Ira E. Woods. Last April, the company said the location would close permanently; in December, Walmart Inc. reversed course, saying the store would reopen.
Friday, the gas pumps outside the store opened.
"Honestly, it's a great feeling," says Manager Zak Zakeri. "As you talk to our members, they're very happy we're back, and we're opening."
"We used to have to go to Keller or Rufe Snow. We just live right down the street, so we're happy they're back," one man filling up said.
This weekend, Sam's Club is holding a party at its members-only fuel station with music and food.
"We're just trying to let our community know we're glad to be here, and they can come and enjoy this family celebration with us," Zakeri says.
The celebration runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Existing members can receive $5 in "Sam's Cash" who use "Scan & Go" at the pumps Friday or Saturday.
Through March 15, people who sign up for a new membership can get a Plus membership for $60; Sam's Club says that is a $50 discount. Club memberships are available for $15, a $35 discount. The discounts are available in person only at the store in Grapevine.
The gas pumps outside the Sam's Club have reopened; the store itself should reopen later this year.
"This was a great business decision our leadership made," Zakeri says. "We're so glad we're opening the gas station first and the actual grand opening for the building is coming by the end of this year."
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