Mini Mart was a chain of convenience stores owned by national chain Kroger.
Numerous Mini Mart locations once operated in Bismarck-Mandan. The first was at 1010 E Main Street in Mandan, followed by its anchoring of Eastdale Shopping Center at 2600 E Rosser Avenue in 1980 (now Loaf N’ Jug).
Some of its locations, including that at 19th Street and Capitol, diversified to offer liquor and video rentals.
From 2000-2002, all but two Mini Mart locations closed. The two remaining switched to Kroger’s Loaf N’ Jug brand and (as of 2018) still operate.
Best Stop
Two others re-opened in 2003 independently as Best Stop before again closing.
The first closure, at 1101 E Interstate Avenue, closed in 2008 following a gas leak that contaminated both the station and neighbor restaurant. The leak was discovered in the fall of 2007, when a nearby restaurant (presumably China Star) discovered gasoline in its sump pump. A leak was located and repaired. The leak was reportedly small and contained. The contaminating spill was allegedly stemming from a prior incident. In either case, the building was demolished to ease in cleanup efforts.
The second, at 1320 E Boulevard, closed in 2013 citing insufficient business.
Current Locations
- 2600 E Rosser (opened 1980; now Loaf N’ Jug)
- 2835 N Washington Street [Century Mall] (now Loaf N’ Jug)
Former Locations
- 1910 E Capitol Avenue (closed in 2000, now First Steps Learning Center)
- 1101 East Interstate Avenue near I-94/Hwy 83 interchange (closed 2002; 2003-2008 as Best Stop)
- 1320 E Boulevard (1989-2002; 2003-2013 as Best Stop; now La Tejana)
- 1035 S Washington (closed in 2000)
- 1010 E Main (Mandan)
