Space to lease at convenience store

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Recently, I have had to take over my father small country store due to his health issues. He has owned the business for 37 years and everything is paid for. The business has not changed during this time and the numbers are "ok." The business sits at an intersection and I believe a conservative traffic count of vehicles passing each day is about 1,000.

There is about a quarter acre of flat yard attached to the business that he has we could lease out to generate extra income to cover the extra expenses. I prefer not to build anything but offer up the space to lease to someone. My first thought is large vending machines like those from "Twice the Ice" and lease square footage to that person who wishes have one there.

Are there any other ideas or concepts that could work leasing space for non permanent structures?

[Bill Gulley]

I doubt I'd set up my vending machines in the yard, on dirt that would become mud.

Might consider gravel if allowed.

Several options for just grass or dirt, depends on zoning and building regulations, here any ongoing business would require a paved lot.

1/4 acre is not big, but it's big enough for small gatherings.

Might consider a farmer's market, weekly sales on Saturday for example, fruits, veggies, canned veggies that you probably don't carry in the C-store, it could be a complimentary business.

Check with organizations for fund raising areas, BBQ gigs, car.motorcycle shows, bake sales, boy/girl scout mini jamboree setting up displays for a week end, chili cook-off, small art displays by local artists do well.

Longer term rents may come from snow cone, hot dog, coffee type vendors working out of vehicles or trailers.

There are street vendor types, some guy with a van and trailer full of tools for sale or carpets, you know, those selling velvet pictures of Elvis and the Presidents.

The space is big enough to pack in a few used cars, boats and campers. Owner's might rent the location to sell their personal vehicles. A dealer might be interested and using a portable building if that would be allowed.

Might just put up a fence and rent outdoor storage, boats and campers.

Some business, like a cable company or delivery trucking company might just rent parking spaces to cover a geographic area instead of drivers going out of a home location. Pest control vehicles, ice cream jeeps/trucks, lunch wagons, utility line work vehicles are examples of vehicle fleets that may be geographically deployed for better efficiency.

An ambulance service uses such parking tactics for vehicles on call, they serve an area and locate vehicles close or in that area served.

It's really going to depend on what your building regs folks will allow, if you even have restrictions.

That ought to keep you busy. Not only do you want rents, but you want to generate additional traffic in the store too, so select your option carefully. :)