The iconic Pizza Hut building on north Main Street, long considered an informal landmark among Longmonsters, the familiar red roof and the nostalgic character of the place, which had become an indelible part of the neighborhood's identity, has turned the page with the arrival of a Take 5 Oil Change drive-thru.
The decision to tear down the vacant Pizza Hut building, which had been left unoccupied for a couple of years since the pandemic-induced departure of the pizza chain, marked the beginning of a new chapter for the location.
For many longtime Longmont residents, the old Pizza Hut building holds cherished memories of celebratory meals after little league victories and triumphant evenings spent with bowling alley buds. However, the vacant building eventually became a constant reminder of bygone times, and with Pizza Hut relocating several blocks south to 15th Avenue and Main Street recently, the old location certainly won’t house pizza gatherings anytime soon.
The arrival of Take 5 Oil Change on this site signifies a fresh start, bringing new life into the community and revitalizing the property that was once a hub of communal joy. While some residents may feel a sense of nostalgia for the memories associated with the old Pizza Hut, the emergence of Take 5 Oil Change as a modern automotive service provider brings a simple and essential service to Longmont.
Kelly Mayer, franchisee of the new Longmont Take 5 Oil Change location, as well as locations in Arvada and Loveland, said that unlike their competitors up the street, they primarily focus on oil changes. While a few additional services, such as air filter replacements and windshield wiper changes, are offered, Mayer assures customers that there is no upsell or unnecessary repairs.
"Ninety percent of the services we provide are just oil changes," Mayer said. "We just leave all that to others. We're trying to just do one thing very simply and do it fast and do it friendly."
Mayer also remarked that Take 5 Oil Change aspires to be the "Chick-fil-A of the oil change business," emphasizing their commitment to exceptional service and efficiency.
The service team that rolls a car through a bay, their process involves a step-by-step call-out system, with one team member vocalizing key steps while others echo and perform the necessary tasks. This method ensures accuracy and maintains a safe yet timely pace. The goal is to provide customers with an oil change in just 10 minutes, while also emphasizing exceptional customer service.
The decision to expand into Longmont was driven by the city's attractive market conditions with a concentration of residential areas, and a thriving retail landscape, making it an ideal destination for a business like this. Mayer found an area with heavy traffic flow, excellent visibility and easy accessibility for customers. The upcoming location aligns perfectly with these criteria, being positioned alongside a prominent retailer — King Soopers — on Main Street.
By tearing down the abandoned Pizza Hut building and constructing a new drive-thru facility, Take 5 Oil Change aims to provide a convenient and efficient oil change experience for Longmont residents.
Mayer, who has previously renovated chain locations in Arvada and Loveland, highlighted the significance of this new endeavor, stating it's the first ground-up building that he has built here in Colorado.
This new building represents Take 5 Oil Change's commitment to environmentally friendly practices and sustainable operations. With a focus on low impact and a small footprint, the building design aligns perfectly with their objectives. All of their fluids are kept above ground in plastic tanks, administered by hand, so this meticulous approach minimizes the potential for leaks and safeguards against environmental harm.
When discussing the demolition of the old Pizza Hut building, Mayer acknowledged the city's role in ensuring proper inspection and adherence to environmental regulations.
"The city does a good job of ensuring that when a building like that is taken down, it has a proper inspection," Mayer said.
As construction successfully moves forward, Mayer aims to welcome customers to the new Take 5 Oil Change drive-thru sometime in August.
