PHOTOS: Hy-Vee Gas and Caribou Coffee Open in Waukee

The oohs and ahs were hard to miss.

Residents and business people from Waukee gathered this morning to celebrate the grand-opening of the long-awaited Hy-Vee Gas station and convenience store at 1025 E. Hickman Rd. 

Inside the store, bright inviting colors, well-organized shelves, a soda fountain, banks of coolers and fresh food items appealed to customers looking to grab a quick bite to eat or a morning jolt of caffeine.

Outside, there are 16 pay-at-the-pump gas bays that are open 24 hours a day, even when the store is not.

Morning visitors got a an extra special surprise as they walked through the Caribou Coffee that's connected to the convenience store by a hallway. The coffee shop is Waukee's only drive-thru coffee shop and includes free Wi-Fi for those who want to take it easy over a cup of joe inside.

Hy-Vee and Caribou Coffee manager Curt Sills said he's happy to see the community support for the new store.

"It's pretty cool," he said. "I know Waukee is excited we're here. They've been pining and planning for this for a while now. It's great to finally be open."

The Hy-Vee Gas station is open seven days a week, from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Caribou Coffee is open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.