After Yogi’s in Spruce Pine closed five years ago, Mark “Yogi” Welborn said he was looking forward to the day when he could return.

Today that dream is a reality, with Yogi’s Spruce Pine now open at the same location as where it originally opened in 2004, on 6675 Highway 43 on top of Spruce Pine mountain.

“We love the Spruce Pine area and how much the community really gets behind the businesses there,” Welborn said. “It really was like a community store with a family environment, and everyone seemed to really miss it when it closed.”

Welborn said Yogi’s is located in its original location, with the previous building undergoing a complete remodel, complete with the very best.

All of the gas pumps are open 24/7, with diesel and non-ethanol gas available in addition to the traditional three pumps. The station has Citgo fuel, with supplies out of Vulcan Oil in Birmingham.

The inside is equipped with a grab-and-go deli, a full line of soft drinks and a cook making all of the convenience store favorites.

“Everyone has been so kind to us, and we have really received the hero’s welcome,” Welborn said.

Welborn said although the store opened June 15, construction officially ended Thursday, with the final touches going in place.

“We are so happy to be back in Spruce Pine, and we look forward to continuing the family tradition of providing great service and a great atmosphere,” Welborn said.

This location will be the second Yogi’s opened, with the other location being Yogi’s Food Co., located on Waterloo Road in Russellville.

Welborn said he is currently working on opening another location on Highway 24, with the project set to begin in January.