PHILADELPHIA -- Sunoco has expanded the Craft Beer Exchange at its APlus convenience stores in the Rochester and Buffalo markets, the company announced. After starting this summer as a pilot program in 12 locations in the Buffalo, N.Y., area, the Craft Beer Exchange will expand into the Rochester market with eight new locations offering craft beers sold in growlers on up to 12 taps, as well as prepackaged bottles and cans.
The eight new locations serve Monroe, Ontario, Yates, Tompkins, and Cortland counties in western New York. Two new locations will also be added in Buffalo.
The company chose western New York for the pilot program (see Related Content below for previous CSP Daily News coverage) because it has a large concentration of APlus stores, many of which are large enough to be equipped with beer filling stations, Sunoco spokesperson Joe McGinn told the Buffalo News in July. Brand recognition, customer loyalty and the capability of local staff also played into the decision, he said.
"Customers appreciate having convenient access to high-quality craft beers at affordable prices," said Wendy Lyman, Sunoco's beverage manager.
The Craft Beer Exchange offers customers in the Buffalo and Rochester markets a selection of up to 12 rotating craft beers available to-go in 64-ounce glass growlers.
It allows customers to enjoy draft beer without going to a pub, the Craft Beer Exchange said on its blog, www.craftbeerexchange.wordpress.com.
Customers looking for variety in their craft beer experience can also create their own six packs from the selection of 12-ounce single bottles for $9.99.
Selections change seasonally and include craft beers from microbreweries such as Long Trail, Victory, Flying Bison, Troegs and Brooklyn.
APlus convenience stores are operated by Sunoco or independent dealers in more than 600 of Sunoco's 4,900 retail locations. Sunoco is a leading transportation fuel provider with operations located primarily in the East Coast and Midwest regions of the United States.
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