As in most industries, it’s the big retailers making big deals that earn headlines in the convenience-store market. But the story of SNK Petroleum is one of a mom-and-pop business showing determination to grow, often one store at a time.
Founded in 2011, the retailer has grown to a 145-store footprint over the past 12 years, including a wholesale business that has extended well past its beginnings in Hopewell Junction, New York. Having launched its own fuel brand—SNK Fuels—the company has extended itself as far west as Chicago, with fee-owned sites in several states in between, including New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Vermont and Massachusetts.
The decision to build a portfolio in Illinois was based on the ownership’s business judgement that suburban Chicago markets were underserved. He felt he could develop a convenience and gas chain that delivers value and service better than the competition.
Begun with a modest acquisition of a few locations, SNK’s presence in Chicago has grown into a 30-site portfolio within an hour of the city under the CITGO, Gulf and SNK Fuel proprietary brands. Several locations boast a 3,000-square-foot footprint with gaming/slot machines and foodservice amenities. Additionally, there are four new ground-up locations under construction that will come online in 2023.
“Through strong banking relationships and a strong balance sheet, the company reinvested earnings and expanded,” first into New York with purchases upstate, and then pushing into northern New England, said Ali Kirmani, who co-owns the company with wife Fatima Kirmani.
What began with humble roots and a family operated structure, SNK has been redefined as a thriving and diverse enterprise on a large scale, recognized for quality products, exceptional service and competitive prices.
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