A new pizza program rolling out now features a $4.99 whole pizza in stores across Richmond, Virginia-based Arko Corp.’s convenience-store brands.
The deal is a partnership between Arko subsidiary GPM and Performance Food Group, also based in Richmond.
Frozen pies are available to take and bake, while hot to go will be available in select stores Feb. 7.
The pizzas are $4.99 for enrolled fas Rewards loyalty program members and $7.99 for non-loyalty members.
“Having a value pizza offering is table stakes for convenience-store operators, and we have raised the ante with the exceptional quality resulting from a thorough research and development process executed in concert with a premier pizza innovation team,” said Arie Kotler, chairman, president and CEO of Arko. “We strongly believe this pie will resonate with consumers who are seeking a delicious, crispy and cheesy whole pizza at an inflation-busting $4.99.”
In development for more than a year, the pizza is available in both cheese and pepperoni and features a self-rising crust and Wisconsin cheese, “signatures of exceptional quality that are hard to find at such a price point in convenience stores,” Arko said.
Mike Bloom, executive vice president, chief merchandising and marketing officer, GPM Investments, said, “We have worked to make a premium, high-quality, high-value pizza for our customers, and we were able to find that through our partnership with Core-Mark and the PFG product offerings. We believe that this highly relevant offering will be appreciated by our customers.”
- Arko Corp. is the parent company of GPM Investments, which is No. 6 on CSP’s 2023 Top 202 ranking of the largest c-store chains in the country.
Relevant and delicious food offerings are a key strategic priority for Arko, the company said. “Supporting a scalable pizza offering across Arko’s footprint is possible because of the company’s innovative and early focus on frozen grab and go as well as a continued emphasis on growing hot food capabilities.”
Arko developed the pizza in partnership with Green Bay, Wisconsin-based Alive and Kickin’ Crust. Pepsi is the official beverage partner of the pizza, giving customers exclusive offers for meal deals.
“We’re proud to partner with GPM in developing this delicious pizza with Wisconsin cheese and a bready, perfect crust so their customers can enjoy a substantial hot pie right from the store or take and bake from the freezer,” said Shawna Link, foodservice sales manager with Alive and Kickin’ Crust.
Chris Boughton, director of national accounts for Core-Mark, said, “GPM has been a highly valued customer for more than a decade at Core-Mark, and we’re pleased to extend our relationship with PFG to help them meet their objectives for this exciting launch. From the Alive and Kickin’ Pizza Crust base to the robust sauce and premium ingredients, we are proud to distribute this delicious pizza at a great value.”
Arko operates in four segments: retail, which includes convenience stores selling merchandise and fuel; wholesale, which supplies fuel to independent dealers and consignment agents; GPM Petroleum, which sells and supplies fuel to its retail and wholesale sites; and fleet fueling, which includes the operation of proprietary and third-party cardlock locations and issuance of proprietary fuel cards that provide customers access to a nationwide network of fueling sites. GPM’s “family of brands“ includes Fas Mart, Shore Stop, Scotchman, BreadBox, Young’s, Li’l Cricket, Next Door Store, Village Pantry and Apple Market, among others c-store chains.
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