SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- When Paul Morabito, chairman and CEO of Berry-Hinckley Industries, said last month that his company was planning to expand rapidly after merging with fuel supplier/retailer Cashell Enterprises, he wasn't kidding. Late last month, the Reno, Nev.-based retailer announced its acquisition of the 11-unit Superpumper convenience store chain in north Phoenix and Scottsdale, Ariz. And more growth is on the way, according to Morabito.
"The acquisition of Superpumper positions Berry-Hinckley in the Scottsdale marketplace, where we will [image-nocss] begin actively looking at acquisition and expansion opportunities, both in retail and wholesale markets," he said.
Attempts to reach Morabito and the former owners of the Superpumper chainMichael and Vivian Kapanicasfor comment were unsuccessful; however, in a press release, Morabito added, "The Superpumper chain boasts amongst the highest-volume average gallons and best operated group of gas and convenience stores in the United States. Scottsdale is a defined gas market, much like Reno and northern Nevada is for us now. We are pleased to have this group of stores in the Berry-Hinckley family."
The stores, which will retain the Superpumper name, have gasoline volumes averaging in excess of 2.5 million gallons each per year. Founded in 1967 by the Kapanicas family, the Superpumper stores are branded under the Shell Oil Co. banner, and the group generates approximately $100 million in annual revenue. Four of the Superpumper sites have self-serve car washes and all have convenience stores attached to them.
In April, one of the Superpumper stores was recognized as the No. 1 store for customer service and satisfaction out of 1,300 Shell stations nationwide, according to the press release. In addition to its 11 current sites, Superpumper has new sites in varying stages of development and plan approval in Phoenix, Glendale and Scottsdale.
Kevin Taylor, vice president of operations, and Mick Kapanicas, vice president and general manager of Superpumper Inc., have signed long-term employment contracts with Berry-Hinckley.
Since the 1928 opening of the first station in Reno, Berry-Hinckley Industries is one of Nevada's largest petroleum suppliers. The company operates two fuel pipeline terminals, trucking and warehousing operations, Chevron fuels/lubricants wholesale and retail operations, more than 70 Western Energetix cardlock sites, 38 Winner's Corner c-stores and Chevron stations, three car washes and 25 Chevron dealers. All the sites are in Nevada. Berry-Hinckley merged with Cashell Enterprises Inc. in early April, adding to its business The Alamo Truckstop and Casino in Sparks, Nevada, and the Topaz Lodge Casino in Gardnerville, Nevada, as well as a gaming route at the Petro Truck Stopping Center in Las Vegas.
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