New Convenience-Store Roundup for August 2017
By Greg Lindenberg on Sep. 04, 2017CHICAGO -- This edition of New Convenience-Store Roundup features new c-store openings, closings and more for the month of August 2017.
The unscientifically gathered roundup—gleaned from company announcements, websites, email, social media and newspapers around the country, among other sources—is by no means complete, but it serves as a monthly competitive snapshot of newly opened or closed U.S. convenience stores, gas stations, truckstops and travel centers not previously reported in CSP Daily News. (Those stores are not counted here.)
Many of the stores listed here are owned by independent operators, while others belong to major chains, many part of CSP’s Top 202 list of the largest chains in the industry. Some represent new entrepreneurs, while others are longtime business owners exiting the industry.
*Click here to view the Top 202 C-Store Chains for 2017.
Unless noted otherwise, the new locations offer the food, snacks, beverages, tobacco, merchandise, services and amenities found in most c-stores. Most offer gasoline.
To be sure your locations are listed in this roundup, please send new-store announcements to Greg Lindenberg at glindenberg@winsightmedia.com.
Click through for a state-by-state breakdown …
Alabama
The Wahoo Plaza c-store opened in Gulf Shores, Ala., in early August. The Shell gas station has 24 pumps. It occupies the median of the Foley Beach Expressway.
Billy “Buck” Ross has sold Ross Handy Mart, the c-store in Hobson City, Ala., that he has owned 32 years, to Mickey Ali. The store officially changed owners on Aug. 1.
Net new stores*: 1
*Represents stores opened minus stores closed in this state for the month of this count only; count does not include acquisitions, new ownership, rebranding or raze-and-rebuilds. It also does not include any store openings or closings previously reported in CSP Daily News. Other c-stores not captured by this count may have opened or closed in the state.
California
Loop Neighborhood opened an "all-in-one" convenience store and market in San Francisco on Aug. 21. It features smoothies, organic fruits and veggies, sushi and wine, while still offering snacks and treats.
Pilot Flying J opened a Flying J Travel Center in Lathrop, Calif., on Aug. 28.
Net new stores: 2
Florida
Pilot Flying J opened a new c-store in Cocoa, Fla., on Aug. 30.
Wawa opened a new c-store in Collier, Fla., on Aug. 31.
Net new stores: 2
Georgia
Illinois
A Marathon gas station opened in early August in Sycamore, Ill., on the site of a former Wendy’s restaurant.
Net new stores: 1
Maryland
New Jersey
North Carolina
Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores opened a new travel stop in Mebane, N.C., on Aug. 3. The13,000-square-foot facility offers Hardee’s, Chester’s Chicken and Godfather’s Pizza Express restaurants, as well as 82 truck parking spaces, seven showers, nine diesel-fuel pumps and a Love’s Truck Tire Care center. Love's also opened a travel center in Newton, N.C., on Aug. 24. It features a Hardee’s restaurant, as well as 104 truck parking spaces, diesel-fuel pumps, showers, laundry facilities and a Love’s Truck Tire Care center.
Murphy USA opened a new c-store in Winston-Salem, N.C., on Aug. 13.
Net new stores: 3
Pennsylvania
Wawa held the grand opening of a new, 5,600-square-foot c-store in South Whitehall, Pa., on Aug. 4.
Sheetz opened a new, 5,953-square-foot c-store in DuBois, Pa., on Aug. 10. The company also opened a new c-store in State College, Pa., on Aug. 31.
Vinny Clausi, former Northumberland County Commissioner and owner of V&G Construction Inc., opened a new full-service gas station and c-store, Full Service 122, on Aug. 18 in Coal Township, Pa., at the location of the former Miller’s Gas & Oil Station.
Net new stores: 4
Rhode Island
A Seasons Market in Johnston, R.I., held a grand opening on Aug. 18. It offers Shell gasoline. The c-store has a Dunkin' Donuts, Nicole’s Gourmet fresh prepared foods from Pranzi Catering and a Shine365 Auto Wash.
Net new stores: 1
Tennessee
A c-store in the Wedgewood-Houston community in Nashville changed ownership in August. Omid Market (previously Virginia's) is now Rains Market & Deli. The new owners are wife and husband Lauren and Chase Humphrey. They will keep some market staples but will focus more on being a “hole-in-the-wall food spot.” The emphasis is on barbecue pulled pork and beef brisket, sandwiches and sides including coleslaw, potato salad, green beans, mac and cheese and fries.
Net new stores: 0
Texas
Love's opened a new travel stop in Beaumont, Texas, on Aug. 24. The 14,000-square-foot facility features Arby’s, Chester’s Chicken and Godfather’s Pizza Express restaurants, as well as showers, public laundry facilities and a game room. It offers 115 truck parking spaces and a Love’s Truck Tire Care center.
A Buc-ee's c-store and gas station opened on Aug. 28 in Katy, Texas. It features more than 100 fueling positions and a 225-foot tunnel-style car wash.
Net new stores: 2
West Virginia
Wisconsin
The Milton Travel Center in Milton, Wis., open since 2013, closed in early August.
Net new stores: -1
Washington
In early August, the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe purchased the Kountry Korner gas station and c-store in Kingston, Wash., for $2.3 million. It is familiar to motorists for its collection of roadside chainsaw carvings. Noo-Kayet Development CEO Chris Placentia said customers can expect few immediate changes as the corporation takes over operation, and the priority is maintenance. The Kountry Korner name will remain, as will the iconic troll statues. Placentia said Noo-Kayet plans to eventually renovate and rebrand the property. The 76 station will not operate under the tribe’s compact because it is not on tribal land.
Net new stores: 0
TOTAL NEW STORES FOR AUGUST 2017: 20
TOTAL NEW STORES FOR 2017: 237