Kum & Go

In 1959, W.A. "Bill" Krause and T.S. Gentle formed a partnership and created the beginnings of the now large convenience-store chain Kum & Go. The two, a father-in-law and son-in-law, created Hampton Oil Co. in Hampton, Iowa, which soon became the Krause Gentle Corp., and later Kum & Go LC.

Today, Kum & Go is a fast-growing company with ongoing expansion. The chain has announced a new concept at 6,000 square feet, called Kum & Go Marketplace, with the first one being built in Johnston, Iowa. Kum & Go also has announced plans to build a new company headquarters in downtown Des Moines and is expected to move in early 2018.

The chain has offered biofuel to customers since 1997 to meet customer demand. Kum & Go is the largest E85 retailer in the state of Iowa, and it sells E85 in seven other states. The chain also provides B2 biodiesel, a clean-burning alternative fuel produced from domestic, renewable resources; and a 10% ethanol blend. E10, a no-lead gasoline, accounted for nearly 40% of Kum & Go’s total gallons sold in 2005.

UPDATE: As of Feb. 11, 2016, Kum & Go reported owning and operating 430 convenience stores.