Jay Petroleum

Established since 1959 when it began owning and operating stores in east central Indiana and west central Ohio—sparked by the acquisition of three locally owned mom-and-pop grocery/fueling stations—Pak-A-Sak (the retail division of Jay Petroleum), has a retail store network of 35 across its two-state operating zone.

In 2008, owner Jim Peterson demonstrated his gratitude to employees by selling the company back to them through the establishment of an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan). Currently, as a 100% employee owned company, its 425 employees earn long-term retirement benefits and enjoy pride in a company they own together.

Recently celebrating its 40th anniversary, the company hangs it hat on several local advantages, starting with foodservice, long been a hallmark of the company. This is seen with its onsite bakeries, deli sandwiches, pressure-cooked chicken and other fried food fare. The addition of branded foodservice in the mid-1990s—with the acquisition of a Subway franchise—actually altered the course the company would take moving forward. Currently, Pak-A-Sak operates 14 Subways, two Papa John's and one Taco Bell franchise, with plans to expand its Papa John's presence in 2020.

For benchmarking purposes, store counts are year-end 2019.