Independent convenience-store retailers—the “mom-and-pop shops” that make up the bulk of the industry—are the unsung heroes often operating in the shadow of the larger chains and national brands that regularly appear in CSP’s Top 202 ranking.
CSP’s New Convenience-Store Roundup regularly features the new-to-industry (NTI) c-store openings, as well as closings, that take place each month around the country. Many of the stores that are listed are owned by independent operators, while others belong to the major chains and big retail brands. Some of the owners and operators are new entrepreneurs, and some are industry veterans.
Independent Retailer Roundup focuses on the owners and operators of small chains and single-store owners.
Scroll down to review the indies that have opened or closed in third-quarter 2024 …
July
- Larry's Shortstop, a convenience store in Topeka, Kansas, closed its doors on July 30. Its previous owner, Larry Jones, retired in September 2022 after 37 years of operating the station. Before closing its doors, Larry's was part of the SQRL gas station network. Handwritten "Closed" signs are posted outside the store, but offered no reason for the closing. The inside of the store appears empty. Joseph Blake Smith, Little Rock, Arkansas-based SQRL founder and former CEO, agreed to sell the convenience stores to Gas Hub Investments LLC, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for an undisclosed amount.
- Randy’s Exxon, the only full-service gas station and state vehicle inspection center in Seguin, Texas, closed on July 31. Owner Randy Moore is closing up shop after 40 years following the state’s move to no longer require safety inspections starting Jan. 1, 2025.
August
- Tidwell’s CITGO, a full-service gas station in Oneonta, Alabama, that opened in 1959, closed its doors on Aug. 1.
- The Buena Vista Rancheria Tribal Council opened the Buena Vista Gas Station in Ione, California, in late August. The gas station’s pumps are operational 24/7 with credit card payments, and the kiosk accepts cash from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Native American brand tobacco products are also available for sale during staffed hours. The station also offers high-volume diesel for campers, high-capacity diesel vehicles and equipment. Plans for the future include an RV park, discounted fleet pricing, Harrah’s Northern California team member discounts and eventual integration with Caesar’s Rewards programs.
- A new 76 Fill Up Market gas station and convenience store opened its doors in Pearl, Mississippi, on Aug. 9. A new 76 Rankin Mart gas station and convenience store also opened in Brandon, Mississippi, on Aug. 10.
- A 90 Express convenience store and gas station offering 16 Chevron fueling positions opened on Aug. 18 in Biloxi, Mississippi. It is located off of Highway 90. The facility also features a 90 Proof Liquor store. The store is teaming up with the Biloxi Police Department and using a program called Fuse Net, a system created to maintain safety around the store. The store has 67 cameras providing 24-hour security.
- Cashion’s Quik Stop in Huntersville, North Carolina, closed its doors on Aug. 17. Huntersville town commissioners purchased the gas station for $2.3 million as part changes planned for the intersection.
September
- Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians’ 29Fuels LLC opened the doors to Shelee’s Travel Center, a new, 12,000-square-foot facility in Coachella, California, in September. It has three islands with 59 fueling positions. The site also features a truck wash, truck repair and a truckers’ lounge.
- Price Management opened a Fuel Depot gas station in Goleta, California, in September at the site of a former coffee shop and self-serve car wash. It has 12 pumps. The location can handle large vehicles such as RVs, catering trucks and vehicles towing boats. Construction is also under way for a new self-serve car wash.
- The Roux, a new gas station with purpose that features children’s reading programs, opened in Chicago’s Washington Park on Sept. 30. “Our gas station not only provides the best quality fuels and convenience items, but also a space for children to pick up books and participate in reading activities. Our team is dedicated to providing a welcoming and educational environment for all who visit. We strive to make a positive impact in our community, one page at a time. Stop by Roopster Roux today and fuel up your vehicle and your mind,” the company says on its website.
- A new Go Time convenience store opened in Hazard. Kentucky, on Sept. 16. It features Chester's Chicken.
- 4th Street Express, a gas station in Duluth, Minnesota, closed on Sept. 18 after being open for almost 50 year because its underground storage tanks need to be replaced. The adjacent repair shop remains open.
- The 7 Days C-Store opened in Amsterdam, New York, on Sept. 17, offering general merchandise such as coffee, groceries, fruits, vegetables, snacks candy, soft drinks, beer, ice creams, cigarettes, lottery tickets, over-the-counter drugs and toiletries.
- The Rockingham Petroleum Cooperative opened a new gas station and c-store in Broadway, Virginia, on Sept. 23. Fuel options include gasoline, non-ethanol gasoline, diesel, high-speed diesel and off-road diesel. The store sources local products and features Champs Chicken. It also offers free high-speed Wi-Fi.
To be sure your locations are listed in upcoming roundups, please send new-store announcements and other news to Greg Lindenberg at greg.lindenberg@informa.com
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