Ranking the Top 40 C-Store Chains: A 2022 Update

CHICAGO — Consolidation continued to be the norm in 2021 as large chains acquired more stores while smaller chains and independents generally sold stores or held steady.

The largest deal in convenience-store history closed in 2021, giving 7-Eleven Inc. ownership of Speedway stores. Combined with 7-Eleven’s additional growth, the deal served to further cement 7-Eleven’s lead in the number of company-owned and -operated or franchised stores in the United States.

Murphy USA’s purchase of QuickChek, which closed in January of 2021 in a $645 million all-cash transaction, pushed it into fifth place on our list.

BP’s acquisition of Thorntons, which puts the chain at No. 7, will allow the vertically integrated oil company to grow its presence in the U.S. fuel and convenience retail business.

Finally, oil refiner Shell entered into an agreement to purchase Landmark Industries, which held the No. 35 spot in CSP’s 2021 Top 202.

CSP’s complete 2022 Top 202 list of the largest chains in the United States will be released in June, but we offer this early look at the current top 40 based on store counts as of Jan. 1, 2022.

Click through for a closer look at the Top 40 U.S. c-store chains by store count as they stand today …

Chains: 7-Eleven, Speedway, Stripes

No. of Stores: Nearly 13,000

2021 Ranking: 1

2022 Ranking: 1

Headquarters: Irving, Texas

What’s New: 7-Eleven is among the world's largest and most widely recognized and iconic retailers, both inside and outside the convenience-store channel. In 2021, it closed the largest acquisition in both its and the c-store channel's history, adding approximately 3,800 Speedway stores in 36 states. As of Jan. 1, 2022, it operated nearly 13,000 stores primarily under the 7-Eleven and Speedway banners and some branded Stripes. A large majority of 7-Eleven's c-stores are operated by franchisees, while the corporate company owns the properties.

For benchmarking purposes, store counts are as of Jan. 1, 2022.

Chains: Circle K, Holiday Stationstores

No. of Stores: 7,103

2021 Ranking: 2

2022 Ranking: 2

Headquarters: Laval, Quebec

What’s New: The largest c-store operator in Canada, Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. is also a major force in the U.S. and global c-store markets. Couche-Tard’s North American retail network operates in the United States under the Circle K and Holiday Stationstores banners and in Canada under the Circle K and Couche-Tard banners. It also has retail networks in Scandinavia, Iceland, Poland, the Baltics and Russia, and it licenses the Circle K brand in 16 other countries. Circle K stores offer a wide variety of branded and private-label items, as well as the Simply Great coffee and Polar Pop fountain programs.

In 2021, following a strategic review of its sites, Couche-Tard announced it would divest 355 sites in North America, including 48 sites in Oklahoma sold to Casey’s General Stores Inc. (No. 3) for $39 million in an all-cash transaction.

For benchmarking purposes, store counts are as of Jan. 1, 2022.

Chains: Casey’s General Store

No. of Stores: 2,422

2021 Ranking: 4

2022 Ranking: 3

Headquarters: Ankeny, Iowa

What’s New: With more than 2,400 convenience stores in 16 Midwestern states, Casey’s General Stores targets small towns and rural areas. It offers a wide range of prepared foods and beverages in addition to the traditional selection of snacks, grocery items, retail goods and gasoline. In 2021, Casey’s acquired Buchanan Energy, owner of Bucky’s Convenience Stores, in what the company called its most significant transaction in its history. The transaction included 94 convenience stores and 79 dealer locations, as well as multiple parcels of real estate for future new-store construction.

The retailer has launched and recently expanded its private-label line of packaged beverage, bakery and snack items. The hallmark of its in-store offerings is its expansive pizza program, which has evolved over the years to include delivery and online ordering. It is the fifth-largest seller of pizza in the United States.

Casey’s has expanded its executive team and accelerated its technology initiatives. It revamped its website and mobile app to allow for a more seamless ordering process, and it rolled out a new loyalty program, Casey’s Rewards, which allows customers to earn points and redeem them for fuel discounts or a donation to the local school of their choice.

For benchmarking purposes, store counts are as of Jan. 1, 2022.

Chains:Cumberland Farms, Certified Oil, Fastrac, Kwik Shop, Loaf N’ Jug, Minit Mart, Quik Stop, Tom Thumb, Turkey Hill

No. of Stores: 1,750

2021 Ranking: 5

2022 Ranking: 4

Headquarters:Westborough, Mass.

What’s New: EG America’s store count grew by 46 sites in 2021. The chain acquired eight Mercury Fuel Service Inc. stores in Connecticut that have been rebranded to Cumberland Farms. EG Group—EG America, locally—made its way into the top rankings of CSP's Top 202 in short order, starting with its initial acquisition in the United States of Kroger Co.'s 762 c-stores in April 2018. The international retailer, with global headquarters in Blackburn, U.K., has continued to acquire U.S. chains since.

Notably in 2018, EG Group acquired TravelCenters of America's 225 stand-alone Minit Mart c-stores. Then in 2019, EG Group acquired 54 Fastrac locations, 69 Certified Oil locations and 566 Cumberland Farms locations.

In December, it was disclosed that EG America was selling its Minit Mart convenience stores in Wisconsin and Minnesota and will be exiting those markets.

EG Group was founded as Euro Garages in 2001, when it acquired a single gas station near Manchester, U.K. Euro Garages acquired sites over the next decade until it was merged with European Forecourt Retail Group, with more than 1,100 sites split between Belgium and France, in 2014. The combined companies became EG Group.

For benchmarking purposes, store counts are as of Jan. 1, 2022.

Chains: Murphy USA, Murphy Express, QuickChek

No. of Stores: 1,679

2021 Ranking: 6

2022 Ranking: 5

Headquarters: El Dorado, Ark.

What’s New: Murphy USA in early 2021 completed its acquisition of QuickChek Corp., a $645 million all-cash deal that added 157 c-stores in the Northeast.

Murphy USA operates 1,669 stores under the Murphy USA, Murphy Express and now QuickChek banners. In the third quarter of 2021, Murphy USA reported “exceptional” performance, with total retail fuel gallons increasing 11.4% and net income growing $37 million to $104 million compared to the same period in 2020.

Also in 2021, Andrew Clyde, Murphy USA president and CEO, was named to the board of the National Association of Convenience Stores.

Murphy USA stations are typically near Walmarts, while Murphy Express stores are stand-alone gas stations and c-stores. Murphy USA stations tend to be smaller, kiosk-format stores, while Murphy Express stations are larger, traditional convenience-store formats.

For benchmarking purposes, store counts are as of Jan. 1, 2022.

Chains: Fas Mart, Shore Stop, Scotchman, BreadBox, Young's, Li’l Cricket, Next Door Store, Village Pantry, Apple Market, Jiffi Stop, Admiral, Roadrunner Markets, Jiffy Food Marts, E-Z Mart, 1 Stop, TownStar and more

No. of Stores: 1,415

2021 Ranking: 7

2022 Ranking: 6

Headquarters: Richmond, Va.

What’s New: GPM Investments LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Arko Corp., signed an agreement to acquire 61 Express Stop convenience stores in Michigan and Ohio. The March transaction complements GPM’s existing 165 stores in Michigan and nine stores in Ohio.

In November, GPM, which had gone public a year earlier, agreed to acquire 36 Handy Mart c-stores in North Carolina from E.J. Pope & Son Inc. Approximately 20 branded quick-service restaurants or proprietary food offerings are located at the stores, and all of them sell fuel. With the Handy Mart acquisition, GPM services a total of 3,100 stores, of which 1,415 are company operated and 1,675 are dealer sites where GPM supplies fuel.

For benchmarking purposes, store counts are as of Jan. 1, 2022.

Chains: ampm, Thorntons

No. of Stores: 1,243

2021 Ranking: 8

2022 Ranking: 7

Headquarters: Chicago

What’s New: BP America’s national convenience-store brand is La Palma, Calif.-based ampm, a fully franchised banner on the West Coast.

The ampm brand’s key focus is foodservice, with a program that emphasizes coffee, bakery, fresh sandwiches and hot prepared foods. A large fountain program offers up to 24 varieties of soda and proprietary drinks. Stores have an open floor plan, with some featuring open-air refrigerated cases carrying a selection of fresh sandwiches, fruit and yogurt.

A new joint venture between London-based BP and ArcLight Capital Partners closed on the acquisition of Louisville, Ky.-based Thorntons Inc. in February 2019. BP took full ownership of Thorntons in 2021, removing the chain from the Top 202 list (No. 38 in 2021) and adding it to BP’s total store count.

For benchmarking purposes, store counts are as of Jan. 1, 2021.

Chains: ExtraMile

No. of Stores: 1,007

2021 Ranking: 9

2022 Ranking: 8

Headquarters: Pleasanton, Calif.

What’s New: ExtraMile Convenience Stores LLC, a joint-venture franchising company with ownership and governance split between Chevron USA, San Ramon, Calif., and Jacksons Food Stores, Meridian, Idaho, is focused on growing the ExtraMile c-store brand within the Chevron and Texaco fuels network through franchising.

The stores are in six Western states: Utah, California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada and Idaho. In 2021, ExtraMile expanded into the eastern United States with its first stores in Alabama, including its 1000th location. As it continues to expand in both existing and new geographies, ExtraMile plans to grow to 1,500 sites by 2027.

In late 2019, ExtraMile began an image refresh program, completely redesigning the interior of its stores to offer a modern design aesthetic that calls out key areas in the store such as MileOne Coffee, Toasty Treats (hot food), Fizz (cold and frozen dispensed beverages) and the Recharge Zone (cold drinks). The company expects to complete the updates by early 2023.

In addition to an assortment of national branded goods, ExtraMile also offers a proprietary line of candies, sweets and snacks under the ExtraGood banner.

ExtraMile is also focusing heavily on its digital platforms such as ExtraMile Extras Rewards, a customer loyalty platform that rewards customers for shopping at their locations. The chain’s delivery platform has more than 600 locations.

For benchmarking purposes, store counts are as of Jan. 1, 2022.

Chains: Wawa

No. of Stores: 956

2021 Ranking: 10

2022 Ranking: 9

Headquarters: Wawa, Pa.

What’s New: Wawa Inc. is one of the nation’s leading c-store chains, particularly when it comes to foodservice. In addition to a slew of fresh foods and beverages, Wawa also sells a wide selection of private-label products such as bagged Wawa coffees, dairy products and teas.

The chain grows almost exclusively through construction of new stores in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Florida and Washington, D.C.

In 2021, Wawa debuted its first standalone drive-thru store. The 1,800-square-foot drive-thru-only retail outlet in Morrisville, Pa., is based on key Wawa brand elements such as the trademarked canopy, while the offer is focused on fresh food in a drive-thru and curbside pickup experience.

For benchmarking purposes, store counts are as of Jan. 1, 2022.

Chains: QuikTrip

No. of Stores: 919

2021 Ranking: 11

2022 Ranking: 10

Headquarters:Tulsa, Okla.

What’s New: QuikTrip added 69 new stores in 2021 and celebrated its 900th store this year just two years after unveiling its 800th store in 2019. The chain’s footprint has grown significantly in its 63-year history, extending its stores across 14 states and opening its new line of remote travel centers in several new cities.

In 2020, QuikTrip began work to grow beyond the c-store channel, opening a MedWise urgent care clinic in Tulsa, Okla. The chain sold four stores to Hy-Vee in early 2020 as it seeks to grow its count of new, larger footprint Generation 3 stores.

For benchmarking purposes, store counts are as of Jan. 1, 2022.

Chains: Kwik Trip, Kwik Star, Stop-N-Go, Tobacco Outlet, Tobacco Outlet Plus Grocery

No. of Stores: 800

2021 Ranking: 12

2022 Ranking: 11

Headquarters: La Crosse, Wis.

What’s New: With just a day to spare in 2021, Kwik Trip on Dec. 30 opened its 800th convenience store, in Holman, Wis. The newest Kwik Trip is known as a Generation 3 c-store, incorporating the chain’s latest design using softer colors. At 9,000 square feet, it features a car wash and a side diesel canopy, which offers a non-ethanol fuel station for boats, campers and trailers.

Family owned, La Crosse, Wis.-based Kwik Trip, which was named the 2021 nation’s best gas station brand in a USA Today readers’ choice survey, is one of the biggest independently held c-store chains in the country, employing more than 32,000. It serves customers in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin under the Kwik Trip and Kwik Star banners. It produces more than 80% of the products sold in its stores, supplied by its own bakery, commissary, dairy and distribution center.

Late in 2021, Kwik Trip said it would switch to pre-pay only at its fuel pumps on Jan. 3, 2022, because its employees were spending too much time watching fuel islands for drive-offs.

Also in 2021, Kwik Trip earned an extra $5 million in performance-based tax incentives from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. for continuing to expand development and staffing of its food production and support campus.

For benchmarking purposes, store counts are as of Jan. 1, 2022.

Chains: Pilot, Flying J, Xpress Fuel, Mr. Fuel

No. of Stores: 644

2021 Ranking: 13

2022 Ranking: 12

Headquarters: Knoxville, Tenn.

What’s New: In recent years, Pilot Co. began an ownership transition that will culminate in the company becoming majority owned by investment holding giant Berkshire Hathaway in 2023.

Berkshire Hathaway bought a 38.6% stake in Pilot Flying J in October 2017 for $2.76 billion. While having little involvement in strategy at Pilot Co., according to company executives, Berkshire Hathaway will grow its ownership stake to 80% over the next two years.

In July 2020, as CEO and owner Jimmy Haslam looked to step away from the day-to-day oversight of the company, he announced that he would become chairman of the company as of Jan. 1, 2021, promoting Chief Strategy Officer Shameek Konar to CEO.

In March 2021, Pilot Co. revamped its app and loyalty program, myRewards Plus to provide professional drivers, motorists and RV travelers with ways to save money and time at every fuel stop in Pilot’s network.

In December, Pilot Co. acquired Southern Counties Oil Co. LP, dba SC Fuels. The company operated 47 proprietary cardlock locations and delivered branded and unbranded gasoline and other petroleum products, as well as offering fleet-card programs, to more than 11,000 customers in 10 states.

For benchmarking purposes, store counts are as of Jan. 1, 2022.

Chain: Sheetz

No. of Stores: 630

2021 Ranking: 14

2022 Ranking: 13

Headquarters: Altoona, Pa.

What’s New: Sheetz added 15 new stores in 2021, growing to 630 sites. The Altoona, Pa.-based chain named Travis Sheetz as its new president and CEO in 2021, succeeding Joe Sheetz, who has become executive vice chairman. Sheetz also raised store wages by $2 per hour and began accepting cryptocurrencies in the store and at the pump in 2022.

For benchmarking purposes, store counts are as of Jan. 1, 2021.

Chains: Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores

No. of Stores: 581

2021 Ranking: 16

2022 Ranking: 14

Headquarters: Oklahoma City

What’s New: In 2021, Love’s opened 38 new locations and added almost 3,000 truck parking spaces across the country. The company also added 22 new Speedco and Love’s Truck Care locations to help get professional truck drivers back on the road.

Love’s installed the Shop Connect View platform at Love’s Truck Care and Speedco locations. The cloud-based system allows fleets to better manager maintenance needs on the web or through a new app. The company also expanded its Mobile to Go Zone in 2021, adding about 100 new items including Bluetooth neckband earbuds, quad wall chargers and wireless charging pads for every phone type.

In November 2020, the chain partnered with quick-service restaurant chain Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill to open in a Greenup, Ill., travel center. The QSR offers handmade Middle Eastern food options such as pita, chicken Shawarma, hummus and falafel. Love’s plans to add 10 more Naf Naf locations in the next five years.

Love’s prides itself on its numerous types of stores and services, including its Country Stores, Travel Stops, a growing interstate hotel business and storage facilities. It has stores in 41 states across the country.

For benchmarking purposes, store counts are as of Jan. 1, 2022.

Chains: RaceTrac

No. of Stores: 558

2021 Ranking: 15

2022 Ranking: 15

Headquarters: Atlanta

What’s New: RaceTrac operates stores in Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas and Tennessee, and it opened a new store in Gardendale, Ala., in the Birmingham market, on Jan. 13, 2021, marking the chain’s reentry into the Alabama market after 15 years. The company plans to build more stores in Alabama through 2025, including other locations already in the permitting phase in the Irondale, Alabaster, Gadsden, Huntsville and Muscle Shoals areas.

In July 2021, RaceTrac launched the RaceTrac Rewards + Debit card, which saves customers up to 27 cents per gallon at the fuel pump. It combines the chain’s Fuel Rewards, Rewards VIP and Debit Rewards offers into a single program.

New RaceTrac locations offer Grab & Go pizza and sandwiches made in-house; sandwiches, whole and cut fruit and salads, made and delivered fresh daily; the retailer’s Swirl World frozen treat stations offering a variety of ice creams, yogurts and sorbets with 28 toppings; six blends of Crazy Good Coffee with creamers, sweeteners and toppings.; foods including roller-grill favorites such as Nathan’s Famous 100% Premium All Beef Hot Dogs, tamales with traditional corn husk wraps and stuffed with seasoned pork and taquitos featuring battered and fried tortillas filled with meats, cheeses and spices.

RaceTrac also owns RaceWay c-stores, which are listed separately at No. 39.

For benchmarking purposes, store counts are as of Jan. 1, 2022.

Chains: We Got It! Food Mart, My Goods Market, Rocket

No. of Stores: 511

2021 Ranking: 17

2022 Ranking: 16

Headquarters:Long Beach, Calif.

What’s New:  United Pacific is based in Long Beach, Calif., and operates 511 gas stations and convenience stores, including 457 company-operated stores and 54 fee-operated locations, throughout Southern and Northern California, Washington, Oregon, Colorado and Nevada. It offers motor fuel products under the 76, Conoco, Phillips 66, Shell and United Oil flags.

New York-based Fortress Investment Group created United Pacific from the purchases of United Oil Co. and Pacific Convenience & Fuels in 2015. United Pacific is now owned by SoftBank Group Corp., a Tokyo-based telecom holding company and investment firm that acquired it in 2017.

In 2021, United Pacific converted all its company-operated convenience stores to the Rocket brand, launched a new websiteand introduced third-party delivery services. With the recent rollout of the Rocket brand, United Pacific plans to introduce private-label products and roll out a rewards program delivered through the Rocket mobile app, the company said.

For benchmarking purposes, store counts are as of Jan. 1, 2022.

Chains: Anabi Oil, Rebel, 7-Eleven

No. of Stores: 475

2021 Ranking: 23

2022 Ranking: 17

Headquarters:Upland, Calif.

What’s New: In 2021, Anabi Oil added 125 stores to its portfolio of sites with the purchase of 124 Speedway and 7-Eleven stores in the Midwest, Northeast, Utah and Florida from 7-Eleven Inc.

Anabi Oil has a large footprint in California, selling and delivering fuel from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Anabi is the largest Shell distributor in California, as well as the largest 7-Eleven franchisee in the United States, the company said. Besides Shell, Anabi also distributes Sinclair, 76 and unbranded fuels.

Anabi owns the Rebel convenience-store brand, which it acquired from Las Vegas-based Rebel Oil Co. in 2016. Rebel stores are in several Nevada cities and towns, and more new-to-industry Rebel stores have been added in California, sporting new branding and design.

Family-owned Anabi buys and sells stations with existing c-store, car washes and quick-service restaurants. The company supports operators with financing options and guidance on facility branding and upgrades.

For benchmarking purposes, store counts are as of Jan. 1, 2022.

Chains: Kum & Go

No. of Stores: 409

2021 Ranking: 18

2022 Ranking: 18

Headquarters: Des Moines, Iowa

What’s New: Kum & Go upped its charge into the future by forming an alliance in 2021 with San Francisco-based food innovation agency The Culinary Edge to significantly transform its menu and create healthier choices in the c-store space.

Kum & Go for a few years has been transforming its brand for two reasons, the first of which is to position its c-stores “for the long term in a world that doesn’t include gasoline,” said Stuart Taylor, vice president of business insights and analytics, noting a looming drop in demand due to the rise of electric vehicles and greater fuel efficiency in vehicles.

Kum & Go also added its first clean-label breakfast sandwich in 2021 and launched a new fresh-food menu that includes made-to-order food include grain bowls, higher-quality meats and vegetables layered on fresh baked bread, and more. It also revamped its brand with a new visual identity, tone, ad campaign titled “So Delicious It’s Distracting” and new tagline, “A Fresh Perspective.”

In 1959, W.A. “Bill” Krause and T.S. Gentle formed a partnership and created convenience-store chain Kum & Go. The two, a father-in-law and son-in-law, created Hampton Oil Co. in Hampton, Iowa, which became the Krause Gentle Corp. and later Kum & Go LC. Krause Group is parent company to a diverse set of businesses that include convenience retail, logistics, Italian wineries and hospitality, real estate, agriculture and soccer clubs.

Kum & Go has long been dedicated to the communities it serves, sharing 10% of its profits with charitable causes. Leadership speaks out on issues such as racial and sexual equality and racial injustice.

For benchmarking purposes, store counts are as of Jan. 1, 2022.

Chains: Kwik Fill, Red Apple Food Marts and Country Fair

No. of Stores: 406

2021 Ranking: 21

2022 Ranking: 19

Headquarters: Warren, Pa.

What’s New: Warren, Pa.-based United Refining Co. (URC) added 39 convenience stores in 2021. URC is an independent refiner and marketer of petroleum products and the parent company of convenience stores in Pennsylvania and portions of Ohio and New York. The company operates gas stations, convenience stores, truckstops, restaurants and garages. The c-stores are branded Kwik Fill, Red Apple Food Marts and Country Fair. Each is a separate retail division, operated independently, with separate company headquarters and management staffs.

For benchmarking purposes, store counts are as of Jan. 1, 2021.

Chains: unbranded

No. of Stores: 404

2021 Ranking: 20

2022 Ranking: 20

Headquarters: Doral, Fla.

What’s New: Sunshine Gasoline Distributors Inc., owned by Cuban-American Maximo Alvarez, owns 404 convenience stores, up from 395 sites a year ago. A company representative tells CSP all of the company's new sites came through acquisitions. While most of Sunshine's c-stores are unbranded, its gasoline brands include Shell, Chevron, Exxon, Mobil, Marathon and CITGO.

In January 2021, Sunshine Gasoline Distributors began offering a subscription program for unlimited car washes. The Max Car Wash mobile app program was developed and is powered by Liquid Barcodes, a loyalty and digital marketing platform for convenience-store retailers.

For benchmarking purposes, store counts are as of Jan. 1, 2022.

Chains: Yesway, Allsup’s

No. of Stores: 403

2021 Ranking: 19

2022 Ranking: 21

Headquarters: Fort Worth, Texas

What’s New: Yesway applied to go public in 2021. In September, the company filed a statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for a proposed $100 million initial public offering (IPO) of its stock. The convenience-store company, based in Fort Worth, Texas, has applied to list on The Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol YSWY. The application was still pending as of January 2022.

Yesway skyrocketed its growth in 2019 when it acquired Clovis, N.M.-based Allsup’s and its 304 stores in Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma, catapulting the chain into the 2020 top 20 of CSP’s list. In 2020, Yesway set to work integrating the Allsup’s brand into its network.

Yesway is owned by BW Gas & Convenience Holdings, which joined the convenience-store industry in late 2015 with ambitions of operating up to 1,000 stores. It first acquired 10 Country Store sites in late 2015, then added 21 sites purchased from Kum & Go. The chain has slowly accumulated stores through acquisition ever since, most recently in July 2018 with the Fresh Start chain. In March 2018, it acquired the In & Out BP Travel Plaza in Marshalltown, Iowa. And in February 2018, it acquired five Rip Griffin Travel Centers in Texas and one State Line Convenience store in Missouri.

The company is an affiliate of Beverly, Mass.-based Brookwood Financial Partners, a real-estate and private-equity investment and asset management company with more than $2.6 billion in holdings. Brookwood Financial Partners LLC formed BW in 2015 and announced its c-store brand—Yesway—in summer 2016.

For benchmarking purposes, store counts are as of Jan. 1, 2022.

Chains: Maverik

No. of Stores: 380

2021 Ranking: 22

2022 Ranking: 22

Headquarters: Salt Lake City, Utah

What’s New: Maverik operates stores in 12 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Nebraska, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. The brand targets adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts by establishing itself as a “base camp” to fuel up for activities such as off-roading, biking, canoeing and mountain climbing, while reflecting the natural beauty of the local communities’ favorite outdoor adventures in the stores’ design and incorporating them into the stores’ concept and decor.

Maverik is known for its BonFire food offer, made fresh every day, and its values on fuel, drinks and snacks. Maverik sells exclusive products such as burritos, sandwiches, pizzas, subs, cookies and coffee blends from around the world. Loyalty members using their Adventure Club or Nitro cards can use Trail Points collected on their app to enter for a chance to win adventure-themed prizes in the chain’s series of sweepstakes presented in partnership with popular product brands.

USA Today named Maverik among the top 10 gas station brands of 2021.

For benchmarking purposes, store counts are as of Jan. 1, 2022.

Chains: Stewart’s Shops, Stewart’s Express

No. of Stores: 354

2021 Ranking: 24

2022 Ranking: 23

Headquarters: Ballston Spa, N.Y.

What’s New: Stewart’s Shops in 2021 added more EV chargers and launched a campaign with a regional tourism office to encourage buying supplies and using the restroom and other preparedness tips before setting out on hikes.

The chain also acquired the eight-unit Blueox Neighborhood Market c-store chain from Blueox Corp., boosting its footprint farther into central New York. It also continued ice cream promotions including one honoring veterans Nov. 11, for Father’s Day and on St. Patrick’s Day.

Stewart’s Shops also launched a Free Coffee Day program in early 2021 where businesses host a daylong program in a Stewart’s Shop to connect with their community. The businesses pick up the tab for the coffee.

While Stewart’s Shops is mostly owned by the family of chairman William Dake, employees also own about 40% of the company through an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).

Stewart’s is known regionally for its milk, ice cream, coffee, food to go, gasoline and other convenience items. The company has an extensive production, distribution and warehousing network that supplies its stores. As a result, the chain is unique in the number of products it produces in its own facilities, including 20-ounce “refresher” teas and dairy drinks.

For benchmarking purposes, store counts are as of Jan. 1, 2022.

Chains: MAPCO Express

No. of Stores: 332

2021 Ranking: 25

2022 Ranking: 24

Headquarters: Franklin, Tenn.

What’s New: Owned by Compania de Petroleos de Chile (COPEC), a Chilean retail and fuel giant, MAPCO operates convenience stores in the United States under MAPCO Express banner.

In August 2020, MAPCO began offering delivery at more than 35 MAPCO Express convenience stores in Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas and Kentucky through a partnership with third-party delivery service DoorDash.

In June 2021, CSP named MAPCO to its “20 Great Coffee Programs” for the year based on consumer response to Technomic surveys.

For benchmarking purposes, store counts are as of Jan. 1, 2022.

Chains: Jacksons Food Stores

No. of Stores: 297

2021 Ranking: 30

2022 Ranking: 25

Headquarters: Meridian, Idaho

What’s New: In 2021, Jacksons Food Stores, which runs 297 locations in seven Western states, acquired 62 7-Eleven and Speedway locations with fuel in Arizona, California and Nevada. The deal with 7-Eleven Inc. closed in October.

The family of Jackson companies owns, operates or supplies more than 1,997 stores across nine western states. The companies are vertically integrated, with fuel supplied to more than 1,100 locations in eight states by Jacksons Energy, full-line grocery and supplies distributed through Capitol Distributing, and fresh food products supplied through Capitol Kitchens.

In 2017, Jacksons entered a joint-venture partnership with San Ramon, Calif.-based Chevron Corp. to franchise and grow the oil company’s ExtraMile c-store brand. Jacksons Food Stores Inc., a private company, manages its own stores, while the joint-venture entity, called ExtraMile Convenience Stores, oversees its ExtraMile locations as a franchisor.

The company’s retail network includes a mix of c-stores, travel centers and car washes. Jacksons Energy is a jobber for more than 1,150 dealer sites, delivering fuel brands 76, Chevron, Conoco, Exxon, Mobil, Phillips 66, Shell and Texaco.

For benchmarking purposes, store counts are as of Jan. 1, 2022.

Chains: Alltown, Alltown Fresh, Convenience Plus, Fast Freddie’s, Honey Farms, Wheels

No. of Stores: 295

2021 Ranking: 27

2022 Ranking: 26

Headquarters: Waltham, Mass.

What’s New: Operating primarily in the Northeast, Global Partners is one of the region’s largest independent owners, suppliers and operators of gas stations and c-stores under several retail brands, including Alltown Fresh, Honey Farms and Wheels.

In November 2021, Global Partners acquired 13 Mac’s Market c-stores and one commissioned agent site from Sherman V. Allen Inc., Rutland, Vt. The stores are located in Vermont, New Hampshire, New York and Massachusetts and sell CITGO-branded fuels.

In December 2021, the company agreed to divest seven stores that sell gasoline and diesel fuel in five local markets in Connecticut to Petroleum Marketing Investment Group LLC to settle Federal Trade Commission (FTC) charges that Global Partners’ proposed acquisition of Consumers Petroleum of Connecticut’s 27 Wheels c-stores violates federal antitrust laws. The transaction also includes fuel supply agreements for approximately 25 stations in Connecticut and New York.

Global Partners is rolling out Skip’s self-checkout kiosks at its company-owned locations after a successful pilot program that tested the new kiosk at select Global-owned stores.

For benchmarking purposes, store counts are as of Jan. 1, 2022.

Chains: Bolla Market

No. of Stores: 284

2021 Ranking: 31

2022 Ranking: 27

Headquarters: Garden City, N.Y.

What’s New: Founded in 1989, Bolla Oil Corp. operates gas stations and convenience stores, auto repair shops and car washes throughout the New York metro area.

In December, Bolla Market took part in a Tim Hortons restaurant promotion, offering limited-edition Timbiebs Timbits, a Justin Bieber-inspired bakery promotion from the Canada-based coffee retailer. Timbits were bite-sized doughnut holes, and came in chocolate white fudge, sour cream chocolate chip and birthday cake waffle flavors.

For benchmarking purposes, store counts are as of Jan. 1, 2022.

Chains: TA, TA Express

No. of Stores: 276

2021 Ranking: 28

2022 Ranking: 28

Headquarters: Westlake, Ohio

What’s New: TravelCenters of America LLC increased its total store count by 4 from 2020 to 2021. As it prepares to celebrate its 50-year anniversary in early 2022, the retailer is moving forward with plans to “transform” the business to upgrade the customer experience and growth the company. The improvements will include expanded restaurant options, remodeled retail sites, new travel-center openings, technology upgrades, a growing franchise base and a plan to bring alternative energy resources to the marketplace, the company said.

In May of 2020, TA announced a companywide reorganization, which included significant leadership changes. The company also accelerated its network expansion strategy by actively pursuing franchise opportunities. In 2020, the travel-stop company signed 21 franchise agreements and opened 10 new franchise locations. Brands include TA and TA Express.

For benchmarking purposes, store counts are as of Jan. 1, 2022.

Chains: GetGo Cafe and Market

No. of Stores: 274

2021 Ranking: 29

2022 Ranking: 29

Headquarters:Pittsburgh, Pa.

What’s New: GetGo, the convenience-store division of the Pittsburgh-based Giant Eagle supermarket chain, owns and operates stores in five states, primarily focused in the metropolitan areas of Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Columbus and Indianapolis.

In 2021, Giant Eagle supermarkets and GetGo convenience-store locations began accepting PayPal and Venmo as forms of payment, becoming the first U.S. chains to offer customers the ability to use them at the register. The company also partnered with Grabango this year for frictionless and contactless checkout technology.

This year, the chain adopted Rational’s combi ovens, allowing the company to make changes to its ovens via WiFi from its headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pa. The company added InvencoG6 and G7 Pay-at-Pump terminals, iNFX retail microservices and Cloud Services management platform to its fuel pumps. GetGo also began replacing traditional cooler doors with digital smart screens with its Cooler Screens partnership.

GetGo opened its first store inside a sports facility, PPG Paints Arena, the home of the Pittsburg Penguins.

For benchmarking purposes, store counts are as of Jan. 1, 2022.

Chains: Royal Farms

No. of Stores: 251

2021 Ranking: 33

2022 Ranking: 30

Headquarters: Baltimore, Md.

What’s New: Royal Farms is an operator of neighborhood c-stores throughout Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

The chain is working with NCR to equip its stores with self-checkout technology, which the company introduced in 2019, and which gained traction in 2021 as many customers sought touch-free interaction because of the pandemic. Adding self-checkout technology has improved efficiencies for staff and the in-store experience for customers.

The retailer’s Royal Farm’s Reward app also allows consumers to pay for items on the go with a credit or debit card linked to an account.

In April, Royal Farms began ramping up a large-scale hiring effort with the goal of 4,500 new employees by the end of this year. The company increased hourly store employee pay by $2 per hour in May 2021, representing an investment into the chain’s employees of more than $15 million dollars. Store leaders received additional compensation to their weekly salaries throughout the end of the summer.

The company also offered a workplace attendance bonus of $150 a month and a $50 COVID wellness bonus to any employee who completes the full vaccination schedule. Additionally, existing employees who refer a new applicant will earn $300 dollars.

For benchmarking purposes, store counts are as of Jan. 1, 2022.

Chains: DK, 7-Eleven

No. of Stores: 250

2021 Ranking: 32

2022 Ranking: 31

Headquarters: Brentwood, Tenn.

What’s New: Delek U.S. Holdings is a diversified downstream energy company with assets in petroleum refining, renewable fuels, asphalt, logistics, wholesale marketing operations and convenience-store retailing. The refining assets consist of refineries operated in Tyler and Big Spring, Texas, El Dorado, Ark., and Krotz Springs, La. The c-store business operates locations in central and west Texas and New Mexico. Delek US is the largest 7-Eleven licensee in the United States, although the companies have agreed to exit the licensing agreement.

In 2021, DK stores rolled out touchless self-checkout to 25% of its stores, and its new High-Octance Rewards loyalty program was released across the entire chain.

For benchmarking purposes, store counts are as of Jan. 1, 2022.

Chains: Express Lane, Uni-Mart, Joe’s Kwik Marts, Rocky Top Markets, Zoomerz, Top Star and Choice Tobacco Outlets

No. of Stores: 248

2021 Ranking: 48

2022 Ranking: 32 (tie)

Headquarters: Allentown, Pa.

What’s New: Formed in 2012, CrossAmerica Partners LP is a distributor of branded and unbranded petroleum for motor vehicles in the United States and distributes fuel to approximately 1,700 locations and owns or leases approximately 1,100 sites. With a geographic footprint covering 34 states, it has relationships with several major oil brands, including ExxonMobil, BP, Shell, Chevron, Sunoco, Valero, Gulf, CITGO, Marathon and Phillips 66.

In early 2021, in a $263 million deal, CrossAmerica acquired 106 company-operated sites from 7-Eleven Inc. that 7-Eleven sold as part of the divestiture process in connection with its acquisition of the Speedway chain from Marathon Petroleum Corp. In May 2021, CrossAmerica began rebranding the stores in in Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia as Joe’s Kwik Mart. Other company-owned retail brands include Hy-Miler Convenience in Ohio, Uni-Mart in Ohio and Pennsylvania, Rocky Top Market in Tennessee, Stop In Food Stores in Virginia and West Virginia, One Stop in West Virginia and Zoomerz in Tennessee.

For benchmarking purposes, store counts are as of Jan. 1, 2022.

Chains: Timewise, Shell Select

No. of Stores: 248

2021 Ranking: NA

2022 Ranking: 32 (tie)

Headquarters: Houston

What’s New: Shell Retail and Convenience Operations LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Shell Oil Products US, returns to the top of the c-store ranks with its October acquisition of 248 fuel and convenience-retail sites from the Landmark group of companies, whose stores operate in Texas under the Timewise brand. The agreement also included supply agreements with an additional 117 independently operated fuel and c-stores. Shell had largely exited retailing in the United States in the early 2000s, opting instead to pursue upstream profits rather than downstream retail opportunities. This acquisition marks Shell’s first major acquisition in recent years, and Shell indicated that the Landmark acquisition would serve as the foundation that will allow the company to grow its company-operated network in the United States.

Chains: Applegreen

No. of Stores: 233

2021 Ranking: 41

2022 Ranking: 34

Headquarters:Dublin, Ireland

What’s New: Irish convenience-store retailer Applegreen, the holding company of Petrogas Group U.S. Inc., Plainview, N.Y., made its U.S. debut in 2014 after opening its first sites in New York state. It made its Top 202 debut in 2019, after a series of acquisitions increased its store count.

The U.S. business is run by Elizabeth Pierce, president of Applegreen USA Operations, and includes sites in the North, Midwest and Southeast under the Shell, Exxon, Mobil, Sunoco, BP, Chevron, Holiday, Freedom and Speedway fuel brands.

Food partnerships include Burger King, McDonalds, Subway, 7-Eleven, Taco Bell, Dunkin’ Donuts, Hunt Brothers Pizza, Pizza Hut and Mama DeLuca’s Pizza. The chain also offers proprietary foodservice.

For benchmarking purposes, store counts are as of Jan. 1, 2022.

Chains: CEFCO

No. of Stores: 230

2021 Ranking: 40

2022 Ranking: 35

Headquarters: Temple, Texas

What’s New: CEFCO Convenience Stores completed several technology upgrades in 2021. It launched web-based pay-at-the-pump capabilities using its digital wallet in partnership with Stuzo. The new capability enables CEFCO Rewards members to securely purchase fuel and car washes via a fast and frictionless web experience, using the CEFCO digital wallet and payment method of their choice. CEFCO also launched new self-ordering kiosks with technology from software company Reji and the Austin model from Olea Kiosks in two of its Texas-based CEFCO Kitchen locations.

Its growth in 2021 was due to all new store builds in Texas and Florida, especially around its CEFCO Kitchens concept. CEFCO pursued an aggressive rebuild and new-build strategy in 2020, completing two rebuilds, as well as building three new sites.

CEFCO stores are in six states: Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi and Florida. Parent company Fikes Wholesale Inc. is a supplier of branded and unbranded gasoline and diesel fuel to retail and commercial locations throughout the Southeast United States.

For benchmarking purposes, store counts are as of Jan. 1, 2022.

Chains: Meijer Gas Stations, Meijer Express

No. of Stores: 228

2021 Ranking: 36

2022 Ranking: 36

Headquarters: Grand Rapids, Mich.

What’s New: Meijer Gas Stations and Meijer Express convenience stores are part of the Meijer company portfolio, which also includes grocery stores in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and Wisconsin. Meijer, whose gas stations offer Top Tier gasoline and diesel fuel, opened a new Meijer Express gas station and convenience store in Stow, Ohio, next to a Meijer supercenter in May 2021, and a gas station and c-store whose offerings include sushi made daily, in Caledonia, Mich., in December 2021. Meijer c-stores, which carry a wide variety of beverages, snacks and fresh-prepared and packaged food, range in size from about 2,500 square feet up to 5,500 square feet at newer locations. C-stores are open 24 hours a day and offer fuel discounts for Meijer credit card and fleet card holders.

For benchmarking purposes, store counts are as of Jan. 1, 2022.

Chains: Hart’s, Superpumper, KB Express, ConoMart Super Stores, KJ's Super Stores, Red Carpet Carwash and Urbieta Oil

No. of Stores: 213

2021 Ranking: 85

2022 Ranking: 37

Headquarters: Charleston, S.C.

What’s New: Calgary, Alberta-based Parkland Corp. is a major independent supplier and marketer of fuel and petroleum products in Canada, the United States, the Caribbean and the Americas through retail, commercial and wholesale channels. It is the second largest c-store operator in Canada with 650 retail outlets and more than 1,830 dealer sites. Parkland USA has operations in 13 western states.

In 2020, Parkland acquired the license for the exclusive use of the On the Run brand in most of the United States. Parkland USA completed its first U.S. conversion of a store to the On the Run c-store brand in May 2021, with a goal of becoming one of the industry’s premier unit consolidators. Parkland has assembled a growing portfolio of company-owned c-stores and dealer sites in the United States.

In April, Parkland USA acquired Conrad & Bischoff Inc., adding 17 company-owned and two leased c-stores in three states under the KJ’s Super Stores brand and 39 dealer sites.

In July 2021, Parkland USA acquired Red Carpet Carwash, a 12-unit car wash, retail fuel and c-store business in western North Dakota.

In November 2021, Parkland USA acquired Lynch Oil, including five Mr. Gas c-stores and forecourts and two travel centers. Also in November, it acquired Urbieta Oil, including 94 retail locations in Florida, and Parker’s Energy, the wholesale fuel marketing division of Savannah, Ga.-based c-store company Parker’s Corp.

For benchmarking purposes, store counts are as of Jan. 1, 2022.

Chains: Stripes

No. of Stores: 209

2021 Ranking: 37

2022 Ranking: 38

Headquarters: Frisco, Texas

What’s New: Cal’s Convenience entered into a commission-agent agreement with Sunoco to own and operate 207 Stripes c-stores in April 2018. Jack Whitney, former vice president of retail operations for Sunoco and Stripes, is president and CEO of Cal’s Convenience.

Cal’s stores are spread across West Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma. Through the commission-agent agreement, Stripes LLC granted Cal’s a sublicense to use the Stripes and Laredo Taco Co. brands, pursuant to Stripes’ license agreements with 7-Eleven Inc.

For benchmarking purposes, store counts are as of Jan. 1, 2022.

Chains: RaceWay

No. of Stores: 207

2021 Ranking: 39

2022 Ranking: 39

Headquarters: Atlanta, Ga.

What’s New: RaceWay operates stores in 11 states in the Southeast. In 2021, the chain opened two expanded diesel offer sites (EDO) in Georgia. It operates as a franchisor, with each location owned by parent company RaceTrac Petroleum Inc. (listed separately at No. 15). In the RaceWay network, operators pay a commission per gallon of gasoline sold, with inside inventory and sales being the responsibility of the operator. All the stores sell the company’s proprietary gasoline brand.

The chain exited the Houston market in 2020, but it is looks to grow its portfolio of stores though organic new builds and acquisitions. RaceWay’s locations average 2,900 square feet.

For benchmarking purposes, store counts are as of Jan. 1, 2022.

Chains: Sam’s Food Stores, DB Mart, Smoker’s Discount World

No. of Stores: 203

2021 Ranking: 34

2022 Ranking: 40

Headquarters: Rocky Hill, Conn.

What’s New: Sam’s Food Stores operates locations across New England, with many sites in Connecticut. The business includes the convenience-store chains Sam’s Food Stores and DB Mart, gas station chain Ravi Petro and the tobacco specialty shop Smoker’s Discount World, plus other sites that are branded by fuel. Sam’s Food Stores has a handful of company-operated stores, with the rest leased to independent operators.

Sam’s Food Stores range in size from 1,500 to 2,500 square feet and operate in both heavily populated towns and smaller communities.

For benchmarking purposes, store counts are as of Jan. 1, 2022.