Refuel is opening a convenience store in Kenedy, Texas, in late 2026 with a new quick-service restaurant partner: Whataburger.
This is the first Whataburger restaurant that Refuel is partnering with. It has QSRs in its stores, including Subway, Dairy Queen, Little Ceasars and Church’s Texas Chicken, said Colleen Barrett, Refuel’s vice president of development and construction.
The Whataburger will be located adjacent to Refuel’s new c-store at Highway 181 and Freeny Road in Kenedy. Whataburger will feature its full menu—including its namesake burger, chicken sandwiches, salads and more—and drive-thru service, complementing Refuel’s in-store offerings, Barrett said.
- Refuel Operating Co. LLC is tied for No. 36 on CSP’s 2026 Top 40 update to the 2025 Top 202 ranking of U.S. c-store chains by store count. Watch for the full 2026 Top 202 ranking in June.
“Customers can fuel up, grab hot ready-to-go meals, and shop a wide assortment of snacks, beverages and everyday essentials; all enhanced with discounts by loyalty customers,” she told CSP Daily News. “Together, the pairing brings two strong brands to one location, designed to drive traffic, extend customer visits and deliver a more elevated and convenient stop for the Kenedy community and travelers alike.”
Oklahoma City-based Love’s Travel Stops & Country stores recently opened its first Whataburger in San Antonio.
North Charleston, South Carolina-based Refuel Operating Co. LLC had 241 stores as of Jan. 1. The retail and wholesale fuel distribution and c-store business has locations in five states: North Carolina, South Carolina, Arkansas, Mississippi and Texas.
In June 2025, the company appointed two co-CEOs, Travis Smith and Jon Rier. Former CEO and Refuel founder Mark Jordan stepped into the role of chairman of the board.
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