QuikTrip

QuikTrip Corp. did not add fuel to its c-store offer until 1971, but since then, the Tulsa, Okla.-based chain has become one of the most formidable fuel retailers in the business.

One element to QuikTrip’s success is how seriously it takes fuel-island cleanliness. The chain regularly places near the top in CSP’s annual Mystery Shop contest. CEO Chet Cadieux describes it as a necessity for winning in retail. “It’s hard enough to be in the food business as a gasoline retailer,” he told CSP. “It’s probably impossible if you’re not taking care of the outside.”

In fact, QuikTrip regularly ranks in the top of Market Force Information’s annual consumer survey of favorite places to fill up, including tying for second in 2016. The Top Tier-certified fuel brand led in three attributes: ease of entering and exiting the property; cashier service; and having cleaning supplies at the fueling station.