New Convenience-Store Roundup for December 2016
By Greg Lindenberg on Jan. 14, 2017CHICAGO-- This edition of New Convenience-Store Roundup features new convenience-store openings, closings and stores under new ownership for the month of December 2016.
The unscientifically gathered roundup—gleaned from company announcements, websites, social media and newspapers around the country, among other sources—is by no means complete, but it serves as a monthly competitive snapshot of newly opened or closed U.S. convenience stores, gas stations, truckstops and travel centers not previously reported in CSP Daily News.
Many of the stores are owned by independent operators, while others belong to major chains, some part of CSP’s Convenience Top 101. Some represent new entrepreneurs, while others are longtime business owners exiting the industry.
Please send your new-store announcements to Greg Lindenberg at glindenberg@winsightmedia.com.
Click through for a state-by-state breakdown …
California
Pilot Flying J opened a new Flying J travel plaza in Patterson, Calif., above, on Dec. 13. The 11.3-acre development includes a 14,788-square-foot travel-center building with a drivers lounge, laundry, shower facility, restrooms, storage facilities and retail space for Wendy’s, Cinnabon, Auntie Anne’s and PJ Fresh Marketplace. It also has a truck yard with fueling stations, including eight dispensers for passenger vehicles, nine diesel fueling positions, a truck weighing station, parking for 150 trucks and trailers and a recreational vehicle fueling station with two dispensers and a dump station.
Colorado
Kum & Go opened new c-stores in Craig, Colo., on Dec. 15; Colorado Springs, Colo., on Dec. 22; and Evans, Colo., on Dec. 30. They all use the new Marketplace store design, which features a “Go Fresh Market” food experience with an open and expanded preparation area, clear aisles and easy-to-navigate zones, seating inside and heated patio seating outside and complimentary Wi-Fi and charging stations. They were also designed for Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED)-certified status, using energy efficient and sustainable design practices.
Connecticut
On Dec. 7, Global Partners opened an Alltown Market c-store in Middlebury, Conn., featuring the first Centre St. Kitchen in the state. It offers handmade breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack options created on-site, including made-to-order artisan sandwiches, wraps and subs; customizable pizza by the slice and pie; build-your-own breakfast sandwiches, sides and oatmeal all day; homestyle meals including macaroni and cheese, chicken wings, chicken tenders and mozzarella sticks; and custom-blended coffee, espresso, tea, cold-brew iced coffee and fresh-brewed iced tea. Centre St. Kitchen offers touchscreen kiosk ordering, cafe tables, a stand-up counter, free Wi-Fi and charging stations.
Florida
CEFCO Convenience Stores opened its sixth Florida Panhandle site, located in Milton, Fla., on Dec. 21. The 5,500-square-foot, newly constructed store reflects the company’s latest design, which incorporates innovative enhancements in an open, fresh design, with modern treatments and upgraded finishes. It has the chain’s latest hot and cold Fresh Eats grab-and-go offerings, including the Fresh Yo self-service frozen yogurt concept and Which Wich restaurant.
A new Circle K convenience store opened in Jacksonville, Fla., on Dec. 1. Part of the Circle K Franchise system, it offers propane, diesel and lottery; it is also co-branded with Mobil fuel.
Illinois
Casey’s General Stores opened a new c-store in Lincoln, Ill., on Dec. 6.
Iowa
Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores opened its doors in Floyd, Iowa, on Dec. 8. The 10,000-square-foot facility is open 24/7. In addition to a Subway restaurant, it also features a Godfather’s Pizza Express restaurant, gourmet coffee, fresh fruit, gift items and more. The location also has 80 truck parking spaces, five showers, RFID cardless fueling, CAT scales and other driver services.
Kum & Go opened two new c-stores in West Des Moines, Iowa, on Dec. 9. The more than 6,200-square-foot stores use the new Marketplace store design, which features a “Go Fresh Market” food experience with an open and expanded preparation area, clear aisles and easy-to-navigate zones, seating inside and heated patio seating outside and complimentary Wi-Fi and charging stations. They were also designed for Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED)-certified status, using energy efficient and sustainable design practices.
Massachusetts
Seasons Corner Market opened new locations in Rochester, Mass., on Dec. 2, and Swansea, Mass., on Dec. 29. The 24-hour c-stores offer Marylou’s Coffee, Nicole’s Gourmet fresh prepared foods from Pranzi Catering, a Pepsi Spire fountain, f’real milkshakes, Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs, fresh fruit and flowers, as well as snacks, candy and automotive products. They offer Shell gas pumps, including diesel and the new Nitro+.
Minnesota
After 38 years, the Lemon Tree Liquor and Gas convenience store in Cloquet, Minn., closed on Dec. 3.
Kwik Trip opened new c-stores in Two Harbors, Minn., on Dec 17; Vadnais Heights, Minn., on Dec. 21; and Eagan, Minn., above, on Dec. 23.
Montana
The Eden Market c-store in Great Falls, Mont., previously the Outback market, officially opened for business on Dec. 21.
New Hampshire
In December, General manager Nicole Milewski officially became a franchisee after purchasing a formerly corporate-owned 7-Eleven c-store in Conway, N.H.
New York
Fastrac opened a new Fastrac Cafe in Elbridge, N.Y., on Dec. 23.
The Seneca Nation opened a new gas station and c-store in Niagara Falls, N.Y., on Dec. 23.
Oklahoma
A new Love’s Country Store opened for business in Crescent, Okla., on Dec. 1. The 24-hour, 4,000-square-foot facility offers Subway and Godfather’s Pizza restaurants, gourmet coffee, fresh fruit, gift merchandise and roller grills that offer hot dogs, tamales and more.
Kum & Go opened two new c-stores in Broken Arrow, Okla., on Dec. 15. The more than 6,200-square-foot store uses the new Marketplace store design, which features a “Go Fresh Market” food experience with an open and expanded preparation area, clear aisles and easy-to-navigate zones, seating inside and heated patio seating outside and complimentary Wi-Fi and charging stations. It was also designed for Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED)-certified status, using energy efficient and sustainable design practices.
Pennsylvania
Wawa opened a new, 7,000-square-foot c-store in the Center City district in Philadelphia on Dec. 2. It does not sell gasoline. It includes 25 bar seats, the most of any Wawa. The store will also include USB outlets so customers can charge phones and other devices.
Sheetz opened new c-stores in Manheim, Pa., on Dec. 8; near Hershey, Pa., in the Hummelstown and Derry Township area on Dec. 15; and in York, Pa., on Dec. 22. All of the locations are open 24/7 and offer the Made to Order (MTO) menu on touch-point terminals to order any specialty drink or food item.
Texas
Fuel City opened its third site, located in Haltom City, Texas, in mid-December. The 8,600-square-foot store offers the chain’s street tacos, subs, fried pies and milkshakes. Inside, the countertops are granite and the walls are covered in wood paneling and decorated with the mounted heads of 20 animals; near the cash register is a stuffed bear. Outside is a patio with flat-screen TVs and picnic tables. There also are statues including a horned frog. And behind an 8-foot-tall fence is the menagerie that is a trademark of the stores. Along with the buffaloes and other animals is a zonkey (a half-zebra, half-donkey) named Stormy.
CEFCO Convenience Stores opened a new c-store in Gilmer, Texas, on Dec. 16. The 5,500-square-foot, newly constructed store reflects the company’s latest design, which incorporates innovative enhancements in an open, fresh design, with modern treatments and upgraded finishes. It has the chain’s latest hot and cold Fresh Eats grab-and-go offerings, including the Fresh Yo self-service frozen yogurt concept and Which Wich quick-service restaurant (QSR).
Stripes held the grand opening of its newest c-store, located in Laredo, Texas, on Dec. 9. The 6,000-square-foot store features a Laredo Taco Company and 16 Valero dispensers with unleaded, super unleaded and diesel fuel. It also features a dining area that seats 30, a beer cooler and fountain. Stripes also held a grand opening for a new c-store and truckstop in Midland, Texas, on Dec. 20. The 7,000-square-foot store features a Laredo Taco Company and 32 Sunoco-branded dispensers with unleaded, super unleaded and diesel fuel. This location features a beer cooler, fountain, a dining area inside that seats 28 and an outdoor patio with seating for 20.
Utah
Chevron opened a new gas station in Eagle Mountain, Utah, on Dec. 1.
Virginia
Davis Travel Centers opened a new Davis Express c-store in Stony Creek, Va., on Dec. 9.
Wisconsin
Love’s Travel Stops opened for business in Dekorra, Wis., on Dec. 1. The new store is open 24/7 and offers gourmet coffee, fresh fruit, gift items, a Hardee’s restaurant and more. Professional drivers will find 73 truck parking spaces, seven showers and a Love’s Truck Tire Care center.
Kwik Trip opened new c-stores in Watertown, Wis., on Dec. 8; Marshfield, Wis., on Dec. 14; Superior, Wis., on Dec. 19; and Waunakee, Wis., on Dec. 26.