New Convenience-Store Roundup for April 2020
By Greg Lindenberg on May 04, 2020CHICAGO — This edition of New Convenience-Store Roundup features new c-store openings, closings and more that took place in April 2020.
New-store openings as captured by CSP's count are down considerably from typical double-digit monthly totals, likely reflecting the economic slowdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which continues to affect retail. While c-stores, as officially designated essential businesses, remain open, the uncertainly surrounding the pandemic could be leading to a pause on store expansion.
The unscientifically gathered roundup—gleaned from company announcements, websites, email, 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.
- Click here for new c-store roundups from previous months, along with other grand opening and new-store coverage. And click here for coverage of convenience industry mergers-and-acquisitions activity.
Many of the stores listed here are owned by independent operators, while others belong to major chains. Many are part of CSP’s Top 202 list of c-store chains by size. Some of the owners and operators are new entrepreneurs, and some are industry veterans.
Unless otherwise mentioned, the new locations offer the food, snacks, beverages, tobacco, merchandise, services and amenities found in most c-stores. Most offer fuel.
Click through for a state-by-state breakdown …
Arkansas
Casey’s General Stores opened a new c-store April 30 in Cave City, Ark.
Net new stores*: 1
*Represents stores opened minus stores closed in this state for the month of this count only. Other c-stores not captured by this count may have opened or closed in the state.
Illinois
Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores opened a new location in Sauget, Ill., on Interstate 255, on April 27. The more than 9,000-square-foot site has 85 truck parking, 65 car parking and three RV parking spaces, and nine diesel bays. It features a Chester’s Chicken, Godfather’s Pizza, Subway restaurant and a Fresh Kitchen foodservice concept, bean-to-cup coffee, seven showers, laundry facilities, Mobile to Go Zone for electronics and CAT scale.
Net new stores: 1
Georgia
TravelCenters of America opened a new TA Express site in West Point, Ga., on Interstate 85, exit 6, on April 22. Services and amenities include 25 truck parking spaces, diesel fueling with RFID and diesel exhaust fluid at all lanes, gasoline fueling lanes, private showers, a laundry room, drivers' lounge and travel store. Dining options include Champs Chicken and an on-site deli with freshly prepared options.
Net new stores: 1
Massachusetts
VERC Enterprises opened a new c-store with Gulf gasoline, a Dunkin’ and a car wash in Webster, Mass., on April 21.
Net new stores: 1
Michigan
Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores opened a new location in Watertown, Mich., located off Interstates 69 and 96, on April 27. The more than 9,000-square-foot site has 116 truck and 82 car parking spaces and seven diesel bays. It features Hardee’s and Subway restaurants and a Fresh Kitchen foodservice concept, bean-to-cup coffee, nine showers, laundry facilities, Mobile to Go Zone for electronics, CAT scale and a Love’s Truck Care with Speedco facility on site.
Net new stores: 1
Oregon
TravelCenters of America opened a new TA Express site in Wasco, Ore., on Interstate 84, exit 104, on April 21. Services and amenities include 40 truck parking spaces, diesel fueling with RFID and diesel exhaust fluid at all lanes, gasoline fueling lanes, private showers, a laundry room, drivers' lounge and travel store. Dining options include Pizza Hut, Krispy Krunchy Chicken and on-site deli with freshly prepared options.
Net new stores: 1
Texas
Wisconsin
Dave’s Mobil in Waukesha, Wis., closed its doors April 24 after 49 years in business. The owner said the city recently hindered access to his store by installing a median, which has prevented access into the gas station from the West, as well as from two Kwik Trip c-stores that opened in 2018 on both sides of the store.
Net new stores: -1
NEW STORES OPENED IN APRIL 2020: 7
STORES CLOSED IN APRIL 2020: 1
NET NEW STORES FOR APRIL 2020: 6
TOTAL NET NEW STORES FOR 2020: 64
To be sure your locations are listed in upcoming roundups, please send new-store announcements and other news to Greg Lindenberg at glindenberg@winsightmedia.com.