New Convenience-Store Roundup for December 2019
By Greg Lindenberg on Jan. 07, 2020CHICAGO — This edition of New Convenience-Store Roundup features new c-store openings, closings and more that took place in December 2019.
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 not previously reported in CSP Daily News.
- 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 2019 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
Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores opened a 10,500-square-foot location in Malvern, Ark., on Dec. 19. It features an Arby’s restaurants and the Fresh Kitchen concept; parking spaces for 79 trucks, 60 cars and two RVs; nine diesel bays; nine showers; laundry facilities; a Mobile to Go Zone for electronics; a CAT scale; and a dog park.
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. It also does not include store openings previously reported in CSP Daily News.
California
Pilot Flying J opened a new Flying J Travel Center in Jurupa Valley, Calif., in early December. It features 16 gasoline fueling positions and 12 diesel lanes; Wendy’s and Cinnabon restaurants; 107 truck and 22 bobtail parking spots; two ATMs; a Western Union; and nine showers.
United Pacific opened a new gas station in Castro Valley, Calif., on Dec. 16.
A 7-Eleven c-store in Dublin, Calif., closed on Dec. 18.
Net new stores: 1
Colorado
On Dec. 12 , 7-Eleven opened a new, 4,200-square-foot c-store in Loveland, Colo. It features 12 fueling positions selling 7-Eleven-branded gas, as well as a beer cave.
Net new stores: 1
Delaware
Wawa opened new c-stores in Camden, Del., on Dec. 10, and in Bear, Del., on Dec. 15.
Net new stores: 2
Illinois
Thorntons opened new c-stores on Dec. 18 in Monee, Ill., and Cicero, Ill., the chain’s 200th location
Marathon Petroleum opened a new Speedway c-store in Channahon, Ill., on Dec. 19.
Graham Enterprise Inc. opened a new Trio c-store in McHenry, Ill., in late December.
Net new stores: 4
Iowa
Kum & Go opened a new c-store in Ames, Iowa, on Dec. 9. It has 12 fueling dispensers that offer E-85, E-15, diesel and unleaded fuel.
Casey’s General Stores opened a new c-store in Manchester, Iowa, on Dec. 19.
Net new stores: 2
Kentucky
Brothers’ Little Mart, a c-store in downtown Frankfort, Ky., closed in early December.
Net new stores: -1
Louisiana
A new Corner Express c-store and Shell gas station opened in Lafayette, La., on Dec. 12. It features a Holston Creamery and a full Zeus restaurant.
Karl Dhaliwal opened a Now Save c-store in late December in Monroe, La., after almost five years of development and a $5 million total investment. The 18,000-square-foot building has a 1.5-acre footprint, taking up an entire block. The site has 18 fueling positions under the 76 brand. It also includes a full-service deli with barbecue from Shaw Nuff BBQ. Dhaliwal secured the location for $700,000 in 2015 when the owners of the Simmons Exxon and Hitch Center retired. He will also open a bar and restaurant called Wild Hawk in the back third of the building that will feature 10 beer brands on tap and big-screen TVs.
Net new stores: 2
Massachusetts
Global Partners opened a 4,830-square-foot Alltown Fresh c-store in Ayer, Mass., on Dec. 20. It features organic, natural, gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian products.
Net new stores: 1
Minnesota
Nebraska
Bosselman Enterprises opened a new Pump & Pantry c-store in Ogallala, Neb., on Dec. 10.
Net new stores: 1
New Jersey
Royal Farms opened a new c-store in Berlin, N.J., on Dec. 5.
Wawa opened a new c-store in Fairfield, N.J., on Dec. 10.
Net new stores: 2
New York
Byrne Dairy Co. opened a Byrne Dairy & Deli in Farmington, N.Y., on Dec. 11.
Stewart’s Shops opened new c-stores in Elizabethtown, N.Y., and Peru, N.Y., on Dec. 20.
Net new stores: 3
Ohio
Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores opened an 8,500 square-foot location in Obetz, Ohio, on Dec. 19. It features Chester’s Chicken, Godfather’s Pizza and Hardee’s restaurants and the Fresh Kitchen concept; parking spaces for 64 trucks, 64 cars and three RVs; 10 diesel bays; seven showers; laundry facilities; a Mobile to Go Zone for electronics; a CAT scale; and a Speedco truck service location.
Wawa opened a new c-store in Wyomissing, Pa., on Dec. 19.
Net new stores: 2
Oklahoma
Casey’s General Stores opened new c-stores in Oklahoma City, on Dec. 12 and Glenpool, Okla., on Dec. 19.
Net new stores: 2
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
The Spinx Co. opened a new c-store in Summerville, S.C., on Dec. 12. It features a full-service kitchen and a Ride ‘N Shine Tunnel Wash, which is set to open in early 2020.
Net new stores: 1
Texas
Foxtrot Market opened a new c-store in Dallas on Dec. 11.
Buchanan Energy opened a new Bucky’s gas station and c-store in Houston on Dec. 13. It features a Rapid Wash car wash and Take 5 Pizza.
Net new stores: 2
Virginia
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Casey’s General Stores opened new c-stores in Rochester, Wis., on Dec. 3, Wautoma, Wis., on Dec. 6, and Blue Mounds, Wis., on Dec. 12.
Willkomm’s Mobil gas station and c-store in Mount Pleasant, Wis., closed in late December. The Rocket Wash car wash, a Dunkin’ and The Dish restaurant will stay open. “The competitive landscape in our market has become more difficult,” because of the recent opening of a new Kwik Trip, co-owner Michael Willkomm said. “It’s definitely a major change in the landscape, yes. And I don’t fault them.”
Net new stores: 2
TOTAL NEW STORES FOR DECEMBER 2019: 32
TOTAL NEW STORES FOR 2019: 288
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.