New Convenience-Store Roundup for February 2023

This edition of CSP's New Convenience-Store Roundup features new-to-industry (NTI) c-store openings, as well as closings, that took place in February 2023.

California had the most new store openings in this monthly tally, with four locations in the Golden State. Maverik was the retailer with the most openings, with four stores in several states.

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. c-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. Some are part ofCSP’s Top 202 ranking of c-store chains by size. Some of the owners and operators are new entrepreneurs, and some are industry veterans.

Unless otherwise noted, these NTI locations offer the food, snacks, beverages, tobacco, merchandise, services and amenities found in most c-stores. Most offer fuel. ...

Jiffy Trip opened a new c-store in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, its first location in the state, on Feb. 23, also the first outside of its home state. The new site offers Phillips 66-branded fuel, and the store features the chain’s JT’s Comfort Restaurant, bean-to-cup coffee, a “House of Beer” beer cave and more.

Net new stores*: 1

*Represents new-to-industry 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. The roundup does not include raze-and-rebuild, remodeled or replacement stores.

Maverik opened a new c-store in Anderson, California, on Feb. 9. The more than 5,000-square-foot location offers made-to-order BonFire food including burritos, tacos, quesadillas, sandwiches, salads and more, as well as bean-to-cup coffee showcase coffee blends from around the world, accompanied by a collection of pastries. It features assisted checkout registers and in-store contactless payment technologies including Venmo, Paypal, and Apple Tap to Pay.

Street Corner Convenience Stores opened a new location in Hermosa Beach, California, on Feb. 11 on The Strand, a 22-mile stretch of beach-front property, in the building formerly occupied by the “Poop” Deck bar. The 2,200 square foot, urban superette-style store features a full-service Rare Earth Coffee bar with barista and wine, spirits and beer on tap on an outdoor patio. Street Corner also opened a store in the Vista Canyon mixed-use office, retail and residential complex in Santa Clarita, California, on Feb. 15. At just under 2,000 square feet, the location will offer self-serve coffee and sell beer, wine and liquor, as well as a selection of groceries to meet the needs of complex residents. Both stores offer a variety of sundry items along with quality pre-made food items, including salads, sandwiches, wraps, diced fruit and soup.

Retailer Vintners Distributors opened its first Poppy Market, a new convenience store and fuel station, in Arbuckle, California, on Feb. 25. Poppy has an electric-vehicle (EV) charging station, dog washing service, restaurant-style kitchen, car wash and bulk propane. The store also offers local produce and merchandise, personalized hats and more. It also offers Crunchy Munchy Chicken.

Net new stores: 4

Wawa opened a new c-store in Sarasota, Florida, on Feb. 3. It opened new c-stores in West Palm Beach, Florida, and Lake Worth, Florida, on Feb. 9.

Net new stores: 3

Jacksons Food Stores opened a new c-store in Meridian, Idaho, on Feb. 3

Net new stores: 1

bp’s Thorntons has opened a new c-store in the Chicago suburb of Riverwoods, Illinois, on Feb. 3. The company now operates a total of 88 stores in Illinois, 68 of which are in the Chicago area. This new 4,400-square-foot facility is set on 1.69 acres and features amenities including self-checkout; LED lighting; freshly made burritos and sandwiches prepared throughout the day in the store’s onsite kitchen; a variety of beverages, including fresh bean to cup coffee and ice-cold fountain beverages with nugget ice; and 16 auto fueling positions.

Net new stores: 1

Royal Farms opened new c-stores in Frederick, Maryland, on Feb. 2 and in Glen Burnie, Maryland, on Feb. 6.

Net new stores: 2

The 99¢ Convenience Store opened on Feb. 24 in Coldwater, Michigan. It is connected with the Coldwater Liquidation Center.

Net new stores: 1

FavTrip opened its new flagship c-store on Feb. 16 in Grandview, Missouri. The location offers a gasoline, diesel and other fuel products. The store, the chain's third owned-and-operated location, features drive-thru and walkup windows and delivery service. The 3,500-square-foot store includes two tenant spaces, for a total building size of 9,000 square feet. FavTrip does not stock liquor or offer lottery sales. It carries fresh produce.

Net new stores: 1

Maverik opened a new c-store in Sidney, Nebraska, its farthest east location, in early February. The 6,000-square-foot store features truck and RV lanes, a picnic area and made-to-order offerings from the BonFire Grill. Maverik also offers in-store contactless payment options including Venmo, Paypal and Apple Tap to Pay.

Net new stores: 1

Foxtrot opened a new c-store in Austin, Texas,  on Feb. 17. The 2,500-square-foot space was designed with architect Scott Magic of Magic Architecture and general contractor Franklin Alan. The signage and mural-painting were done by Ion Art. It offers local retail brands including Bola Pizza, Lick Honest Ice Creams, Teddy V. Pâtisserie, Toasty plant-based dips, Bottle Rocket Hot Sauce, Chop Chop ramen and more, Foxtrot is an all-day cafe experience, with coffee, seasonal cafe drinks, smoothies, breakfast tacos, chef-prepared salads and bowls, and grab-and-go meals for lunch and dinner. There is also an array of local craft beers and wines. It is all available via in-store shopping, pickup and on-demand delivery through the brand’s app.

Net new stores: 1

Maverik opened a new c-store in Helper, Utah, on Feb. 4. It offers made-to-order food from the BonFire Grill, which includes burritos, pizza and tacos. Maverik also opened a new c-store on Feb. 7 in Castle Dale, Utah.

Net new stores: 2

Wawa opened a new c-store in Stafford, Virginia, on Feb. 9.

Net new stores: 1

Amazon  opened a new, 5,250-square-foot Amazon Go cashierless c-store in Puyallup, Washington, on Feb. 14. It has 2,483 square feet of shopping space.

Net new stores: 1

Little General Store opened a new c-store in Buckhannon, West Virginia, on Feb. 22. The location offers drive-thru service as well as limited video lottery.

Net new stores: 1

NEW STORES OPENED IN FEBRUARY 2023: 21

STORES CLOSED IN FEBRUARY 2023: 0

NET NEW STORES IN FEBRUARY 2023: 21

TOTAL NET NEW STORES IN 2023: 37

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.