New Convenience-Store Roundup for March 2020
By Greg Lindenberg on Apr. 13, 2020CHICAGO — This edition of New Convenience-Store Roundup features new c-store openings, closings and more that took place in March 2020 as the economic slowdown resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic began affecting retail.
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 …
Arizona
Circle K opened a new c-store in Prescott, Ariz., on March 20.
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.
Arkansas
California
Pilot opened a Flying J Travel Center in Fontana, Calif., in early March. It features eight gasoline fueling positions and eight diesel lanes; 68 truck parking spots; a Wendy’s restaurant as well as grab-and-go food offerings prepared on site daily; Pilot’s Best Gourmet Coffees, including bean-to-cup and cold-brew selections; seven showers; and a drivers' lounge.
Net new stores: 1
Florida
Gate Petroleum opened a new c-store in Gainesville, Fla., on March 5.
Wawa opened a new c-store in Doral, Fla., on March 5. The store is equipped with outdoor community tables and bistro seating. It will offer an exclusive hoagie, Rolling in Miami, created by local students. The sandwich is a salty-spicy combination of pulled pork, American cheese, lettuce, pico de gallo, jalapenos and Old Bay seasoning on a freshly baked roll.
Net new stores: 2
Indiana
Minnesota
Missouri
Kum & Go closed a c-store in Springfield, Mo., on March 8 and will focus on building new stores and rebranding other old stores in the area.
Net new stores: -1
Nebraska
Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores opened a new, 9,300-square-foot location in Schuyler, Neb., on March 9. It features Chester’s Chicken and Subway restaurants and the Fresh Kitchen concept; 59 truck and 21 car parking spaces; six diesel bays; six showers; laundry facilities; bean-to-cup coffee; Mobile to Go Zone electronics; CAT scale; and a dog park.
Net new stores: 1
Ohio
Pennsylvania
American Natural opened a new c-store with The Eatery foodservice March 2 in Cranberry Township, Pa.
Net new stores: 1
Texas
QuikTrip opened a new c-store in Sherman, Texas, on March 26. “We plan to open and take care of as many customers as we can,” QuikTrip spokesperson Mike Thornbrugh said. “Clearly, by opening up another store, it allows our people to maintain their jobs and work, and during these times that is a pretty good thing.”
Net new stores: 1
Virginia
7-Eleven closed a c-store in Stafford, Va., on March 24 to make way for roadway improvements.
Net new stores: -1
NEW STORES OPENED IN MARCH 2020: 11
STORES CLOSED IN MARCH 2020: 2
NET NEW STORES FOR MARCH 2020: 9
TOTAL NET NEW STORES FOR 2020: 58
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.