New Convenience-Store Roundup for November 2020
New Convenience-Store Roundup for November 2020
By Greg Lindenberg on Dec. 08, 2020CHICAGO — This edition of New Convenience-Store Roundup features new-to-industry c-store openings and closings that took place in November 2020.
While c-stores, as officially designated essential businesses, have remained open during the COVID-19 pandemic, the uncertainly surrounding the global health crisis led to a pause on store expansion earlier this year. But the pace of new-store openings as captured by CSP's ongoing count continues to recover from the economic slowdown.
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 of CSP’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 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 …
Alabama
Tri Star Energy opened a new Twice Daily c-store in Athens, Ala., on Nov. 19.
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
Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores opened a new location in West Memphis, Ark., on Interstate 40, on Nov. 19. The more than 12,000-square-foot location has 96 truck and 35 car parking spaces. It offers 12 diesel bays and compressed natural gas (CNG). It also has Godfather’s Pizza and Subway restaurants, Fresh Kitchen foodservice concept and bean-to-cup coffee; 10 showers; laundry facilities; Mobile to Go electronics zone; and CAT scale.
Net new stores: 1
Florida
Georgia
Buc-ee's opened a new location in Warner Robins, Ga., on Nov. 18. The new 53,000-square-foot travel center has 116 fueling positions. It offers Texas barbeque, fudge, kolaches, Beaver nuggets, jerky and fresh pastries.
Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores opened a new location in Cordele, Ga., on Interstate 75, on Nov. 19. The more than 12,000-square-foot location has 98 truck, 96 car and seven RV parking spaces. It offers 10 diesel bays. It also has a Bojangles restaurant, Fresh Kitchen foodservice concept and bean-to-cup coffee; seven showers; laundry facilities; Mobile to Go electronics zone; CAT scale; Love’s Truck Care and Speedco truck service center; and a dog park.
Illinois
Casey’s General Stores opened a new c-store in Henry, Ill., on Nov. 5.
Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores opened a new location in Tuscola, Ill., on Interstate 75, on Nov. 12. The more than 12,000-square-foot location has 85 truck, 52 car and four RV parking spaces. It offers eight diesel bays. It also has a Hardee’s restaurant, Fresh Kitchen foodservice concept and bean-to-cup coffee; seven showers; laundry facilities; Mobile to Go electronics zone; CAT scale; Love’s Truck Care and Speedco truck service center; and a dog park.
Love’s also opened a new location in Marion, Ill., on Interstate 57, on Nov. 19. The more than 15,000-square-foot location has 119 truck and 91 car parking spaces. It offers 10 diesel bays. It also has a Bojangles restaurant, Fresh Kitchen foodservice concept and bean-to-cup coffee; seven showers; laundry facilities; Mobile to Go electronics zone; CAT scale; Love’s Truck Care and Speedco truck service center; and a dog park.
Road Ranger opened a new travel center in Marion, Ill., on Nov. 18. It has eight diesel lanes, six showers, a CAT Scale and parking for 80 cars and 84 trucks. The location features a completely renovated image. Food amenities include Tejas Tacos, Dan’s Big Slice Pizza, Road Ranger Kitchen and Subway and Wendy's quick-service restaurants (QSRs). “This location has an important role in connecting our network of locations from the Midwest to Texas,” said Marko Zaro, CEO.
On Nov. 25, Thorntons opened new c-stores in Palos Hills, Ill., and Worth, Ill. The stores feature self-checkout.
Net new stores: 6
Iowa
Cooperative Gas & Oil opened a new Cenex truckstop and 6,200-square-foot convenience center in Sheldon, Iowa, on Nov. 19. It offers E15 and Unleaded 88 It also features a car wash. It will soon add Godfather’s Pizza and Jimmy John’s. The truckstop eventually will have a more than 8,000-square-foot service center offering tire and automotive services to motorists. The nearby current Coop Gas & Oil location will be put up for sale, but the pumps will stay operational.
Net new stores: 1
Missouri
New York
Stewart’s Shops opened six new c-stores in November, in Catskill, Keene, New Paltz, Albany, Gansevoort and Glenville, N.Y.
Net new stores: 6
Ohio
Oregon
Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores opened a new location in Madras, Ore., on U.S. Highway 75, on Nov. 5. The more than 11,000-square-foot location has 82 truck, 61 car and four RV parking spaces. It offers six diesel bays. It also has an Arby’s restaurant and bean-to-cup coffee; five showers; laundry facilities; Mobile to Go electronics zone; CAT scale; and a dog park.
Net new stores: 1
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Parker’s opened a new Parker’s Kitchen location in North Charleston, S.C., on Nov. 12. It offers a full menu of Southern food, including its Chicken Tender Sandwich, biscuits and gravy, Southern-style breakfast biscuits, fresh Chicken Tenders and extra cheesy egg casserole. Additional highlights include sweet tea, lemonade, bean-to-cup gourmet coffee, 28-degree beer and fountain drinks with Chewy Ice. Fuel options include marine fuel.
QuikTrip opened a new c-store in Columbia, S.C., on Nov. 12.
Net new stores: 2
Texas
7-Eleven opened its fifth Evolution c-store, the second in Dallas, in mid-November.
QuikTrip opened a new c-store in Austin, Texas, on Nov. 25.
Net new stores: 2
Utah
Washington
Sun Pacific Energy in November debuted its latest SunMarket c-store, gas station and Firehouse Subs restaurant in Richland, Wash. The 3,919-square-foot building includes a Shell gas station, 2,082-square-foot c-store and 1,837-square-foot restaurant area on a two-acre site.
Net new stores: 1
NEW STORES OPENED IN NOVEMBER 2020: 29
STORES CLOSED IN NOVEMBER 2020: 0
TOTAL NET NEW STORES FOR 2020: 243
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.