A family business since 1948, the C.N. Brown Co. began as a retail and wholesale lumber concern and expanded into gasoline, heating oil and convenience stores. South Paris, Maine-based C.N. Brown operates Big Apple Food Store convenience outlets throughout New England. The chain has 11 gas stations without c-stores and 27 Red Shield Heating Oil sites. The company distributes fuel to 30 independents but does not control other aspects of buying for these locations. C.N. Brown also operates five car washes.

Headquarters:South Paris, Maine
No. of Stores:80
Average Store Size:1,000-2,500 sq. ft.
Rank:91
States of Operation: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont