Gate Convenience Stores

Gate Petroleum Co. is a privately owned company that operates service stations with convenience stores in the Southeast, all under the Gate banner. Gate continues to grow and prefers to open "big" locations with a minimum of 10 MPDs per store.

The diversified company also operates eight concrete plants, as well as four private clubs/resorts and office parks. The service stations/convenience stores remain the core business for Gate Petroleum.

The chain is updating its brand, as signified by use now of GATE, all in caps.

The retail business is divided into two operating divisions: the northern division operates from Charlotte, N.C., while the southern division operates from Jacksonville, Fla. Gate executives consider blue-collar workers the cornerstone of their business. However, the company is careful to offer products and open new stores in areas that cater to a diverse customer, including affluent executives and soccer moms.