CEFCO Convenience Stores

CEFCO broke ground in its seventh state in 2015, opening new convenience stores in Florida’s panhandle. Designed by Paragon Solutions, the new stores are 5,500 square feet—2,000 square feet larger than previous models—and feature a fun-colored foodservice section with fresh-baked goods, frozen yogurt, an expanded roller-grill offering and an enhanced hot-beverage program with many syrups and toppings.

The new template also trumpets an impressive alcohol section with roughly 60 craft and import beers and a full wine selection.

“The stores have a different look, a softer tone and colors, a more upscale look,” said chief retail officer Brett Giesick. In addition to its move in Florida, CEFCO is rebuilding stores in Austin, Shamrock and Vernon, Texas.

Headquarters:	Temple, Texas
No. of Stores:	228
Average Store Size:	2,500-4,000 sq. ft.
Rank:	40
Rank Last Year:	37
States of Operation:	Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas
Website:	http://www.cefcostores.com
Family Business:	Yes

At 5,500 square feet, the new CEFCO prototype store is 2,000 square feet larger than the chain's previous design.

The open feeling of the layout gives customers a clear view of each aisle in the store.

Nearly everything in the store, including the cold vault, was updated for the newest generation of CEFCO locations. Grab-and-go items such as cheeseburgers, burritos, chicken tenders, pizza and tater tots await customers who need a quick snack or meal.

The weigh-and-pay Fresh Yo frozenyogurt offering, which includes a toppings bar, has been a “resounding success” with customers.

A multitude of fresh products, including whole pieces of fruit, are represented in the location’s “fresh” platform.

Fresh Joe coffee is kept warm using soft-heat vessels.

The store promotes customization of six-packs in multiple spots.

A multitude of fresh options are available for customers who need a beverage or a snack.

Colorful graphics on equipment attract customers to CEFCO’s private-label frozen carbonated beverages.