Family Express Corp.

Family Express, a Valparaiso, Indiana-based regional chain of foodservice-focused c-stores, is dedicated to offering fresh food and beverages at value prices in a convenient, friendly, clean and safe environment. While the number of company stores remained the same for Family Express in 2023, officials with the chain expect those numbers to change significantly, with plans for an “aggressive new store expansion” over the next couple of years.

Family Express aims to set itself apart with daily delivery to its stores of fresh milk and other products. It's known for its private-label concepts and products, including Buzzed Energy beverages, Cravin's Market baked goods, deli items, Java Wave coffees and Squeeze Freeze frozen beverages. It also sells Family Express ice, milk and water and Family Express fuels, including E15.

Family Express started on Christmas Day in 1975 when Gus Olympidis opened his first c-store in Valparaiso. Olympidis is still president and CEO.

Privately held Family Express has an employee-centric culture. It offers benefits such as 401(k) matching, fitness-center access and stable scheduling.

For benchmarking purposes, store counts are as of Jan. 1, 2024.