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Although Kroger is renowned for food sales, it has quietly established a fueling empire that rivals top national convenience store chains. As of January 31, it operated 1,731 gas stations, exceeding well-known competitors such as Wawa, QuikTrip, and Murphy USA, and far surpassing other grocery chains. The fuel business is deeply integrated with membership programs, becoming a key tool for driving traffic and loyalty.
Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores will launch its first Whataburger restaurant on May 4 at a newly opened travel center in San Antonio. The partnership was originally planned to open in 2025 but was delayed to this year due to construction setbacks. This move is the latest step in a series of operational updates at Love's, including improved ordering technology, updated rewards programs, and the addition of electric vehicle charging stations.
Gaubert Oil announced the signing of a letter of intent to acquire Buffalo Services' wholesale and transport division, including the unbranded commercial fuel distribution business and two fuel terminals. The transaction amount was not disclosed, and employee retention plans have been clarified.
Food service has become a key area of competition in the convenience store sector. Beyond giants like 7-Eleven and Circle K, several regional operators have recently accelerated the introduction of food offerings through partnerships with or franchising of fast-food brands. This article highlights five convenience store cases that have drawn attention recently.
In late 2021, California residents Halden and Kathy Miller purchased a gas station in Louisiana through a 1031 exchange, but the seller, Mountain Express Oil, failed to operate it as agreed, causing them monthly losses of about $3,500. Meanwhile, former executives of the company face civil claims, and bankruptcy liquidation is still ongoing.
Convenience store chain Rutter's announced the launch of its new 'South of the Border' menu, initially including over 24 new or improved taco recipes, 8 limited-time specialty tacos, and more customizable Tex-Mex options. This move aims to strengthen its food service program and support the company's plan to expand to 130 stores by 2028.
As winter draws to a close, multiple convenience store retailers are preparing for warmer weather by launching or updating frozen drinks, seasonal ice cream, and hot food menus to attract customers.
Dan Larmondra will join Alimentation Couche-Tard on March 23 as head of U.S. food merchandising, after 12 years at Family Dollar. He will lead Circle K's fresh food merchandising operations and work alongside the company's recent promotion of Trey Powell to drive U.S. food service revenue growth at four times the rate of merchandise revenue.
Chestnut Market announced on Monday that it has hired Ben Lucky as its first Director of Foodservice. Lucky will be responsible for the strategic development and operational execution of the foodservice platform across the company's approximately 80 stores in New York State, New Jersey, and Connecticut, with a focus on menu development, kitchen design, team training, and supplier partnerships. Previously, Lucky served as Senior Director of Fresh Food at 7-Eleven for about a year, departing in late 2025.
Wetzel's Pretzels plans to double its number of locations inside convenience stores over the next approximately two years. The company began expanding into the convenience store channel five years ago and currently has 20 locations, with another 10 to 15 in development. Its small store-in-store model, featuring a streamlined menu and lower food costs, has been introduced at retail points such as Shell, 76, and Exxon, with plans to expand into several new states.