Casey's Plans to Cook Up More Pizza-Only Stores

DES MOINES, Iowa – Casey's General Stores Inc. plans to open five more pizza-only stores in the Des Moines metro area after seeing successful results from its initial Casey's Pizza Express test location, according to the Des Moines Register.

The convenience retailer also reported plans to add frozen yogurt to its Pizza Express delivery service, and said it is working on adding an online pizza ordering function to its website.

"This is a way we can supplement our business," said Casey's Chief Operating Officer Terry Handley, who noted that the additional Pizza Express locations are part of the chain's efforts to expand its growth area, prepared food.

The new stores will likely open in areas not currently served by Casey's convenience stores.

Another way Casey’s is hoping to grow in the area of prepared food is with the introduction this week of a new flatbread pizza line at its original Pizza Express store. The thin-crust version of its current pizzas costs the same as other pies -- $11.99 for a large single-topping pizza and $15.99 for specialty pizzas -- and will serve as a test item. If customers respond positively enough, Casey's will offer the flatbread pizza at other locations.

Pizza is big business for the Ankeny, Iowa-based chain. It sold approximately 12 million whole pizza pies and 48 million slices chainwide in 2012, and its Pizza Express store sells between 120 and 140 pies per day.