GPM Begins Operating Road Ranger Stores

RICHMOND, Va. — GPM Investments LLC officially took ownership Friday of 42 Road Ranger convenience stores with gas and one Subway location in Illinois, Iowa and Kentucky.

All 42 stores will continue to operate under the Road Ranger brand at this time, and then transition to one of GPM's existing brands in the future, the Richmond-based retailer stated. GPM operates under several well-known brands, including Fas Mart, Shore Stop, Scotchman Stores, Young's, Li'l Cricket and BreadBox.

“Bringing [these 42 stores] into the GPM family was very important to our leadership team,” said Mike Welsh, a Midwest native and senior vice president of operations for the privately owned company. "Expanding to this area of the country feels like going home for me and it will be a real pleasure to bring these stores into the GPM portfolio.”

Bill Reilly, GPM's vice president of marketing, added that the company will offer great deals on fuels, snacks, beverages and more at the 42 Midwestern c-stores, while also introducing its loyalty and discount programs.

“We will launch our fasCASHBACK fuel discount card at these Road Ranger stores, a program which is also offered at our Fas Mart and Shore Stop locations," Reilly said. "This card allows customers to receive discounts on every gallon of fuel purchased, up to 20 cents off per gallon, when they open up an account with us. This is a tremendous value to offer to our new customers."

Upon closing its already announced and pending deal to acquire 163 convenience stores from VPS Convenience Store Group LLC, GPM Investments will operate more than 800 convenience stores in 14 states.