Hy-Vee Expands Its C-store Presence

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa -- Hy-Vee Inc. is increasing its convenience store count by opening two stores in Liberty, Mo., and Waukee, Iowa, according to media reports. The company also purchased a c-store and gas station in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to open in 2013.

The 4,350-square-foot Waukee location features 16 gas bays that are open 24 hours a day and a connected Caribou Coffee shop that has a drive-thru and free Wi-Fi for customers inside.

"It's pretty cool," said Hy-Vee and Caribou Coffee Manager Curt Sills. "I know Waukee is excited we're here. They've been pining and planning for this for a while now. It's great to finally be open."

Hy-Vee also purchased the Novak Sinclair gas station at the corner of Bowling Street and Wilson Avenue SW in Cedar Rapids with plans to open a store next year. The family-run station was one of the few remaining full-service stations in Eastern Iowa and had operated at that site for 30 years, according to a report by The Gazette. Jim and Sue Novak plan to relocate their automotive service and used-car portion of the business to a new location.

Jim Novak told the news outlet that the economics of fuel sales factored into the decision to sell. "Everyone is using credit cards and it really cuts you," Novak said. "Last week, I had it figured at 42 cents profit per $100 of gasoline, and that doesn’t include the cost of paying s0meone to pump it."

West Des Moines, Iowa-based Hy-Vee operates more than 95 locations.