Thornton Oil to Close Its Two Franchise Stores
LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Thornton Oil Corp., operator of more than 150 convenience stores in five states, yesterday said it would close the only two franchised locations.
The stores, both in Kentucky, were part of an acquisition from Texaco several years ago.
"The franchise operations were never strategic for us, and franchising was never intended to become a core competency of ours," said Matt Thornton, president of the Louisville retailer. "Over time, our focus and attention to building our brand at our company-operated locations led us to make this decision. We will part good friends with the operators of these units."
In addition to its convenience store and gas station units, Thornton's operates a travel plaza and nine car washes. They also distribute their petroleum products through its Thornton Transportation Co. subsidiary and operate a river bulk storage terminal in Louisville.
The stores, both in Kentucky, were part of an acquisition from Texaco several years ago.
"The franchise operations were never strategic for us, and franchising was never intended to become a core competency of ours," said Matt Thornton, president of the Louisville retailer. "Over time, our focus and attention to building our brand at our company-operated locations led us to make this decision. We will part good friends with the operators of these units."
In addition to its convenience store and gas station units, Thornton's operates a travel plaza and nine car washes. They also distribute their petroleum products through its Thornton Transportation Co. subsidiary and operate a river bulk storage terminal in Louisville.