Western Refining Picks Up Seven Barney's Stores

YUMA, Ariz. -- Seven Barney's gas stations in Arizona are now flying the 76 banner through a rebranding deal with Western Refining Inc. and its Giant Convenience Stores division.

All of the gas stations are located in the Yuma area.

Patrick Rook, president of Barnicle Enterprises Inc., confirmed the rebranding to the Yuma Sun newspaper. "We're leasing all the stores to them," Rook said, adding that it is business as usual, just with a new operator and new brand. "It's a good company and will offer a lot of benefits opportunities for our employees we couldn't."

He noted that Western Refining plans to extend the hours at some of the stations, creating more jobs.

Barnicle Enterprises purchased its first property in Yuma in 1977. Although Rook admitted it was a tough decision to make, he told the news outlet that it had become difficult for the locally owned company to compete given the struggling economy.

El Paso, Texas-based Western Refining's retail holdings include an integrated network of 458 convenience stores. The company operates c-stores and gas stations under several banners, including GIANT, Mustang, Sundial and Howdy's.