What's In Store: Love's Travel Stops, Pilot & Royal Farms
NATIONAL REPORT — The convenience store industry landscape is constantly changing as chains open and close stores each week. On a regular basis, Convenience Store News highlights these comings and goings in this special roundup.
Love's Travel Stops
Love's Travel Stops added a Charleston, Mo., location to its network. Love's now has 25 travel stops in the Show-Me state.
The travel stop off Interstate 57 at US 62 is roughly 16 miles away from the Sikeston travel stop. The Charleston travel stop adds 76 truck parking spaces and other amenities for professional drivers. It also adds 50 jobs ranging from store retail operations to foodservice and truck maintenance.
At more than 11,500 square feet, the site features a Love's Fresh Kitchen; an Arby's restaurant; seven diesel bays; four showers; laundry facilities; a CAT scale; five RV hookups and RV dump; five RV parking spaces; a dog park; and self-checkout options.
It also has space for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations allocated to be able to quickly partner with local utility companies and install EV charging stations should there be customer demand.
Nouria
Nouria opened its newest convenience store, located in Raynham, Mass., at the end of April. According to the retailer, the store's features include top-grade gasoline and diesel fuel for cars and large trucks, ensuring seamless access for all types of vehicles, and a Nouria's Kitchen featuring Amato's where guests can enjoy freshly made sandwiches, pizzas and pasta using handpicked ingredients, bakery-fresh bread and authentic flavors. Nouria's Kitchen also offers outdoor seating.
[Read more: Nouria Energy Takes Ownership of Enmarket]
"We are excited to expand our footprint in Massachusetts with this new Raynham location," said Tony El-Nemr, Founder and CEO of Nouria. "Our goal is to create a convenient, high-quality destination that meets the needs of this community and beyond. We look forward to becoming a part of Raynham and making a positive impact here."
Parker's Kitchen
Parker's Kitchen cut the ribbon on its latest Summerville, S.C., convenience store on April 25.
Located at 107 Sawmill Centre Dr., the newest Parker's Kitchen serves the Dorchester County community and is the company's 100th store overall. The store is open 24 hours and serves fresh, Southern-inspired Parker's Kitchen food Monday through Friday from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. The retailer's latest store also offers grab-and-go food options and a hot bar with electronic kiosk ordering.
The store features signature Lowcountry-inspired architecture, a distinctive three-tiered gas canopy, designer lighting and a handsome red brick facade.
"We love Summerville and are determined to earn the loyalty of our Dorchester County customers every day," said Parker's Kitchen Founder and Executive Chairman Greg Parker. "At Parker's Kitchen, we are committed to be a great community partner, which is why give back to support education right here in Dorchester County and raise money to support injured local veterans through our latest round-up campaign with Wounded Warrior Project, matching 25% of every customer donation to amplify the impact."
Pilot
Pilot added a new Xpress Fuel travel center in Vinton, Texas, to its growing network. The facility, located at 581 Vinton Road, is now open and ready to serve professional and fleet drivers. The new travel center has a variety of guest-focused amenities, including 35 truck parking spaces, 39 car parking spaces and eight diesel lanes.
The travel center operator also welcomed customers at a new Pilot travel center in Winfield, Ala., located at 159 Michael Spann Dr. Amenities include 77 truck parking spaces, 67 car parking spaces and eight diesel lanes.
Both locations also feature spacious restrooms and showers; a hot and cold deli area with grab-and-go options; large beverage coolers with a wide selection of drinks; four self-checkouts kiosks; and mobile fueling and exclusive in-app offers available through the myRewards Plus app.
Royal Farms
Royal Farms will throw open the doors at its latest location in Pottstown, Pa., on June 9. Located at 296 Armand Hammer, the new-to-industry store will provide 24/7 access to fresh food, fuel and convenience items.
To commemorate the opening, Royal Farms will host a special, ticketed "Get Ready to ROFO" soft opening event on June 4 and 5, during which community members are invited to preview the store and experience its signature offerings, including a complimentary meal from the soft opening menu.
The location will feature 16 fuel dispensers and a car wash.
Wawa Inc.
Wawa opened its latest store in Georgia on May 15. Located at 1810 S Georgia Parkway West in Waycross, the c-store is part of the retailer's expansion into Georgia which began when it cut the ribbon on its first store in the state in November.
The Pennsylvania-based chain welcomed customers with a grand opening event that included free T-shirts for the first 100 customers; free any-size hot coffee; a "Craving Tamer" Parade introducing new menus and flavors; and a hoagie building competition between police and fire.