What's In Store: Openings & Closings

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.

Here are the latest company spotlights:

Kum & Go LC
Kum & Go LC, based in West Des Moines, Iowa, opened two new stores in Colorado Springs and Loveland, Colo. This brings the company to nine stores in Colorado Springs and 49 throughout the state of Colorado. Overall the company operates more than 420 stores in 11 states.

Both locations span nearly 5,000 square feet, and offer many new features both inside and outside the buildings. Inside, customers can find a larger product selection, a center checkout area with customer-focused staff, and an expanded Go Fresh Market offering fresh, made-to-order pizzas, as well as breakfast and deli sandwiches, and baked goods – all made fresh daily at Kum & Go's on-site kitchen, according to the company. Outside, a larger number of fueling positions, as well more variety in fuel offerings, give customers more choices and value at the pump.

Another distinguishing feature of Kum & Go's new store design is the strong emphasis on sustainability, with LEED certification in mind. Each store is submitted under these rigorous guidelines to become LEED certified. Sustainable features of the new stores include Solatube skylights, LED lighting both inside and outside the store, low-flow water efficient fixtures and high energy-efficiency equipment, the company reported. Additionally, each store is built using recyclable materials and locally sourced materials.

Maverik Inc.
Maverik Inc. recently opened new stores in Reno and Sparks, Nev., with ribbon-cuttings planned by the local Chambers of Commerce. The North Salt Lake, Utah-based company opened the two new locations at 11795 Veterans Parkway in south Reno at the junction with State Route 341, and 1223 Prater Way in Sparks, according to a report by RGJ.com.

The Pantry Inc.
The Pantry Inc., based in Cary, N.C., reopened a Kangaroo Express at 1690 Wells Road in Jacksonville, Fla., following a renovation. The company celebrated with a daylong event, which included family fun, free giveaways, a burrito competition and free Bean Street coffee.

The store now has a spacious layout that features new restrooms, new reach-in door coolers, a revamped sales counter, a grill with fresh hot dogs, upgraded Bean Street Coffee, and a new mixology station with a variety of coffee flavors and additions, such as extra boosts of caffeine and whipped topping, Jacksonville.com reported.

It also features a Taco Del Mar Fresh Mex fast-food restaurant with indoor seating for more than 30 guests and take-out service.

To celebrate the reopening, Kangaroo Express made a $2,000 donation to Give Kids the World, which provides free weeklong vacations to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.