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:
Pilot Flying J
Pilot Flying J is expanding its nationwide network to include a Pilot Travel Center in Canton, Texas, featuring full amenities for professional drivers and the traveling public.
Located off Interstate 20 at exit 533, the travel center offers many amenities, including five diesel lanes with diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) at the pump, eight gasoline lanes with high-speed pumps for quicker refueling; a Hot Skillet Country Restaurant featuring homestyle cooking; Long John Silver’s and A&W restaurants; premium coffee and cappuccino selections; and everyday products for quick shopping needs.
The new facility joins the Pilot Flying J network as the 42nd location in Texas and its 662nd overall in North America.
QuikTrip Corp.
QuikTrip, based in Tulsa, Okla., is planning to open two new Generation 3 stores to replace existing ones in south Wichita, Kan., according to a report by the Wichita Eagle. The new Gen 3 stores are much larger than older models and average 5,700 square feet.
QuikTrip currently has 38 stores in the greater Wichita area.
Shop24 Global
Kennesaw State University (KSU) in Kennesaw, Ga., elected to place a Shop24 automated convenience store on campus, which is slated for installation for the upcoming school year.
"Kennesaw State continually seeks innovative ways to deliver food services to its students, focusing on convenience, selection and quality," said Randy Shelton, executive director of auxiliary services and programs at KSU. "Shop24 will be a welcome addition as part of the world-class Auxiliary Service programs already developed for our students at KSU."
TravelCenters of America LLC
TravelCenters of America LLC (TravelCenters), operator of the TA and Petro Stopping Centers brands, opened a newly rebuilt Petro Stopping Centers facility in Gary, Ind., at exit 9 off Interstates 80/94, on 29 acres of land.
TravelCenters designed and decorated the facility’s interior to commemorate the city of Gary, also known as Steel City, as well as the many truckers who have hauled steel and myriad other materials and products that keep America moving.
Open 24/7/365, the new facility offers 450 truck parking spaces; 62 car parking spaces; 16 diesel lanes, all equipped to pump bulk DEF; 12 BP-branded gasoline fueling locations; an eight-bay Petro:Lube truck service facility; and RoadSquad emergency roadside service. In addition, the location houses a 160-seat Iron Skillet full-service restaurant with a buffet and StayFit menu options; and a 5,000 square-foot travel store stocked with driver merchandise, beverages and fresh, to-go meal options including better-for-you snack choices.
Wawa Inc.
Wawa Inc. opened its second location in Hatfield Township, Pa., raising its store count in the state to 217. The Wawa, Pa.-based c-store chain celebrated with a grand-opening ceremony last week, according to The Reporter Online.
Wawa built the facility — which includes 12 fueling stations and a 4,600-square-foot convenience store — on the site of a former Exxon gas station at the intersection of Unionville Turnpike and Bethlehem Turnpike.
Development of the convenience store — featuring Wawa’s new store design prototype, as well as new in-store graphics, colors, restroom design and merchandising features — has created 40 new associate jobs in the township, according to a news release from the retailer.