What’s In Store: Stewart’s, Sheetz & NOCO

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:

NOCO EXPRESS

NOCO Express recently purchased a Mobil Mart in Buffalo, N.Y. The store is now open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Both the canopy and store will remain Mobil branded.

As part of the acquisition, NOCO will be renovating the 2,200-square-foot store to provide it with an overall update, including the addition of a full-service Tim Horton’s and expanded product offerings. NOCO’s exclusive Nickel City Foods fresh offerings will also be available.

NOCO has retained all 15 associates from the Mobil Mart and hired an additional 15 employees between both Tim Horton’s and Mobil.

SHEETZ INC.

Sheetz recently opened a new location in Strongsville, Ohio. The store is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It features a car wash, as well as offers fresh food such as Angus beef burgers, premium grilled chicken sandwiches, freshly made salads, French fries, onion rings and more. 

Sheetz made a $2,500 donation to Special Olympics Ohio as part of the grand-opening festivities.

Meanwhile, Sheetz recently closed a store in Hagerstown, Md. Store associates from this location were retained and relocated to one of the other eight existing stores in the area.

The company is on track to open 28 new stores by the end of this year. In 2015, Sheetz expects to open an additional 30 stores.

STEWART'S SHOPS

Stewart’s Shops opened a new store in Rotterdam, N.Y. The gas island includes six dispensers with pay-at-the-pump service. The shop also includes a walk-in beer cave, pizza oven for fresh-made pizza by the slice or full pie, two restrooms, LED lighting and more.

A grand-opening celebration is planned for Friday, Oct. 24 with deals on fuel and Stewart's Shops products.

TRAVELCENTERS OF AMERICA

TravelCenters acquired and is rebranding its newest Petro location, in Johnston, Colo. The acquisition of this landmark truck stop, formerly known as Johnson’s Corner, raises the number of travel centers in the TA and Petro Stopping Centers branded chain to 251.

Amenities at the new, always-open Petro Stopping Centers travel center currently include:

• The iconic Johnson’s Corner Restaurant and Bakery;
• Six diesel lanes;
• A fully stocked Travel Store;
• A quick-serve deli;
• Six showers on a fully automated system;
• A drivers lounge; and
• UltraONE Rewards Program kiosk and swiping system.

This location also offers a variety of full-service professional driver amenities, including WiFi, CAT Scale, 110 truck parking spaces, ATM, check cashing and TripPak services.

Renovations in the coming months are expected to include a Petro:Lube truck service facility. Gasoline is offered at 12 fueling positions.

TRI-LAKES PETROLEUM LLC

CITGO marketer Tri-Lakes Petroleum celebrated the grand opening of its newest location in Kalamazoo, Mich., with a Customer Appreciation Event. As part of the celebration, more than 150 locals gathered at the new station to enjoy free food and drink, and a chance to win special prizes.

Representatives from Tri-Lakes Petroleum grilled hot dogs and offered free drinks to the customers who attended the grand opening. In addition, customers participated in a drawing for door prizes, including CITGO gas cards, USB chargers and Tri-Lakes Petroleum water bottles.