facebook.co,/thecmanroadsidenhepsom
Independent convenience-store retailers—the “mom-and-pop shops” that make up the bulk of the industry—are the unsung heroes often operating in the shadow of the larger chains and national brands.
CSP’s New Convenience-Store Roundup regularly features the new-to-industry (NTI) c-store openings, as well as closings, that take place each month around the country. Many of the stores are owned by independent operators, while others belong to major chains. Some of the owners and operators are new entrepreneurs, and some are industry veterans.
Independent Retailer Roundup focuses on the owners and operators of small chains and single-store owners.
Scroll down to review the indies that have opened or closed in first-quarter 2024 …
January
- Plucky’s Pickup, a convenience store focused on phone and online ordering, opened in mid-January in downtown Kodiak, Alaska. Plans include installing kiosks for customers to place orders from inside the store.
- A and M Shell in Tucson, Arizona, closed in mid-January. The 88-year-old owner, Arnold Mendez, has retired.
- A bodega-style c-store, Jack Jack’s 4th Street Market, opened in downtown Loveland, Colorado, on Jan. 10. It provides basic items, from candy and snacks to detergent and batteries.
- Motiva Enterprises and Latitude Ventures opened two Daybreak Markets with 76-branded gas stations in Jacksonville, Florida, one on Jan. 6, one on Jan. 13.
- The Keane Brothers, who owned a full-service gas station in Chicago for more than 70 years, have retired and closed the location in January.
- The owner of Half Moon Grocery, a c-store in the Chatham neighborhood in Chicago, closed the store in January after an employee was robbed and shot.
- The Connah Store, a c-store in Boston, closed in early January after three decades in operation.
- The Collis C-Store in Lake Crystal, Minnesota, closed its doors on Jan. 21. It opened as a gas station in 1952.
- Chen’s Express Mart, a new c-store, opened in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, in late January. It will sell mainly Asian food products and drinks.
- The Common Man Roadside Market & Deli opened in Epsom, New Hampshire, on Jan.10. The 4,900-square-foot store features an open kitchen for preparing made-to-order meals; a café; fresh pastries; New Hampshire-made goods; a grab-and-go display with sandwiches, salads and drinks; a coffee bar; a beer cave; seating for dining; a fireplace; and a drive-thru. The Real Food, Real Fast menu includes breakfast items, sandwiches, burgers, pizza, salads, soups and more. In addition to gasoline and diesel fuel options from Irving Oil, this location offers Tesla electric-vehicle chargers.
- Rudy’s Markets Inc. opened Ollie’s Kitchen, a bodega and deli, on Jan. 30 in Redmond, Oregon. The store sells a variety of house-made grab-and-go meals like salads, wraps and sandwiches made on Sisters Bakery bread. Meals produced in house, like macaroni and cheese or chili, can be picked up and heated at home. It also offers a variety of other traditional grocery products such as breads, candy bars, ice cream and more. It also sells beer and wine.
- A Food Mart opened in San Angelo, Texas, on Jan. 13. It features snacks, beverages, vaping products, lottery and beer.
- Roadies, a c-store that offers check cashing, opened in Lubbock, Texas, on Jan. 22. It also offers snacks, beer, wine, lottery tickets and last-minute essentials.
- MinuteFuel, a Valero gas station and convenience store, opened in Kyle, Texas, on Jan. 26.
February
- 24 Hour Fuel, a veteran-operated gas station and convenience store, opened for business in Mountain Home, Arkansas, on Feb. 16.
- Ladd Convenience opened in Ladd, Illinois, on Feb. 15.
- Daruma, a Japanese “konbini” (convenience store) opened in downtown Cincinnati on Feb. 19. It has Japanese aesthetics and an outdoor patio. It features authentic Japanese household staples, grab-and-go items and meals including sushi rolls; onigiri; rice balls made with protein and veggies like pork belly, pickled plum and ham and cheese; Japanese sauces and condiments; as well as Japanese snacks and candy. It also offers beer and sake. The store also has a hot water dispenser for making tea and a variety of instant cup noodles.
- Starlight Fuel Shell Gas Station opened its pumps to drivers in Jackson, Tennessee, on Feb. 21.
March
- Ware Oil & Supply opened Maddie’s, a new gas station and convenience store in Vernon, Florida, on March 7. Its deli features catfish fillets.
- Jefferson Bodega, a community-focused convenience store in San Antonio, Texas, closed on March 27. “As life’s ever-turning wheel spins onward, we find ourselves drawn to new horizons and fresh challenges. It’s with both excitement and a touch of nostalgia that we announce the closure of Bodega. While this chapter may be drawing to a close, the memories we’ve created together will forever remain etched in our hearts,” the owners, “Bodega Man” and “BodegaMa” announced on Instagram. Luke and Lisa Horgan opened the store in 2019.
- La Pasadita Convenience Store opened in Edinburg, Texas, on March 27. It features tacos, check cashing, ATM, lottery and has a smoke shop.
- Urban grocer and convenience-store retailer Go Grocer opened its second Wisconsin store in downtown Milwaukee on March 13. The 2,400-square-foot store is in the city’s Brewery District. The retailer focuses on grocery essentials, freshly made grab-and-go items, locally sourced products and alcohol products.
To be sure your locations are listed in upcoming roundups, please send new-store announcements and other news to Greg Lindenberg at greg.lindenberg@informa.com
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.