CStore Decisions is celebrating five convenience store chains that have demonstrated a commitment to growth in the past year.
They are expanding their footprint, optimizing operations, going above and beyond for their communities and reaching milestones that validate the hard work they put into their people and stores. These retailers are taking a proactive approach to their future, each decision built around meeting the evolving needs of their customers and maintaining the culture that has helped to shape their success.
Yesway
Yesway held a vision in 2015 to build a differentiated convenience store. Now, with 450 stores and two brands under its belt, the chain has grown from its 2015 founding to a major Southern staple. In the past year alone, Yesway became a publicly traded company, set records for multiple metrics and was poised to enter its tenth state — Arizona — as of press time.
“I am proud of our people and the operating culture they have built. Over the past 12 months, we have shown that Yesway can grow on a scale while continuing to strengthen the business’ underlying performance. We have invested in new stores, improved our existing portfolio, expanded our foodservice and merchandising offerings, and deepened our relationships with customers,” said Tom Trkla, chairman, president and CEO of Yesway.
Due to these achievements, CStore Decisions is recognizing Yesway as a 2026 Established Chain to Watch.
Growing Allsup’s
Concentrated largely in the South, Yesway has been expanding its footprint and opening its doors to new markets, opening a robust 90-plus stores since 2020.
“Our expansion strategy has always been about more than simply adding stores, (however). It is about building density in attractive markets, developing modern stores that customers want to visit and creating a portfolio capable of producing increasingly strong returns over time,” said Trkla.
Yesway acquired regional favorite Allsup’s in 2019, and the brand quickly became one of the chain’s most important assets. Home to the World Famous Allsup’s Burrito, a well-known offering in its region with a loyal following, Allsup’s inspires “genuine consumer affection with a highly scalable foodservice platform,” Trkla noted.
This past year, Yesway opened new-to-industry Allsup’s stores in Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma, reaching a milestone 250 stores in Texas.
“Opening a store, however, is only the beginning. The value of that investment ultimately depends on how well the store operates every day. I am particularly proud of the way our teams have integrated into these new locations, introduced our brands to new customers and consistently applied Yesway’s operating standards as the company has grown,” said Trkla. “That ability to expand without compromising operational discipline is one of our most important competitive advantages.”
Allsup’s brand recognition is extensive. It was ranked No. 4 nationally in USA TODAY’s 2026 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for both Best Gas Station Brand and Best Gas Station Food. This is consistently reinforced by its employees, who work to both preserve the brand’s character and support modernization and expansion.
Yesway is continuing to innovate around the Allsup’s menu.
“The lesson for us is that heritage and innovation do not have to be competing priorities. We can protect what makes Allsup’s special while modernizing our stores, expanding the footprint and introducing the brand to new generations of customers,” said Trkla.
Going Public
Expansion was not Yesway’s only achievement this year. The chain has officially traded in its private status for a publicly traded identity with its recent initial public offering (IPO).
A “transformational moment for Yesway,” according to Trkla, the IPO validated the team’s disciplined execution, operational improvement and commitment across the organization.
“I view the IPO not as an endpoint, but as a new platform from which we can continue to grow. Being public gives us greater access to the capital markets, enhances our financial flexibility and provides additional tools to pursue organic growth, new-store development and acquisitions,” Trkla said.
He added that this also brings greater accountability, transparency and discipline, but it will reinforce the high standards the Yesway team already established. “We welcome that responsibility.”
A Milestone Q2
In Q2 this year, Yesway set records for fuel gallons sold, fuel gross profit, inside merchandise sales, inside merchandise gross profit and store contribution. Adjusted EBITDA increased 35% year over year to $70.9 million.
“No single initiative or favorable market condition produced those results. They were built store by store, shift by shift, through thousands of decisions our people make every day. The team’s relentless focus on operational consistency, accountability and excellence is largely responsible for the company’s success,” said Trkla. “Strategy sets the direction, but our people bring it to life and turn it into results. I could not be prouder of the way they continue to raise the bar for themselves, for one another and for Yesway.”
Same-store inside merchandise sales increased 1.2%; same-store fuel gallons increased 1.4% — the quarter’s broad-based performance was its most important aspect.
Yesway benefited from the growing contribution of its newer stores and strong margins across both sides of the business. Fuel margin was 52.6 cents per gallon, and inside merchandise margin reached 35.7%. This powered a 29.5% increase in store contribution.
“We have now delivered same-store inside merchandise sales growth in 18 of the past 19 quarters. That level of consistency is not accidental. It reflects a business model that is working and, even more importantly, an organization that understands how to execute it. Our results directly reflect the dedication of our store teams, field leadership, distribution professionals and corporate support teams,” said Trkla.
2026 And Beyond
Trkla noted three avenues of growth for Yesway: existing markets, productivity improvement in existing stores and acquisitions.
Yesway has demonstrated efficient development of new stores. “Our development capabilities, real estate expertise and established operating infrastructure give us a strong foundation from which to continue expanding,” he said.
The chain also has the opportunity to improve productivity in currently operating stores, including stronger foodservice execution, more effective merchandising, greater loyalty engagement, better use of technology and continued operational improvement.
“In many respects, this represents one of our most compelling opportunities because even incremental improvements, when applied consistently across 450 stores, can create meaningful value,” said Trkla.
These different areas of business all work together as part of one integrated strategy.
Yesway is investing in technology and automation, including its loyalty platform, to create a more seamless digital experience, deploy labor more efficiently and gather better data, all with the end goal of making stores easier to operate, helping employees make better decisions and improving the customer experience. Loyalty programs such as Stack & Save allow Yesway to target merchandising and promotions more precisely.
It also continues to differentiate itself through foodservice, viewing it as not just another category but as a reason customers choose Yesway or Allsup’s initially.
Yesway is also continuing to grow through acquisitions, which is “an important part of our DNA,” said Trkla. “We have successfully used acquisitions to build scales, enter attractive markets and strengthen our platform.”
“Our advantage today is that we can pursue these opportunities from a position of strength. We have differentiated brands, strong cash generation, greater financial flexibility and, most importantly, an experienced team that has demonstrated its ability to execute. Growth creates value only when it is accompanied by operational discipline, and our people have repeatedly shown they can deliver both,” he continued.
Yesway combines growth, performance and differentiation with a level of operational consistency that is difficult to achieve on a scale, which Trkla attributed to making it a 2026 Chain to Watch.
“Some companies can grow store count. Some companies can generate strong same-store performance. Some companies also have distinctive brands,” said Trkla. “What makes Yesway particularly compelling is that we are bringing all three together.”
Rutter’s
Ninety-four-store chain Rutter’s is expanding into the sports bar arena, stepping beyond traditional convenience to offer customers something truly singular. It’s also entering new markets, innovating with food, investing in technology with a new loyalty app and introducing new concepts that merges convenience retail, foodservice and entertainment.
“The company has earned industry recognition for its store design, extensive foodservice programs and operational innovation, all while maintaining a strong family-owned culture and a 278-year heritage that resonates with customers and communities across the region,” said Sydney Durand, marketing and communications coordinator for Rutter’s.
For all this and more, Rutter’s is a CStore Decisions 2026 Established Chain to Watch.
“Our quality and what we’re offering our customers and the constant innovation that we are doing — it’s recognized and it works. We are a private company. We hear our customers probably better than a lot of others do and we understand them better, and that allows us to continue innovation,” said Ashley Donnelly, director of marketing and communications for Rutter’s.
1747 Bar & Lounge
Rutter’s, which has stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia, has been expanding recently, moving into Virginia just last year. It’s primarily focused on new builds, although it has remodels planned for many legacy stores. And the chain plans to include its 1747 Bar & Lounge concept in most of the new builds.
Launched in 2025, Rutter’s 1747 Bar & Lounge is a sports bar and lounge with a nine-screen TV configuration (either individual screens or one large screen) that is accessed through the convenience store.
The chain recently opened its sixth location, with five more planned for the next year, pending construction.
This year, Rutter’s foodservice team made strategic hires to develop a specific bar and lounge menu. Currently, the chain runs specials only available in the bar and lounge.
For example, “if we have a viewing party for the NFL, or if we’re partnering with Red Bull on the FIFA World Cup, or whatever it may be, we offer specific bar menus that day which has specials for food and drink that are not available in all of our locations,” said Donnelly.
To avoid removing all the options, however, customers will still be able order anything from the convenience store but tailored for the sit-down experience.
As for beverages, 1747 Bar & Lounge primarily offers the same choices available in the beer cave, along with specials, such as $2 domestics, happy hours and drink specials linked with events. The sports bar also comes equipped with a “smart bar,” where customers can dispense a cocktail without an actual bartender. This concept is in three locations, and the chain is looking into retrofitting its previous locations with it.
These larger-format locations that include 1747 Bar & Lounge average slightly over 13,500 square feet.
Outside of the sports bar concept, Rutter’s is constantly evaluating its store design and learning from its builds.
“We say everything’s a prototype,” Donnelly said.
New locations are bright, open, spacious and clean, with undershelf lighting on the fixtures and completely renovated restrooms.
“I think our team’s done a really good job with making sure that there’s a modern, sleek and functional footprint that our customers can enjoy,” Donnelly said.
Revamping the Menu
Over the last few years, Rutter’s Senior Director of Food Service and Bar Strategy Philip Santini has revamped the chain’s entire foodservice program, traveling globally and working with large brands and head chefs to source food items and ingredients.
Beyond that, Rutter’s is changing its c-store menu quarterly. Made to order, the menu offers over 20 billion combinations to customers.
“But we’re offering you guided suggestions, and we are surprised ourselves what our customers like. And we’re taking that information, and we’re making sure that the menu is not overcrowded, but also we’re using that as a basis to create the foundation for what we do next,” said Donnelly.
In September, Rutter’s launched a Customer Craving Contest, where customers can make their own creations that have a chance to be on the menu.
“Being a private company and being a company that can make those nimble decisions and implement it across all of our locations is something that’s really fun to be a part of,” Donnelly added.
Launching Loyalty
Last September, Rutter’s launched its loyalty app, complete with a 21-plus section, winter and summer sweepstakes and the ability to be more dynamic with its promotions.
“It’s opened up so much more that we can do with our loyalty program on the digital front, and we’ve really made the investment in-store. All of our signage hanging up is mostly digital. We have our big digital screens, which we actually allow our vendor partners to put their pushed products on there. We get to highlight ourselves more, so I think that’s very unique. It helps with a clean store environment,” Donnelly said.
In addition to loyalty, Rutter’s is continuing to evaluate new technology investments for the future, such as electronic shelf tags. The stores also offer kiosk and online ordering.
Chain to Watch
Rutter’s larger-format stores, expansion, bar and lounge concept, loyalty app and foodservice innovation all contribute to its status as a Chain to Watch. Additionally, the chain has good relationships with its vendor partners.
“Obviously, we know a lot of this wouldn’t be possible without them and their support, and we’ve been able to work with them to do things that others haven’t,” said Donnelly. She named the SPAM Dog as an example. “Collaboration has been key for us.”
Most importantly, however, Rutter’s is listening to its customers.
“The whole reason we have 1747 Bar & Lounge is because we’ve heard our customers say they want more and they want more experience, and we’re giving them more and we’re meeting them where they want,” said Donnelly.
QuikTrip
C-store powerhouse QuikTrip has continued an aggressive growth plan this year, reaching its milestone 1,200th location in Morrow, Ga., in February and operating under a plan to open over 80 new stores in 2026 overall. Headquartered in Tulsa, Okla., QuikTrip is located in 23 states.
“QuikTrip continues to grow in both established and emerging markets where we see opportunities to serve customers and support long-term business success. Our approach to expansion is deliberate and disciplined, focusing on communities where our model, culture and commitment to customer service align with the communities we serve needs,” said Aisha Jefferson, QuikTrip’s corporate communications manager.
QuikTrip also completed its first major store redesign since 2010, expanded its QT Kitchens and continues to invest heavily in its people.
For its growth, store development and operational success, CStore Decisions is naming QuikTrip as a 2026 Established Chain to Watch.
1,200 Stores and Counting
QuikTrip opened its first store in Tulsa in the 1950s. In 1968, the chain expanded beyond its Oklahoma roots to Missouri, and in 1971, QuikTrip merged with Wichita, Kan.-based Shopeze and grew its store count to 120 by the end of the year. QuikTrip also offered gas for the first time. By 2008, the retailer opened 500 stores, upping to 1,000 in 2023.
It’s 1,200th store opening this year was the chain’s 181st in Georgia, featuring QuikTrip’s QT Kitchens and coffee program.
QuikTrip also entered Utah for the first time this year in July. The location is a new-build travel center complete with 16 gas pumps and six high-flow diesel bays for tractor-trailers.
Outside of new markets, the chain has continued to grow in its established market areas, opening stores in, for instance, Illinois, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Texas and, of course, its home state of Oklahoma and its 1,200th in Georgia.
With extensive experience in growing its footprint, QuikTrip has learned how to maintain consistency while expanding.
“Consistency is rooted in our culture. We invest heavily in our people, training and operating standards to ensure customers receive the same high-quality experience at every QuikTrip location. As we grow, our focus remains on delivering exceptional service, clean stores, quality products and a reliable customer experience,” said Jefferson.
She noted that team members undergo comprehensive training prior to each store opening. Experienced employees regularly support new openings, acting as mentors to new employees. They help establish teamwork, accountability and a service mindset.
“One of the most important things we bring to every new store is our people-first culture. Our founder, Chester Cadieux, said it best: ‘If you’re not taking care of customers, you’d better be taking care of the people who are!’ That philosophy continues to guide QuikTrip today and is reflected across every part of our organization,” said Jefferson.
Gen 4
In addition to widening its net, QuikTrip is introducing its newest store format, its Gen 4 store design.
“One particularly meaningful development has been the introduction of our Gen 4 store design. The new format represents years of planning and feedback from customers, employees across multiple departments and vendor partners, all with the goal of continuing to enhance the QuikTrip experience. While the design includes features that create a brighter, more welcoming environment and provide greater flexibility to meet evolving customer needs, what makes it especially meaningful is how it reflects QuikTrip’s long-standing commitment to continuous improvement,” said Jefferson.
First introduced in Broken Arrow, Okla., the Gen 4 concept sits at 6,300 square feet, larger than a standard QuikTrip convenience store. The retailer described the new format as featuring expanded storefront windows, a glass vestibule, refined sightlines, a streamlined point-of-sale layout and eight individual, family-friendly restrooms.
Gen 4 also expands the store’s kitchen footprint. The layout includes additional space for kiosk ordering, food pickup and waiting areas as well as expanded storage and an improved kitchen layout.
Beyond its initial launch in April, 2026 saw this concept expanded to Joplin, Mo., and Wichita.
“One of our proudest accomplishments has been continuing to grow while maintaining the culture, customer service standards and customer experience that have defined QuikTrip for generations. The Gen 4 design is an example of that philosophy in action. It demonstrates our commitment to investing in the future while staying true to the values that have earned the trust of our customers and created opportunities for our employees to grow and succeed,” Jefferson continued.
Investing in Differentiation
As QuikTrip grows its store count and modernizes its new builds, it’s also investing in operations, foodservice, technology and culture.
This includes enhancements to its beverage platforms, digital capabilities and operational tools. Its focus is making visits to a QuikTrip store faster, easier and more enjoyable for customers while supporting efficiency.
As for food, the chain is prioritizing options that offer value and variety.
At the end of the day, however, its people set QuikTrip apart, Jefferson noted.
“For nearly seven decades, QuikTrip has built its reputation on outstanding employees, operational excellence and a relentless focus on customers. That foundation, combined with our commitment to quality, convenience and innovation, enables us to deliver an experience that customers trust,” she said.
When asked why QuikTrip is a Chain to Watch, Jefferson pointed to the retailer’s successful balancing of growth, innovation and operational excellence.
“We continue to invest in our stores, our employees, and the customer experience while adapting to changing customer expectations. Our ability to evolve while staying true to the values that built our brand has positioned us for continued success,” she said.
RaceTrac
One of the most well-known acquisitions in the c-store industry occurred in late 2025, and it wasn’t between two convenience retailers. Atlanta-based RaceTrac, which now operates over 860 total stores, acquired restaurant chain Potbelly. In the past year, the c-store giant also opened its 600th RaceTrac-branded store, expanded outside of its typical market area and invested in supply chain, foodservice and technology.
Its accelerated growth and substantial presence in the industry have distinguished it, and CStore Decisions is recognizing RaceTrac’s accomplishments by naming it a 2026 Chain to Watch.
A Season of Growth
RaceTrac’s enterprise consists of RaceTrac, RaceWay, Gulf, Energy Dispatch and, most recently, Potbelly Sandwich Works.
RaceTrac has historically focused its growth in the Southeast, but in recent years, the chain has been northward bound, opening sites in Ohio and Indiana.
“There are many factors we consider when it comes to growth,” said Melanie Isbill, president of convenience at RaceTrac. “Of course, we look at the fundamentals: population and traffic growth, real estate opportunities, supply-chain reach and the ability to build a strong team. But we also look for areas where we can serve growing communities, including along key travel corridors where we can meet the needs of professional drivers, bring value through competitive fuel pricing and convenience offerings, and create a store experience that gives guests more reasons to choose RaceTrac throughout their day.”
While RaceTrac is heading toward colder climates, it hasn’t abandoned its existing footprint. Now operating in 14 states, the chain has also recently expanded into North and South Carolina, adding an additional two Southern states to its map.
During its season of growth, the retailer reached its 600th store under the RaceTrac banner this past year.
“At RaceTrac convenience, one accomplishment that best represents our momentum is the way we have continued to invest simultaneously in growth, our capabilities and our people,” said Isbill. “… From expanding into new markets and strengthening our supply chain to advancing our technology, we are building for the long term.”
The Potbelly Advantage
RaceTrac’s acquisition of Potbelly is allowing the chain to view foodservice through a completely new lens. The two brands are able to learn from one another, getting a taste for each other’s techniques, strategies and overall goals.
The combination of RaceTrac’s convenience expertise and Potbelly’s established foodservice brand offers immense opportunity.
“The two are separate businesses,” Isbill said, “but there might be some occasions where the two brands coexist on one property.”
As for the c-store’s core foodservice, RaceTrac’s made-in-house pizza program is its strongest performer, but other hot foods like breakfast offerings and roller grill also rake in sales.
The hot foods program overall is performing well, and RaceTrac has been introducing new flavors and menu options, refining operations and discovering ways to make the experience faster and easier for customers.
“It’s exciting to see c-store food getting so much attention right now. While it may be a growing trend, it’s long been a focus for us. For years, we have worked to offer guests high-quality, craveable snacks and meals. Our culinary team is constantly innovating, but guest preference ultimately leads the way; only the menu items guests respond to make the cut and show up in our stores,” Isbill said.
Rewarding Usefulness
In addition to food, RaceTrac has been investing in loyalty this year. It’s committed to creating a meaningful digital experience the RaceTrac app and RaceTrac Rewards.
“Our RaceTrac convenience mission is to make people’s lives simpler and more enjoyable and that isn’t just at the pump or inside the store,” said Isbill.
The app and rewards program have allowed the chain to connect with guests through personalized value, relevant offers an easier path to engage with the brand, she continued.
Overall, RaceTrac has learned that its customers prioritize usefulness. The digital experience is not meant to be separate but a way to make every store interaction frictionless.
“Guests want digital tools that save them time and money and recognize how they shop,” Isbill said.
In its pursuit to make convenience retail even more convenient, RaceTrac reached a significant milestone in its RaceTrac Rewards membership enrollment.
“(This is) an encouraging sign that we we’re building a strong connection with our guests and the value they find in the program,” said Isbill.
‘We Aren’t Standing Still’
RaceTrac’s growing footprint and strong vision make it a standout chain in the industry. When asked why the retailer is a chain to watch this year, Isbill pointed to RaceTrac’s focus on the future — “we aren’t standing still.”
“We’re growing our footprint, investing in the guest experience, strengthening our technology and supply chain, and expanding our capabilities in foodservice, all while maintaining the entrepreneurial spirit that has defined RaceTrac for more than 90 years.
“But our ‘x-factor’ and what makes our organization special is our people,” said Isbill. “I’m incredibly proud of our team members and the energy and hospitality they bring to serving our guests and each other every day. Their commitment to creating a welcoming experience is what truly sets us apart.”
Family Express
In the wake of its 50th anniversary, Indiana-based Family Express is investing $100 million in new-store development. The 80-plus store chain also announced a modular construction approach to new stores, is opening a megastore concept and expanded store amenities to better serve its customers.
“We are growing like a weed,” said Alex Olympidis, president of operations, Family Express.
Additionally, its commitment to its customers and communities is award winning. In July, the retailer was recognized with one of CStore Decisions’ 2026 Philanthropy and Community Engagement Awards.
Due to its dedication to growth, innovative store concepts and above-and-beyond community commitment, Family Express is being recognized as a 2026 Chain to Watch in the industry.
$100 Million Growth
Family Express began celebrating 50 years in business in 2025.
On Christmas Day in 1975, President and CEO Gus Olympidis opened his first convenience store in Valparaiso, Ind. Over the course of 50 years, the business has grown to 85 stores and counting, all in Indiana.
Now, coinciding with the company’s 50th anniversary, the chain is putting $100 million toward a new-to-industry development plan, with new stores opening in the state throughout 2026. Olympidis stated in a press release that the newest stores are developed on three-to-four-acre sites with expanded foodservice.
The 50th anniversary milestone celebration occurred at the company’s Annual Family Festival, concluding with a drone show illuminating the retailer’s signature brands — JAVAWAVE, Cravin’s Pizza and Square Donuts — and congratulatory messages.
As part of its commitment to continued growth, Family Express opened its first modularized masonry building in Ligonier in October 2025, the first of four stores scheduled to open at the time before the end of the year.
These buildings are prefabricated and assembled in just a few days, reducing the time involved in conventional construction.
The Ligonier location features Family Express’ proprietary Cravin’s-To-Order kitchen and a car wash, among other amenities.
Family Express is also launching new megastores amongst its store openings as part of its portfolio.
It recently opened one in May in Morgan Township featuring a truck stop, car wash, pet wash and Cravin’s-To-Order kitchen. Already, it had megastore locations in St. John.
“Our stores are more than places to fuel up or grab a meal. They are part of the daily rhythm of the communities we serve,” Olympidis said.
Community Impact
Family Express has certainly developed a following during its 50 years in business, evidenced by its continued success, engagement initiatives and customer appreciation.
Just this past August, when severe storms impacted areas of Indiana, Family Express received well-deserved accolades from one of its customers. The customer commented on a Family Express Facebook post that their family members are now customers for life due to one store team’s kindness and quick thinking as the family took shelter in the store from the storm.
“Convenience stores are part of everyday life. We see our guests, neighbors, educators, first responders and community leaders every day. Supporting them is not separate from our business. It is part of our responsibility as a local company,” Olympidis shared. “We are proud that our approach to community engagement reflects the same values that define Family Express itself: consistency, service, relationships and community.”
Family Express’ commitment to its community is evidenced throughout the organization, reaching customers on a one-to-one basis every day through its store teams.
Family Express doesn’t only make itself available to its customers; it also invests in its employees.
It has been named a 2026 USA TODAY Top Workplace, an honor based on confidential employee surveys. As the chain continues to grow, it’s maintaining the culture that has yielded low turnover rates and immense employee satisfaction.
Family Express is also devoted to training, development and technology.
Family Express is closing out 2026 with more store openings, innovation and a staunch responsibility to its communities; its reliable and consistent model of success makes it a 2026 Chain to Watch.
