USA Today has announced the nominees for its annual “Best Gas Station Brand” and “Best Gas Station for Food” lists. The retailers were selected by a panel of experts, followed by an evaluation by USA Today 10Best editors. Now, the public will have an opportunity to vote for their favorites.
In 2024, La Crosse, Wis.-based Kwik Trip took home the title of Best Gas Station Brand, and Baltimore, Md.-based Royal Farms grabbed the No. 1 slot for Best Gas Station for Food.
This year’s Best Gas Station Brand nominees include:
- Allsup’s/Yesway
- Buc-ee’s
- Casey’s
- Cumberland Farms
- Hy-Vee
- Kwik Trip
- Love’s Travel Stops
- Maverik
- Parker’s
- Pilot Flying J
- QuickChek
- QuikTrip
- RaceTrac
- Royal Farms
- Rutter’s
- Sapp Bros. Travel Centers
- Sheetz
- Terrible’s
- TravelCenters of America
- Wawa
Best Gas Station for Food nominees include:
- 7-Eleven
- Allsup’s/Yesway
- Buc-ee’s
- Casey’s
- Cumberland Farms
- Dodge’s Southern Style
- Kwik Trip
- Marathon
- Maverik
- Parker’s
- QuickChek
- QuikTrip
- Royal Farms
- Rutter’s
- Sheetz
- Spinx
- TravelCenters of America
- UDF
- Wawa
- Weigel’s
“To be nominated as an industry leader in these categories year after year speaks to Maverik’s dedication to quality products and a superior customer experience,” said Maverik’s CEO and Chief Adventure Guide, Crystal Maggelet. “I couldn’t be prouder of our entire team for their crucial role in setting Maverik apart at every level of our business.”
Foodservice For Success
Notably, this year’s lists feature a number of retailers on both the Best Gas Station Brand and the Best Gas Station for Food categories, further demonstrating the role foodservice plays in brand recognition and success.
According to a report from Technomic, nearly one-fifth of consumers reported increased foodservice item purchases at c-stores compared to a year ago, with 40% noting a decrease in fast-food visits and coffee shops as a result.
The report continued to note that price is a major factor for c-store consumers, with three in 10 consumers noting that price influences their decision when comparing c-stores to quick-service restaurants (QSRs).
As a result, convenience store retailers have been doubling down on the emerging category that is foodservice, and they are seeing results. By leveraging unique limited-time offers (LTOs), innovative flavor profiles and quality ingredients, convenience retailers are making it easier than ever to skip the fast-food drive-thru lane.
Coupled with the one-stop-shop convenience and prices of a c-store, the industry is poised to see significant growth with foodservice in the coming years.
