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.
