Weigel’s has been serving the East Tennessee Community since 1931 when it began as a dairy. Today, the Powell, Tenn.-based chain operates 85 convenience stores across east Tennessee, with plans to reach 89 locations by the end of 2025.
“By end of year we will have built seven new stores (in 2025),” said Nick Triantafellou, director of marketing & merchandising for Weigel’s. And, Weigel’s has an additional eight new stores on the docket for 2026. The chain’s Generation 4 store, which is its latest model, places the kitchen at the center of the store while providing ample space to accommodate guest traffic.
“In 2025, we also launched our first Weigel’s Auto Spa, with more slated to follow,” Triantafellou said. “All of our stores have been ground-up builds, reflecting our commitment to investing in the communities we serve.”
In March, Weigel’s debuted its 110,000-square-foot Harvest Station Foods Commissary. Triantafellou noted the commissary is “capable of producing at scale with unmatched efficiency.”
For example, the commissary can produce 40 pizzas per minute.
“This represents a pivotal shift for Weigel’s, giving us greater control over quality, consistency and innovation,” he said. “It also lays the foundation for vertical integration where possible, ensuring our foodservice programs remain fresh, distinctive and scalable.”
Dippin’ Chicken
Weigel’s foodservice program includes made-in-store pizza and its never-frozen hand-breaded Dippin’ Chicken, as well as traditional c-store fare, including roller grill offerings, sandwiches, corn dogs and stuffed biscuits in the morning.
“The commissary strengthens our ability to deliver programs like this consistently, with the flexibility to innovate across the menu,” Triantafellou said.
Weigel’s is currently focused on the recent launch of its Knoxville Hot Dippin’ Chicken, “a major brand innovation that blends sweet flavor with a fiery kick,” Triantafellou said. “First, you’ll taste the sweet crunch, then the fire hits — that surprise is what makes it fun. We’re not following trends here, we’re setting them.”
Weigel’s commitment to foodservice quality and innovation has paid off. It was recognized earlier this year in USA Today’s 10Best series where it was voted one of the Top 10 Best Gas Stations for Food. Weigel’s scored the No. 6 spot.
Retail Media Network
When it comes to technology, “our biggest push in 2025 is the continued buildout of our in-store retail media network, designed to unlock new revenue streams, deepen vendor collaboration and deliver more personalized experiences to our guests,” Triantafellou said. “This platform positions us at the leading edge of digital innovation within the convenience channel.”
Forward Momentum
As it looks ahead, Weigel’s aims to expand its store base by 10% annually via new builds while also expanding its Auto Spa platform, Triantafellou explained. “At the same time, we will leverage the commissary to fuel proprietary food growth and long-term brand differentiation.”
When asked what makes Weigel’s a Chain to Watch, Triantafellou pointed to the way Weigel’s combines 94 years of heritage with a forward-looking vision. “We trailblaze and set the standard in food, loyalty and technology, powered by a team that is deeply passionate about serving our guests,” he said. “From investing in a state-of-the-art commissary to launching Auto Spas and our own retail media network, we’re not just evolving with the industry — we’re helping define its future.”
