CStore Decisions is proud to announce Stinker Stores as our 2025 Chain of the Year for its commitment to operational excellence, innovation, a people-first culture and future growth.
“CStore Decisions’ Chain of the Year Award recognizes retail excellence. From its best-in-class new-to-industry (NTI) stores to its revamped loyalty program and mobile app to its commitment to a people-first culture, foodservice excellence and future-focused growth, Stinker Stores has earned a place among an elite list of chains as the 36th winner of this prestigious industry honor,” said Erin Del Conte, editor-in-chief of CStore Decisions. “But what truly sets Stinker Stores apart is its unwavering commitment to continuous improvement, consistently upgrading and refining its systems and programs. Refusing to settle for ‘good enough,’ the chain remains focused on modernizing and adapting to meet the needs of tomorrow.”
Stinker Stores was founded in 1936 by Farris Lind. The first store was a service station in Twin Falls, Idaho. Today, the Boise, Idaho-based chain operates 105 stores in Idaho, Wyoming and Colorado.
CEO Nate Brazier took the helm of the company in May 2024, following the retirement of late owner Charley Jones. Brazier, who previously served as president and chief operating officer, has worked to emphasize and enhance the chain’s people-first culture. He strengthened Stinker Stores’ leadership team by promoting five individuals to vice president roles, revamped its new-hire training program and appointed a dedicated training and development manager to ensure consistent onboarding. Stinker has also defined and emphasized its vision and values — “to make the world a better place by being a bright spot in customers’ day”— reinforcing its purpose. The chain has seen a noticeable decrease in turnover thanks to its commitment to culture.
Operational Excellence
Stinker Stores’ commitment to operational excellence is visible through its best-in-class, NTI locations, including a 10,000-square-foot truck stop that opened in Caldwell, Idaho in September. The chain has introduced a prototype store design that showcases its proprietary Pete’s Eats food program at the front of the store, features an open-kitchen concept and incorporates community seating. Stinker has been actively refreshing and remodeling its locations to incorporate this modern design. In just 3.5 years, Pete’s Eats has experienced significant growth, and the company is now enhancing its menu with innovative offerings and limited-time promotions.
Stinker Stores has been busy enhancing its systems and processes. Recently it upgraded its point-of-sale (POS) system, back-office platform and human resources management system across its entire fleet of stores, as it remains focused on continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Driving Innovation
Innovation remains a key focus at Stinker Stores. Despite being already ahead of many c-store chains on the loyalty program and mobile app front, Stinker Stores wasn’t satisfied. It went back to the drawing board in search of the features and functionality that would help carry it into the future. This past fall, it launched a new mobile app, complete with order-ahead functionality, delivery options and gamification elements, plus an enhanced loyalty program. It plans to add geo-fencing capabilities to the app in 2025.
Also on the innovation front, Stinker Stores is using AI to monitor freshness at its roller grills, and it launched a central fuel pricing system using AI in November. Stinker is also testing Mashgin self-checkout systems in select locations to enhance customer convenience. The retailer recently introduced a retail intelligence program focused on signage, store layouts and customer engagement, and it’s piloting customer feedback buttons at select locations to gather real-time insights from shoppers.
Future-Focused Growth
Looking ahead, Stinker Stores has its eye on potential growth opportunities both within its core footprint, as well as outside of its current operating area. The company plans to explore expansion through both new builds and acquisitions, ensuring its continued success in the competitive convenience retail landscape.
“We are truly honored and excited to be named Chain of the Year,” said Brazier. “This recognition is not just a reflection of our achievements, but a celebration of the Stinkin’ Awesome people who make up our team — our amazing employees, loyal customers and supportive partners. It’s their hard work, passion and commitment to making our world a better place that drives our success and elevates us in this competitive industry. It’s a testament to the trust and relationships we’ve built with our communities, and it motivates us to continue innovating and improving. We are committed to continuously getting better every day for employees and customers, and we will continue to have a lot of fun doing it!”
Retailers are invited to join us in honoring Stinker Stores on the evening of Oct. 15 at the Roof on theWit in Chicago during the NACS Show from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30p.m. Retailers must RSVP to attend HERE.
The event schedule is as follows:
5:30 p.m. Cocktails
6:30 p.m. Buffet Dinner
7:15 p.m. Award Ceremony honoring Stinker Stores
Supplier companies must be sponsors to attend. Suppliers interested in sponsorship opportunities should contact Lindsay Buck, VP of sales, at [email protected].
About the Chain of the Year Award
CStore Decisions’ Chain of the Year award annually honors a convenience store, travel center or petroleum chain that has established itself as a superior retailer and innovator in the industry. CStore Decisions’ first Chain of the Year award was Wawa Inc. in 1990. Stinker Stores follows the 2024 Chain of the Year Winner Pilot. Past winners of this prestigious award include Sheetz, Maverik, RaceTrac, 7-Eleven Inc., Kwik Trip, Alimentation Couche-Tard, QuikTrip, Rutter’s and Family Express.
Past Chain of the Year Winners
1990 – Wawa Inc.
1991 – SuperAmerica
1992 – QuikTrip Corp.
1993 – Casey’s General Stores Inc.
1994 – Sheetz Inc.
1995 – Diamond Shamrock Corp.
1996 – MAPCO Express Inc.
1997 – Speedway Inc.
1998 – Krause Gentle Corp.
1999 – Dairy Mart Inc.
2000 – Amerada Hess Corp.
2001 – Huck’s Food & Fuel
2002 – Petro-Canada
2003 – Exxon Mobil Corp.
2004 – Kwik Trip Inc.
2005 – 7-Eleven Inc.
2006 – Valero Inc.
2007 – Alimentation Couche-Tard
2008 – Chevron Inc.
2009 – Nice N Easy Grocery Shoppes
2010 – Rutter’s Farm Stores
2011 – Thorntons Inc.
2012 – Tedeschi Food Shops
2013 – Maverik Inc.
2014 – RaceTrac Petroleum Inc.
2015 – Family Express Corp.
2016 – QuickChek Corp.
2017 – Sheetz Inc. (Second Award)
2018 – Kwik Trip Inc. (Second Award)
2019 – Weigel’s Inc.
2020 – Parker’s
2021 – Yesway
2022 – Nouria Energy
2023 — TXB
2024 — Pilot
