7-Eleven doubles its numbers from 2003 to 46,000 total stores After breaking both international and domestic store growth records last year, 7-Eleven Inc. plans to have even more growth in 2012. Last year, the chain added more than 4,600 stores throughout the world. About 600 of these stores were built, acquired or transitioned from another…
Thorntons Expands in Florida
Thorntons embarks into a new metro/state region for the first time since 2007. Thorntons is expanding into the Florida metro market of Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater. The first location is set to open in Spring 2013 in Clearwater. Thorntons’ strategic plan for the region is to 15-20 Tampa—St. Petersburg—Clearwater area stores in the next three years. “To…
Dunkin’ Donuts Franchisee Plans New Locations
Franchise opportunities with Dunkin’ Donuts are still available in Ottumwa, Iowa. Dunkin’ Donuts has signed a multi-unit store development agreement with existing franchisee, Savoureux Corp., for 12 new restaurants in North Omaha, Neb. and Sioux City, Iowa, with the first restaurant planned to open in 2013. Savoureux Corp. is led by NFL greats and former…
Sheetz Opens Ephrata, Pa. Store
New customers welcomed with contests and prizes. Sheetz opened a new store in Ephrata Township, Pa., Thursday, Dec. 22, at 9 a.m. The new location sits at 891 East Main Street. Excitement for this store has been heightened with a contest for the first 50 people in line when the doors open. These lucky customers will…
Starbucks Branches Into Beer, Wine
New Chicago area stores to feature upscale menu, spirits and live entertainment. Starbucks plans to open up to seven stores featuring beer and wine in addition to coffee in the Chicago area by the end of 2012, the Chicago Tribune reported. The Seattle-based coffee giant has been testing a more community-oriented store concept to improve…
Fleming Oil, Dead River Co. Merge
The two family-owned businesses share core values and look to grow in the Vermont, New Hampshire area. Fleming Oil Co. in Brattleboro, Vt., and Dead River Co. have merged, effective Nov. 17, with plans to expand into select markets in New England. Fleming Oil operates at 11 locations in Vermont and New Hampshire. Dead River…
Susser Accelerates Store Building Program in 2012
About 25-30 new Stripes convenience stores planned for next year. Susser Holdings Corp. plans to accelerate its new retail store building program in 2012, with an estimated 25-30 Stripes convenience stores expected to be built next year. “Our plan to pick up the pace of new store building next year reflects the strong traction our…
Dead River Co. Sells Stores To Circle K
Stores scheduled to transition to Circle K ownership in December. After about 40 years in business, Dead River Co. is selling its 19 convenience stores to Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc.’s Circle K, Bangor Daily News reported. “We’re not closing them; we’re selling them,” Alan Dorr, general manager for procurement at Dead River’s South Portland, Maine headquarters…
New Irving Oil Station Opens in Somersworth
Somersworth, N.H., residents may have noticed a change to one of their local businesses recently. The familiar filling station at 55 Route 108 has a new look and a new brand of gasoline: Irving. “I am excited to expand the Irving Oil brand in New Hampshire and looking forward to serving the members of our…
Wal-Mart To Enter C-Store Market
Wal-Mart is entering the convenience store market starting with large cities, such as San Francisco, Chicago and Detroit, the Financial Times reported. The big box chain is reportedly has been looking at smaller-format sites between 20,000-50,000 square feet this summer. The company expects to outline its business plans later this year, Bill Simon, Wal-Mart’s CEO…