Casey’s General Stores: Beyond Pizza and Gas – A Look at the Future of Convenience
Casey’s General Stores, the third-largest convenience store chain in the U.S., is undergoing a significant transformation. Although the company’s commitment to its signature pizza – and, crucially, the cheese on that pizza – remains unwavering, a broader strategy of growth, acquisition, and menu expansion is taking shape. This isn’t just about selling gas and snacks anymore; it’s about becoming a vital part of the communities it serves.
The Expansion Engine: Acquisitions and the “Category of One”
Over the past six years, Casey’s has grown from approximately 2,200 stores to over 2,900 across 19 states. This expansion hasn’t been solely organic. Recent acquisitions, most notably Fikes Wholesale and the CEFCO brand (adding 198 stores), are central to the company’s strategy. Casey’s aims to integrate these acquisitions fully, maintaining consistent standards and execution across all locations.
This approach aligns with Casey’s “Category of One” business strategy, which emphasizes being community-centered, employing friendly staff, and prioritizing food offerings. The company’s focus is on providing a unique experience that differentiates it from competitors like 7-Eleven and Circle K.
From Gas Station Pizza to a Dining Destination
Casey’s journey began with pizza in 1985, and it’s now the fifth-largest pizza chain in the United States. Tom Brennan, Casey’s chief merchandising officer, emphasizes that they are “a restaurant that happens to sell gas,” noting that three-quarters of customer visits don’t even involve a fuel purchase. This shift highlights the growing importance of food in Casey’s business model.
The menu has expanded beyond pizza to include sandwiches, chicken wings, and a variety of side dishes. Private-label products are also playing a key role, with over 300 SKUs now available, driving consumer spending and offering value to customers.
The GoodStop Concept: Filling the Gaps
Not all acquired stores are immediately rebranded as Casey’s. For locations where a full remodel – including the installation of a kitchen – isn’t feasible, Casey’s utilizes the “goodstop” concept. These stores maintain a Casey’s feel and offer some Casey’s food items, but without the full pizza offering. This allows the company to maximize its portfolio and maintain a presence in a wider range of locations.
Community Focus and the Future of Rural Retail
Casey’s strategically positions itself in smaller communities, with two-thirds of its stores located in towns of 20,000 people or fewer, and half in towns of 5,000 or less. This commitment to rural areas is a core part of its identity. The company’s stated purpose is “to make life better for communities and guests every day.”
This focus on fundamentals – consistent operations, category management, and marketing – is crucial for maintaining quality and consistency as the company scales. Casey’s attributes its success to its core values, summarized as Casey’s CARES: Commitment, Authenticity, Respect, Evolving, and Service.
Looking Ahead: Growth and Profitability
Casey’s recently announced strong financial results and an optimistic outlook for 2026, expecting earnings to increase by 15% to 17%. Total revenue reached $4.5 billion, a 14.1% increase year-over-year. The company is preparing to unveil a novel three-year strategic plan in June, outlining its priorities for continued growth and profitability.
Brennan emphasizes the importance of both organic growth (building new stores) and acquisition growth. He points to the potential for expansion in states like Texas, which share similar demographics to Casey’s strongholds in the Midwest.
FAQ
Q: Will Casey’s ever change its pizza cheese?
A: No. Tom Brennan, Casey’s chief merchandising officer, has stated definitively that the cheese on the pizza will remain unchanged.
Q: What is the “goodstop” concept?
A: goodstop is a brand used for acquired stores that aren’t immediately remodeled to include a full Casey’s kitchen and pizza offering. They still offer a selection of Casey’s products.
Q: How many stores does Casey’s currently have?
A: As of February 2026, Casey’s has over 2,900 stores in 19 states.
Q: What is Casey’s CARES?
A: Casey’s CARES represents the company’s core values: Commitment, Authenticity, Respect, Evolving, and Service.
Did you know? Casey’s first store opened in 1968 in Boone, Iowa.
Pro Tip: Maintain an eye out for Casey’s new three-year strategic plan, set to be unveiled in June, for a deeper dive into the company’s future direction.
What are your thoughts on Casey’s expansion? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below!
