From Corner Grocery to National Chain: A Historical Overview of Convenience Retail

The modern convenience store (C-store) traces its roots to the early 20th century’s neighborhood corner shops and service stations — simple places where travelers and local residents could buy milk or a snack without entering a full grocery. Over the decades, these mom-and-pop operations dotted towns and cities, creating community hubs with an intensely local identity according according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.

But by the late 20th and early 21st centuries, chain operators began consolidating market share through scale, brand consistency, and capital resources that independents simply could not match. Today, the convenience store industry still comprises a majority of independent locations in the U.S., but chain stores — backed by sophisticated financing, national distribution networks, and brand power — have expanded relentlessly, reshaping the competitive landscape.

In 2025, there are approximately 152,255 convenience stores in the United States — a slight decline from prior years — but this figure masks a shift: chains continue to build and remodel stores while many independents struggle to sustain margins and investment capacity.

Why Chains Are Replacing Independent Stores

Several secular forces have driven consolidation:

·       Economies of Scale & National Distribution: Large chains negotiate lower wholesale costs, invest in branded private-label goods, and deploy advanced inventory systems unavailable to most independents.

·       Access to Capital & Real Estate: Publicly traded and private equity–backed operators can finance expansions, acquisitions, and remodels at debt costs that underground operators cannot access.

·       Operational Systems & Analytics: Chains use POS data, loyalty programs, and supply chain forecasting to optimize assortments and increase turnover with fewer stockouts.

·       Brand Standardization: Customers increasingly expect predictable pricing, store cleanliness, and consistent food and beverage options that large brands are better equipped to deliver.

These capabilities often dislocate local independents, especially in overlapping trade areas where consumers compare offerings directly.

 

The Evolution of the C-Store Operating Template

Beyond Fuel & Snacks — The Rise of Foodservice

Historically, convenience stores made a majority of their revenue from fuel, tobacco, and packaged snacks. But this structure is now shifting.

In 2024, foodservice comprised nearly 28% of in-store sales and over 38% of gross margin dollars at U.S. C-stores, with prepared food far outweighing traditional merchandise.

This pivot is profound:

·       Made-to-Order & Grab-and-Go: Chains now offer breakfast burritos, sandwiches, bakery items, and even chef-driven menu items that compete with fast-casual QSRs.

·       Mobile & Digital Engagement: App-based loyalty, digital coupons, and mobile order ahead increase frequency and data capture.

·       Retail + Food Hybrids: Many leading C-stores now act as hybrid retail/restaurant destinations; the border between convenience retail and QSR is blurring.

Technological & Operating Innovations

·       Self-checkout kiosks and mobile payments are becoming standard to improve throughput.

·       Data analytics and loyalty platforms tailor offers by location and day part.

·       EV charging and ancillary services (air pumps, parcel lockers) add footfall and dwell time.

·       Private-label and fresh produce programs give chains higher margins and differentiated assortments.

 

Consumers Expect More: The Fresh Food Revolution

Today’s convenience shoppers are not just grabbing chips and cola — they expect quality, freshness, and meal solutions:

·       Urban commuters look for breakfast bowls and premium coffee.

·       Suburban families seek convenient dinner grabs.

·       Millennials and Gen Z want healthier, better-for-you options and digital ordering.

Food is more than an impulse add-on — it now draws traffic. Prepared food sales have outpaced many traditional categories, and chains that can deliver taste, speed, and value are gaining share.

 

Top 5 Convenience Store Chains by Store Count (U.S., 2025–2026)

Based on the latest industry counts and C-store rankings:

1.       7‑Eleven – ~12,400+ stores (largest U.S. network).

2.       Circle K (operated by Alimentation Couche-Tard) – ~6,800+ stores.

3.       Casey’s – ~2,700+ stores (Midwest-focused but growing).

4.       Speedway – ~2,900+ stores (now part of the 7-Eleven ecosystem).

5.       Murphy USA – ~1,100+ stations with expanding convenience assortments.

(Additional notable chains: EG America, QuikTrip, ampm, Stripes Convenience Stores.)

 

Top 5 C-Store Chains by Sales Volume

Comprehensive 2024 sales rankings reflect performance on the Top Retailers list (source: Convenience Store News retail growth data):

1.       7-Eleven

2.       Circle K

3.       Wawa

4.       QuikTrip

5.       ampm

These leaders combine fuel, retail, and foodservice revenues — with foodservice often the fastest-growing segment of their portfolios.

 

Top 5 Fastest-Growing Convenience Store Chains

Recent industry growth rankings (retailer lists and performance growth year-to-year):

1.       Shell (C-store partner with integrated fuel) – ~26.8% sales growth.

2.       QuikTrip – double-digit growth with enhanced food programs.

3.       ampm – driving volume through promotions and refurbishments.

4.       Wawa – continued footprint and food innovation.

5.       Emerging mid-tier brands like regional chains noted on major retail growth lists.

Additionally, many smaller, agile operators with fresh food, loyalty apps, and EV chargers have shown rapid local expansion, even without hundreds of locations.

 

Grocerant Guru® — Insights at the C-Store & Fast-Food Intersection

1.       C-Stores Are Eating the Fast-Food Playbook: Modern C-stores now serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner with quality that rivals quick casual and traditional QSR chains — and often with shorter lines and stronger loyalty rewards.

2.       Fresh Meals Drive Frequency, Not Just Fuel: Ready-to-eat and made-to-order meals increase trip frequency more than any other category. Retailers investing in commissary-level food operations see higher basket sizes and deeper customer engagement.

3.       Omnichannel Engagement Has Become Table Stakes: The future belongs to retailers that combine digital orders, mobile loyalty, and real-time personalization — turning every customer touchpoint into a revenue opportunity.

4.       Small Footprint ≠ Small Ambition: Regional C-store brands leveraging unique local food offerings and community identity can outperform larger rivals in customer satisfaction and niche market growth — a structural way to resist commoditization by mega chains.

Think About This

The convenience store sector has evolved from humble, independent corner shops into a highly competitive retail ecosystem shaped by national chains, foodservice innovation, and consumer expectations for quality and speed. Chains dominate through capital access and technology, but the fight for relevance — especially in food and customer experience — continues to redraw the competitive boundaries between c-stores, QSRs, and independents alike.

Elevate Your Brand with Expert Insights

For corporate presentations, regional chain strategies, educational forums, or keynote speaking, Steven Johnson, the Grocerant Guru®, delivers actionable insights that fuel success.

With deep experience in restaurant operations, brand positioning, and strategic consulting, Steven provides valuable takeaways that inspire and drive results.

Visit GrocerantGuru.com or FoodserviceSolutions.US Call 1-253-759-7869