We have several convenience store chains based out of the Mountain West.
One of them, Maverik, recently bought East Coast-based Kum&Go, and they are rebranding the few locations here that opened just prior to the takeover. They do not get mystery shopped, and most locations don't need to be. High level of consistent conditions and behaviors throughout the region.
Two others are going the private branding route. The smaller of the 2, Common Cents, used to be all Exxon franchises, but all their stations are now private. I could always count on doing most, if not all, of their 7 locations in my area, and there were plenty along my various routes into neighboring states.
I was able to snag a few rebranding jobs for one last round of visits before they disappeared. They operate at an even higher level of consistent employee performance than Maverik. I will miss the work, and bumping into their regional manager for what seemed like every visit for years. We would joke about who was stalking who on any given day.
The other is a pretty large player, with dozens of locations across multiple major brands. I saw one private branded location the other day when I was doing an Exxon Lube audit, and I'm guessing there will be more to come. I'm banned from Sinclair, but I do every Customer First I can snag, and I hope their Chevron locations don't go away anytime soon.
Any else seeing similar business moves in their necks of the woods?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/04/2026 05:20PM by CoolMusic.
One of them, Maverik, recently bought East Coast-based Kum&Go, and they are rebranding the few locations here that opened just prior to the takeover. They do not get mystery shopped, and most locations don't need to be. High level of consistent conditions and behaviors throughout the region.
Two others are going the private branding route. The smaller of the 2, Common Cents, used to be all Exxon franchises, but all their stations are now private. I could always count on doing most, if not all, of their 7 locations in my area, and there were plenty along my various routes into neighboring states.
I was able to snag a few rebranding jobs for one last round of visits before they disappeared. They operate at an even higher level of consistent employee performance than Maverik. I will miss the work, and bumping into their regional manager for what seemed like every visit for years. We would joke about who was stalking who on any given day.
The other is a pretty large player, with dozens of locations across multiple major brands. I saw one private branded location the other day when I was doing an Exxon Lube audit, and I'm guessing there will be more to come. I'm banned from Sinclair, but I do every Customer First I can snag, and I hope their Chevron locations don't go away anytime soon.
Any else seeing similar business moves in their necks of the woods?
Have synthesizers, will travel...
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/04/2026 05:20PM by CoolMusic.