Casey's General Stores, a prominent convenience store chain, has unveiled its new three-year strategic plan, expressing confidence in continued growth. CEO Darren Rebelez highlighted that the company exceeded targets set in its previous 2023 plan, having added over 500 stores and joined the S&P 500. The new strategy focuses on expanding its food business, growing its store base, and leveraging technology for improved efficiency and execution.
The plan aims to add at least 400 new stores through acquisitions and new developments, which would bring its total to more than 3,300 locations, positioning it behind only 7-Eleven and Circle K nationally. This expansion includes a significant focus on Texas, where the company successfully integrated CEFCO stores, its largest acquisition to date. Casey's sees ample opportunity in small towns, particularly those with populations under 20,000.
Food remains a key driver for Casey's, with ongoing investment in made-to-order items like pizza and the planned rollout of chicken wings across all locations within the next two years. The wings, already showing a 20% year-over-year sales increase in the Des Moines metro area, will expand to Texas and Florida by 2027 and other states like Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Arkansas by 2028. Additionally, the company is investing in technology, including AI for forecasting and inventory, kitchen redesigns for efficiency, and enhancements to its digital app and rewards program, all aimed at improving guest experience and supporting profitable growth.
