Casey's aims to open 'at least' 400 new stores over next three years
The nation's third-largest convenience store retailer is implementing a new three-year plan that will see it greatly expand its store footprint.
Iowa-based Casey’s General Stores Inc.’s new strategic plan is centered around three priorities: adding "at least" 400 new stores over the period, expanding its food and beverage offerings, and enhancing its operational efficiency by implementing new technology. Since introducing its last strategic plan in 2023, Casey's has opened more than 500 new stores and joined the S&P 500.
Casey’s expansion, which includes 120 stores in its current fiscal year, will include a combination of strategic acquisitions and new-store development. By expanding its presence in both existing and new markets, Casey’s said it will bring its “food-first convenience offering” to more guests.
“Our growth strategy is expanding Casey’s Country in a disciplined way," said Ena Williams, chief operations officer at Casey’s. "We’ve shown that we can grow through both new stores and acquisitions. That includes the successful integration of CEFCO, our largest acquisition to date, which strengthened our presence in Texas and expanded Casey’s reach across the South. That flexibility allows us to pursue the best opportunities as market conditions evolve.”
Casey's new plan comes as its earnings surged in its most recent quarter. The company's net income surged 65.5% to $162.7 million, or $4.37 a share, for the quarter ended April 30, up from $98.3 million in the year-ago period. Inside same-store sales rose 5.5%, while fuel same-store gallons were up 1.5%.
“Our success over the last three years reinforces what makes Casey’s unique: a differentiated model that brings together restaurant-quality food, best-in-class convenience, and fuel at scale," said Darren Rebelez, president and CEO of Casey’s. “As we enter our next three-year plan, we are focused on expanding our food business, growing our store base, and leveraging technology to improve efficiency and execution. We believe these priorities will enable us to continue gaining market share, driving profitable growth, and delivering long-term value for our shareholders.”
In addition to expanding its store footprint, Casey's new strategic plan includes;
Enhancing Operational Efficiency: Casey's says plans to invest in technology and data-driven tools to improve how its team members prepare food, serve guests and run stores efficiently. These investments will help improve forecasting, strengthen the guest experience, and support profitable growth as the company expands, it says.
"We're intentional about how we invest in technology, focusing on solutions that improve the experience for our guests while enabling our teams to operate more efficiently," said Williams. "Whether it's using AI to help improve forecasting and inventory planning, redesigning kitchens to help team members prepare more food with less friction, or enhancing digital tools like our app and Casey's Rewards, we're investing in practical innovations that improve efficiency, strengthen guest experience, and support long-term growth."
Accelerating Food and Beverage: Building on its position as one of the nation’s largest pizza chains, Casey’s says it will continue investing in its made-to-order offerings, including pizza and chicken wings, with plans to expand its private label portfolio.
"Our food business is at the center of Casey’s three-year growth strategy and continues to be one of our strongest differentiators," said Tom Brennan, chief merchandising officer at Casey’s. "In Des Moines, where wings have been available for more than a year, sales are up 20% year over year, reinforcing the significant opportunity we see as we expand the platform across our nearly 3,000 stores and further establish Casey’s as a food destination."
Through its network of more than 2,900 stores, Casey’s is the third-largest convenience store retailer and the fifth-largest pizza chain in the United States.
