Kwik Convenience Stores parent to acquire Tom Thumb Food stores

The Kent Companies is expanding into Florida via an acquisition.

The family-owned business, whose entities include Kent Kwik Convenience Stores, Rustic Café, Huddle House and more, has entered into an agreement to acquire Tom Thumb Food Stores, a convenience store chain based in Hialeah, Fla. The acquisition will include fourteen company-operated Tom Thumb Food Stores and three Subway franchise locations.

Family-owned and operated, Tom Thumb Food Stores has maintained a presence in South Florida for more than 59 years, with locations spanning from Fort Lauderdale to Key West. The acquisition will increase Kent Companies’ portfolio to 88 company-owned and operated convenience stores, as well as 152 dealer sites, throughout Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and now Florida.

“Tom Thumb Food Stores have a long history serving the Florida market, with a strong reputation of taking care of their employees and dedication to their customers,” said Bill Kent, owner and chairman of the Kent Companies. “We are honored to continue their legacy of serving this market and giving back to the community.”

The stores being acquired recently underwent a brand re-imaging and will continue to remain Tom Thumb Food Stores.

“We are thrilled that the leadership and team will continue operating the stores as normal,” added Kent.

Tom Thumb was founded in 1964 by Tom Smith and his son-in-law, Jim McCarthy, with a single store in Miami, Florida

“Our father and grandfather opened the first Tom Thumb location in South Florida in 1964,” said Tom Thumb Food Stores co-owners Jimmy and Tom McCarthy. “From growing up in the stores and working with our family in all aspects of the business to finally purchasing the entire company from our parents and our sisters in 2015, it has been our greatest joy and distinct honor to deliver convenience and friendly service to the people of South Florida and the Keys for the past 59+ years.”

Founded in West Texas by the late Buck Kent in 1957, The Kent Companies began as Kent Oil and Kent Distributors and still remains a family-owned business today. The Kent Companies are comprised of multiple entities including Kent Kwik Convenience Stores, Mr. Payroll Check Cashing, Rustic Café, Huddle House, Baskin Robbins, Kent Car Washes, Kent Lubrication Centers, Westex Urgent Cares, Prince Signs, Kent Tire Company, and Kent Fuels wholesale.