Yesway will open its first convenience store in Arizona on Oct. 2, marking the company’s 10th state of operation. The 6,277-square-foot store in Willcox features 10 fuel dispensers, five diesel lanes, and 17 truck parking spaces.
Operating under the Allsup’s name, the shop will sell the chain’s well-known burritos, house-brand snacks, and other typical items. This site plays a major role in Yesway’s expansion agenda, which targets 130 brand-new stores over the next five years.
Yesway’s expansion into Arizona is a natural extension of its Southwest footprint, with the state’s growing communities and fuel market forces making it an attractive location. President and CEO Tom Trkla called the expansion one of the most significant milestones in Yesway’s history.
Trkla stated, “We see tremendous long-term opportunity here. This is not simply the opening of another store for Yesway; it represents the beginning of what we hope will become a significant and enduring presence in Arizona.” Yesway’s Arizona debut follows a strong second fiscal quarter, with the company setting new records in several key areas.
Yesway finances its rollout using both its own capital and joint ventures with REITs and other property firms. The retailer projects an outlay of $40 million to $50 million to open between six and eight locations this year, most of which will be built through its “build-to-suit” scheme.
The company also plans to finalize a $17.5 million transaction that will transfer 29 stores in Iowa and Kansas by year-end. This divestiture aligns with Yesway’s aim to concentrate growth efforts in the Southwest and other target markets.
The 6,277-sq ft Willcox store, situated roughly 85 miles east of downtown Tucson, will operate under the Allsup’s banner. When Yesway announced its Arizona entry, President and CEO Tom Trkla noted that most of the six to eight new stores slated for this year, as well as 26 slated for next year, will be located in Arizona, with further openings planned in Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas. C-Store Dive reported that Nebraska-based Mega Saver agreed to purchase these locations.
