Largest Convenience Stores
The largest convenience store is Buc-ee’s in New Braunfels, Texas. With 67,000 square feet, it is bigger than most grocery and department stores. You could fit 22 average 7-Eleven stores inside. Convenience stores are usually less than 5,000 square feet in urban areas. While independently run, most now belong to large chains with multiple locations.
Convenience Store Chains in the U.S.
The top 10 convenience store chains in the U.S. are: 7-Eleven, Circle K, Speedway, Casey’s, CST Brands, Stripes, Maverik, Kum & Go, QuickTrip, Wawa. 7-Eleven is the largest with over 9,000 stores. Circle K and Alimentation Couche Tard also have over 6,000 locations each. 160 million Americans visit convenience stores daily, spending $22 per visit including fuel. The industry continues to grow, with 20% more stores in New Jersey over the past decade. Convenience stores meet essential needs locally.
World’s Largest Convenience Store
The Sevierville, Tennessee Buc-ee’s opened on June 26, 2023, and became the world’s largest convenience store at 74,000 square feet. The New Braunfels, Texas Buc-ee’s held the previous record at 68,000 square feet. Buc-ee’s was inspired by the nickname of co-owner Arch "Beaver" Aplin. The first Buc-ee’s opened in Lake Jackson, Texas in 1982. Its mascot is a cartoon beaver called Beaver.
Convenience stores are integrated within gas stations in many parts of the world. While independently run, most now belong to large chains with multiple global locations. The total sales area seldom exceeds 5,000 square feet. Not surprisingly, most convenience stores serve urban areas with high population densities. About 160 million Americans visit a convenience store daily, spending $22 per visit.
The chain 7-Eleven is the largest convenience store chain in North America with over 9,000 stores. Circle K, Speedway, Casey’s and CST Brands are other top U.S. chains. The number of convenience store visitors making purchases has more than doubled since the 1980s. New Jersey saw 20% more convenience stores over the past decade. They continue to grow, meeting essential needs locally.