Casey’s targets 400 new stores in three-year strategic plan

ANKENY, Iowa – Casey’s plans to build on several years of rapid expansion with a new three-year strategic plan focused on accelerating its food and beverage business, adding at least 400 stores, and investing in technology to improve operational efficiency.

The convenience retailer said it surpassed the goals set in its 2023 strategic plan, adding more than 500 stores and earning a place in the S&P 500. The company now operates more than 2,900 stores, making it the nation's third-largest convenience retailer and the fifth-largest pizza chain.

“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 chief executive officer 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.”

The strategy focuses on three priorities: accelerating food and beverage sales, expanding the company's geographic footprint, and improving operational efficiency.

Prepared food remains the cornerstone of Casey’s growth strategy. The company plans to continue investing in its made-to-order menu, including pizza, chicken wings and other items, while expanding its private-brand 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. "Prepared foods and nonalcoholic beverages are driving strong inside sales, and we’re continuing to build on the loyalty we’ve earned through our more than 40 years in the pizza business with new offerings like wings and fries. 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."

To support its long-term growth, Casey’s plans to open at least 400 stores over the next three years through a mix of acquisitions and new-store development. The retailer said that expanding both within existing markets and into new regions will help it reach more customers while leveraging its experience in integrating acquired locations.

“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.”

The company also plans to expand its use of technology, including artificial intelligence, to improve forecasting, inventory management and store operations. Casey’s said that investments in kitchen design, digital tools and its Casey’s Rewards platform are intended to improve employee productivity and the customer experience.

“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.”

Casey’s said the three-year strategy is designed to drive continued market share gains while delivering profitable long-term growth through a combination of food innovation, disciplined expansion and operational improvements.