Casey’s General Stores Emerges as a Leading U.S. Pizza Chain Through Small-Town Focus

Casey’s General Stores Builds National Presence by Serving Small-Town America

Convenience store preferences in the U.S. are often regionally defined, with East Coast consumers favoring Wawa and Sheetz, and the West Coast gravitating toward 7-Eleven. In the Midwest, Iowa-based Casey’s General Stores has carved out a distinct niche, becoming the third-largest convenience store chain nationwide by concentrating on small towns, primarily within that region.

Casey’s CEO, President, and Chairman Darren Rebelez highlights that 72% of the company’s outlets are situated in communities with fewer than 20,000 residents—areas he describes as “underserved.” This strategic placement often positions Casey’s as one of the few retail options available in these smaller markets.

Financial services firm Stephens notes that Casey’s has capitalized on this positioning by developing a robust food service segment, with its signature pizza playing a pivotal role. Made fresh daily from scratch, Casey’s pizza has become a customer favorite due to its combination of quality and affordability, according to Pooran Sharma, Stephens’ managing director of equity research.

Strong Financial Performance and Strategic Expansion

In its fiscal first quarter ending 2026, Casey’s reported a 19.5% increase in net profits compared to the same period last year. Inside-store sales, excluding fuel revenue, grew by 14.2%, underscoring the strength of its food and retail offerings.

Since September 2020, Casey’s stock price has more than doubled, climbing over 190%, reflecting investor confidence in its growth strategy and operational execution.

Expansion efforts have included both organic growth through new store openings and acquisitions. In July 2024, Casey’s completed its largest acquisition to date by purchasing Fikes Wholesale, owner of CEFCO Convenience Stores, in an all-cash deal valued at $1.15 billion. This acquisition facilitates Casey’s entry into Alabama and Florida markets while deepening its presence in Texas.

Competitive Landscape and Future Outlook

Despite Casey’s success, industry experts highlight intensifying competition among convenience store chains nationwide. As Casey’s ventures into new geographic markets, maintaining its distinct small-town appeal and food quality will be critical to sustaining growth.