TXB aims to double stores with yearly additions

TXB announced it will add 7 to 10 new stores each year. TXB quietly revealed plans to surpass 100 stores in early 2025. If achieved, that growth trajectory would be the biggest in its history.

The Texas retailer currently operates 54 convenience stores. CEO Kevin Smartt and President Nate Brazier said the company plans to double that count within five years through a mix of organic growth and acquisitions.

According to Smartt, four to six of the yearly additions will be brand-new builds, while the remainder will come from buying existing sites. “I look at the 100-store mark — yes, we’re still aiming for that,” he told C-Store Dive.

That strategy differs from several similarly sized operators that have been selling assets as profit margins tighten. This year, chains such as Tooley Oil, Earnheart Oil, Fleming Brothers Oil, PowerTrac, FastLane, Big Boss Stores and Monfort Companies have exited the market, leaving openings for expansion-focused firms.

The retailer believes its strong operational standards and deep community ties give it an edge in a challenging environment. It says local customers value a familiar, locally-owned name, which can translate into higher traffic at new locations.

Smartt noted the retailer has “We’ve been a good acquirer … we’ve bought several single store locations and sometimes multiple in one year,” Smartt said. Those purchases are part of a broader effort to expand the footprint while closing underperforming stores.

Larger chains such as Casey’s General Stores and Oxxo USA continue to acquire and rebrand smaller Texas operators, creating openings for the retailer to capture market share.

“We’ve got a whole pipeline of real estate we’ve already acquired and that we’re working on acquiring,” Smartt said. He added that if a suitable M&A opportunity arises, the company would consider it, keeping the centennial goal firmly in view.