Austin, Texas, February 7, 2026
Casey’s General Stores has announced a $4.4 million investment to open its first location in Austin, Texas. This move is aimed at competing with Buc-ee’s, a popular travel center in the state. Following a recent acquisition, Casey’s plans to expand its footprint in Texas, including the construction of new stores in key locations. This aggressive growth strategy highlights the competitive nature of the convenience store market in Texas.
San Antonio, Texas – Casey’s Challenges Buc-ee’s with $4.4 Million Expansion
San Antonio, Texas – In a significant move to challenge Buc-ee’s dominance in Texas, Casey’s General Stores has announced a $4.4 million investment to establish its first location in Austin, marking a substantial expansion into the Lone Star State.
Casey’s Expansion into Austin
Casey’s General Stores, an Iowa-based convenience store chain, is set to open its inaugural Austin location, signaling its commitment to competing with Texas’ homegrown travel center, Buc-ee’s. This development is part of a broader strategy to increase Casey’s presence in the state, demonstrating the resilience and ambition of businesses looking to stake their claims in new markets.
Recent Expansion Efforts
In July 2024, Casey’s expanded its footprint by acquiring Fikes Wholesale, Inc., the owner of CEFCO Convenience Stores, in a $1.145 billion all-cash transaction. This acquisition added 198 retail stores, including 148 in Texas, significantly bolstering Casey’s presence in the state. The deal also included a fuel terminal and a commissary to support the Texas stores.
Strategic Growth Plans
Following the acquisition, Casey’s has been actively constructing new stores across Texas. Notably, the company is building seven new convenience stores in central and eastern Texas, with completion expected by the end of 2025. These locations include sites in Abilene, Tioga, Gladewater, Texarkana, Athens, and Burnet. This aggressive expansion approach illustrates the potential for private investment to stimulate local economies and offer consumers a wider array of options.
Competitive Landscape
Casey’s rapid expansion into Texas underscores the competitive dynamics in the convenience store sector, particularly with Buc-ee’s, a well-established Texas-based chain known for its expansive travel centers. The entry of Casey’s into Austin and other Texas markets is poised to intensify competition, offering consumers more choices and potentially influencing market dynamics. Increased competition can lead to improved services and lower prices for consumers, enhancing the overall market value.
Background on Casey’s General Stores
Founded in Iowa, Casey’s General Stores has grown to become one of the leading convenience store chains in the United States. The company operates over 2,900 stores across 17 states, offering a range of services including fuel, groceries, and prepared foods. Its expansion into Texas represents a strategic move to tap into the state’s lucrative convenience store market, benefitting from the favorable business climate that Texas provides.
Conclusion
With a $4.4 million investment in Austin, Casey’s General Stores is making a significant push into Texas, challenging Buc-ee’s established presence. This expansion reflects the company’s strategic growth initiatives and the evolving competitive landscape in the convenience store industry. The ongoing developments in this sector highlight the importance of entrepreneurship and innovation in driving economic growth in Texas.
FAQ
What is Casey’s General Stores?
Casey’s General Stores is an Iowa-based convenience store chain operating over 2,900 locations across 17 states, offering services such as fuel, groceries, and prepared foods.
What is the significance of Casey’s expansion into Austin?
Casey’s $4.4 million investment to establish its first Austin location signifies its commitment to competing with Texas-based Buc-ee’s and expanding its presence in the state’s convenience store market.
How does Casey’s expansion impact the convenience store industry in Texas?
Casey’s rapid expansion into Texas is expected to intensify competition in the convenience store sector, offering consumers more choices and potentially influencing market dynamics.
What was the recent acquisition by Casey’s in Texas?
In July 2024, Casey’s acquired Fikes Wholesale, Inc., the owner of CEFCO Convenience Stores, in a $1.145 billion all-cash transaction, adding 198 retail stores, including 148 in Texas, to its portfolio.
What are Casey’s future expansion plans in Texas?
Casey’s plans to build seven new convenience stores in central and eastern Texas, with completion expected by the end of 2025, including locations in Abilene, Tioga, Gladewater, Texarkana, Athens, and Burnet.
Key Features of Casey’s Expansion into Texas
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Investment Amount | $4.4 million |
| Location | Austin, Texas |
| Acquisition | Fikes Wholesale, Inc. (owner of CEFCO Convenience Stores) for $1.145 billion |
| Number of Stores Added in Texas | 148 |
| Future Store Openings in Texas | Seven new convenience stores by end of 2025 |
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Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
