A Familiar Brand in New Markets
In the fall of 2025, Casey’s General Stores made a series of strategic acquisitions that significantly expanded its geographic reach. The Iowa-based convenience store chain, known widely for its fresh pizza and strong Midwest presence, acquired eight Kum & Go locations in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area from Maverik, along with four more Kum & Go stores in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and two additional locations in Iowa. These acquisitions came after Maverik, which had purchased the entire Kum & Go chain from Krause Group in 2023, began divesting stores in states outside its core operational territory.
Casey’s, which ranks third among U.S. convenience store chains by store count and now operates nearly 2,900 stores across 19 states, began immediately rebranding all acquired locations. For each store, that meant more than just new signage. It meant a physical renovation process that touches every system in the building, including fuel infrastructure.
What Rebranding Looks Like on the Ground
When Casey’s takes over a Kum & Go or Maverik location, the transformation is comprehensive. The company’s brand standards require a consistent customer experience across its entire network, which means bringing each acquired store up to Casey’s operational specifications. Fuel canopies are evaluated for structural integrity and may be modified or
replaced to accommodate Casey’s branding and layout requirements. Fuel dispenser islands are often reconfigured. Signage and lighting infrastructure requires structural welding to mount correctly and safely. Interior kitchen areas, where Casey’s plans to introduce its handmade pizza, hot sandwiches, and fresh breakfast items, require commercial equipment installation that involves welding at multiple points.
Each time a chain like Casey’s absorbs a store from a competitor, a full facility assessment and upgrade cycle begins. That cycle involves welders at every stage, from the fuel island to the kitchen line.
The Consolidation Wave Is Not Over
The convenience store industry has been in an active period of consolidation for several years, and 2025 saw that trend accelerate. According to industry analysts, M&A activity in the sector has increased steadily as larger operators look to acquire existing locations rather than build from scratch. Casey’s grew its footprint from approximately 2,400 stores in its 2023 fiscal year to more than 2,900 by the end of fiscal year 2025, adding 270 stores in a single year. The company has stated plans to open 80 additional new locations by the end of fiscal 2026.
Every acquired location and every new build carries a welding scope. Fuel systems, structural steel, equipment mounting, kitchen infrastructure, and site utilities all require certified welding before a store can open its doors under a new banner.
Regional Opportunity for Certified Welders
Casey’s expansion into Michigan and its deepened presence in South Dakota represent real regional opportunity for welding contractors who serve the fuel retail sector. The Grand Rapids area, in particular, is a growing market where commercial construction activity is increasing alongside residential and industrial development. Welding firms that can demonstrate fuel retail experience, code compliance knowledge, and the ability to work within a retailer’s timeline and brand standards are well positioned to participate in this wave of renovation and expansion work.
• Fuel canopy structural assessment, repair, and replacement
• Fuel dispenser island reconfiguration and mounting
• Signage structure fabrication and installation welding
• Commercial kitchen equipment anchoring and gas connections
• Site utility and underground infrastructure welding support
Ready to build or upgrade your fuel station infrastructure? Contact Sarlo Certified Welding today at sarlocertifiedwelding.com and let our team bring your project to the finish line with the quality and precision your business depends on.