CST Brands

CST Brands Logo

VALERO CORNER STORE

CST Brands, Inc. was an American publicly traded fuel and convenience retailer that operated throughout the United States and Canada. Founded in 2013 as a spinoff from Valero Energy Corporation, CST Brands was headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. The company quickly grew to become one of the largest independent retailers of petroleum and convenience merchandise in North America. CST Brands was known for its network of fueling stations and convenience stores, which operated under various brand names including Corner Store and Dépanneur du Coin in Canada.

History

CST Brands was established in May 2013 when Valero Energy Corporation, one of the world's largest independent petroleum refiners and marketers, spun off its retail operations to focus on its core refining and wholesale business. The spinoff allowed CST Brands to concentrate on the retail aspect of the business, expanding its footprint and enhancing its offerings in the competitive convenience store market.

Following its inception, CST Brands embarked on a strategy of growth and expansion. It acquired several smaller chains and individual stores, increasing its presence in key markets across the United States and Canada. One of the significant acquisitions was the purchase of Lehigh Gas GP LLC in 2014, which expanded CST's operations in the northeastern U.S. and added wholesale fuel distribution to its business model.

In 2016, CST Brands announced that it would be acquired by Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc., a Canadian multinational operator of convenience stores. The acquisition was completed in 2017, and CST Brands was integrated into Couche-Tard's global network of convenience stores, operating under various banners including Circle K.

Operations

CST Brands operated more than 1,000 fuel and convenience store locations across the United States and Canada. The company's stores offered a wide range of products including fuel, groceries, snacks, beverages, and quick-service food. CST Brands was committed to providing a convenient shopping experience for customers, with a focus on high-quality products and excellent customer service.

The company's flagship brand, Corner Store, was well-known for its fresh food offerings, including made-to-order sandwiches, salads, and baked goods. In Canada, CST operated under the Dépanneur du Coin brand, catering to the unique preferences of the Canadian market.

Brands and Products

CST Brands' retail network included several brands, each tailored to meet the needs of its respective market. The most prominent brands were:

- Corner Store: The primary brand in the United States, known for its wide range of convenience goods and fresh food options. - Dépanneur du Coin: The Canadian counterpart to Corner Store, offering a similar range of products tailored to the Canadian consumer. - Nice N Easy Grocery Shoppes: A brand acquired by CST, operating in the northeastern United States with a focus on convenience and community service.

Acquisition by Alimentation Couche-Tard

The acquisition of CST Brands by Alimentation Couche-Tard in 2017 marked the end of CST Brands as an independent company. This strategic move by Couche-Tard expanded its footprint in North America, adding a significant number of retail locations to its global network. The integration of CST Brands into Couche-Tard's operations aimed to leverage the strengths of both companies to enhance the retail experience for customers and drive future growth.

Legacy

Although CST Brands no longer exists as a standalone company, its legacy continues through the stores and brands that were part of its network, now operating under the Circle K banner and other brands within the Couche-Tard family. The acquisition and integration of CST Brands have contributed to Couche-Tard's position as one of the leading convenience store operators in the world.