Casey's General Stores

Casey's General Stores, Inc. is an American chain of convenience stores that operates primarily in the Midwestern United States and the South. Founded in 1959 by Donald Lamberti, Casey's has grown from a single store in Boone, Iowa, to over 2,300 locations as of 2023. The company is headquartered in Ankeny, Iowa. Casey's is known for its selection of prepared foods, notably pizza, which has become a significant aspect of its business model.

History

The first Casey's General Store was opened in 1959 in Boone, Iowa, after Donald Lamberti leased a service station from his father. The concept evolved from a simple store to a chain when Lamberti was inspired by the success of similar convenience stores during a trip to Chicago. The company expanded rapidly throughout Iowa in the 1960s and 1970s, entering other states in the 1980s. Casey's became publicly traded on the NASDAQ stock exchange in 1983 under the symbol CASY.

Operations

Casey's General Stores operates with a focus on small towns and rural areas, often becoming a community hub. The stores offer a wide range of products including grocery items, prepared foods, beverages, and gasoline. Casey's is particularly noted for its pizza, which it started offering in 1984. The pizza program has been a significant driver of the company's growth, making Casey's one of the largest pizza chains in the United States.

In addition to pizza, Casey's offers other food services such as made-to-order sub sandwiches, donuts, and a bakery section. The company has also expanded its services to include online ordering and delivery in some locations.

Financial Performance

As a publicly traded company, Casey's General Stores has shown consistent growth in both revenue and store count over the years. The company's financial performance is closely watched by investors, with its expansion strategy often cited as a key factor in its success.

Community Involvement

Casey's is involved in various community activities and sponsorships, focusing on supporting local schools, community events, and charitable organizations. This community focus is part of Casey's corporate identity and is reflected in its marketing and operational strategies.

Challenges and Opportunities

Like many retail and convenience store chains, Casey's faces challenges such as fluctuating fuel prices, competition, and changing consumer preferences. However, the company has continued to innovate, particularly in its food service offerings, to drive traffic and sales. The expansion of online ordering and delivery services represents a significant opportunity for Casey's to reach new customers and markets.

See Also

• Convenience store
• List of pizza chains of the United States
• Retail
• Fast food in the United States