Dive Brief:
- Energy and c-store company R.H. Foster Energy has acquired six Leadbetter’s c-stores in Bangor, Holden and Bucksport, Maine, according to an emailed press release.
- The locations will be rebranded to R.H. Foster’s Freshies c-store banner. Two other Leadbetter’s locations that are not part of the acquisition will continue under their current banner.
- R.H. Foster also plans to incorporate some of Leadbetter’s approach to foodservice into Freshies as part of the transition, adding to the growing list of c-store chains focusing more premium meal options.
Dive Insight:
While R.H. Foster’s latest acquisition includes just six stores, the company hopes to gain deeper insights into foodservice operations that it can implement across the company. Foodservice was a hot topic throughout 2022, and experts see expansion and improvement of the restaurant side of c-stores continuing to grow in 2023 as well.
“As part of this transition, we intend to learn more about the high-quality food that the Leadbetter’s are known for and to adopt some of those practices to improve our overall food program here at Freshies,” said Katie Foster, executive manager at R.H. Foster Energy, in the release.
Freshies already focuses on “fresh food and healthier options,” according to its website. Its menu includes deli sandwiches and wraps, a variety of pizzas, breakfast sandwiches, fried food, salads and more.
The six Leadbetter’s locations that are being acquired will continue to operate as normal while R.H. Foster transitions them to its Freshies brand.
Machias, Maine-based R.H. Foster Energy began as a heating oil delivery company in 1959, and has now grown to encompass 17 Freshies convenience stores and delis, growing to 23 after the transition is complete, as well as a Tri-City Pizza in Bangor and six energy companies providing services and heating fuel.
