Iowa-based Casey’s chain acquiring Pilot store location in Rocky Top
The nation’s third-largest convenience store chain plans to open its doors in mid-December in Rocky Top in the building that now is a Pilot convenience store, just off Interstate 75 at Exit 129.
Called Casey’s General Store, the new business is part of a chain that began in Boone, Iowa, in 1968, and has now grown to more than 2,300 stores in 16 states. It’s known for its fresh pizza offerings, among other things.
Casey’s agreed in late September to buy 40 Pilot convenience stores in East Tennessee and Kentucky for $220 million in cash, after the Haslam family decided to sell off that part of its Knoxville-based business.
The Pilot convenience stores have operated separately from the Pilot Flying J Travel Centers and the associated fuel-supplier business, of which the Haslams sold a 38.6 percent interest to Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Co. in 2017.
The convenience stores were not included in the deal with Berkshire Hathaway, which will up its stake in Pilot Flying J to more than 50 percent in 2023 to take a controlling interest.
Casey’s offers standard convenience store products, plus a variety of fresh foods, including its signature pizza, made fresh daily in house at each store (including the crust). Casey’s says it’s the nation’s fifth-largest pizza chain.
Its website notes: “Casey’s provides freshly prepared foods, quality fuel and friendly service at its locations. Guests can enjoy pizza, doughnuts, other assorted bakery items, and a wide selection of beverages and snacks.”
The Rocky Top Beer Board – which is the same as the City Council – unanimously approved an off-premises beer-sales permit in November for the new Casey’s location, whose address is listed as 706 N. Main St.
The closing of the sale of the convenience stores from the Haslams to Casey’s is expected to be Dec. 15, a company spokeswoman told the Rocky Top council members.
“Since our humble beginning in 1968 as a general store in Boone, Iowa, Casey’s has steadily grown from the heart of one community to the next,” the company says on its website (caseys.com). “ … While we continuously aim to create innovative services and offerings, we’ll always stay true to making life better for our communities and guests every day.”
As for the pizza side of the business:
“For more than 35 years, we’ve been perfecting our famous handmade pizza,” the website notes. “With made-from-scratch dough, real whole-milk mozzarella, fresh veggies and quality meats, our pizza is crafted in-stores and baked fresh morning to night.
“As the fifth largest pizza chain in the U.S., we’re known for breakfast pizza (yes, it exists!) and several specialty pizzas (can you say Taco?), while still offering kid-favorite pizza staples like cheese and pepperoni (adults love them, too). Our store teams are passionate about delivering on the food and convenience you crave.”