LACROSSE, Wis. —The Wisconsin-based convenience store giant Kwik Trip, already with 870 locations in eight states, is scouting sites to establish a presence in Nebraska. A spokesperson would not confirm how many Nebraska stores are planned. Plans are in “early stages,” the spokesperson said. The company’s business model is a saturation distribution system mostly out of its kitchen, dairy and bakery complex in LaCrosse. Industry sources expect prime Nebraska locations as Omaha, population 400,000 and 300 miles from LaCrosse, and Lincoln, population 290,000 and 360 miles. Kwik Trip also locates in small towns along its distribution routes. The spokesperson said Nebraska locations would operate under the name Kwik Star for legal reasons, as are its stores in Iowa and North and South Dakota.
Nebraska shake-up ahead
The dominant Nebraska convenience chain is Casey’s General Store with 130 locations. In all, Casey’s has 2,900 locations in the Midwest and South. Currently Casey’s is acquiring the Buc-ee’s chin out of Texas with locations in10 states, including one being built in Nebraska in the Omaha suburb of Gretna. This means intensified competition for Kwik Trip’s Nebraska venture from the combined Casey’s-Buc-ee’s chain.
Already at Nebraska’s doorstep. Kwik Trip has current locations along the Nebeska border in Iowa and South Dakota. Next step: Across the Missouri River into Omaha.