What was once a routine, transactional experience fueling up and grabbing a snack—has transformed into a cultural ritual for many. Brands like Wawa, Buc-ee’s, Sheetz, and 7‑Eleven have turned gas stations and convenience stores into destinations people seek out for food, experience, community, and even fandom.
More Than Just a Fuel Stop
Historically, gas stations and convenience stores were purely functional fuel, coffee, maybe a candy bar. Today, these stops have been elevated by curated food offerings, branded merchandise, and experiential storytelling. Chains like Wawa and Sheetz are no longer just “pit stops,” but beloved local fixtures with devoted fans.
The Data Behind the Shift
According to MapZot.AI’s latest analysis, both gas stations and convenience stores (C‑stores) saw year-over-year growth from 2024 to 2025, but the scale of growth differs significantly. Gas stations posted a steady 2.9% increase in visits, underscoring their continued role as essential travel stops without substantial experiential draw. In contrast, C‑stores continued to dominate, achieving an impressive 18.4% surge in foot traffic over the same period. The growth was particularly sharp during peak travel months, with July 2025 visits soaring well above early-year levels. Buc-ee’s led the charge with a 24.6% increase in visits, while Maverik followed closely with a 21.1% rise, boosted by new store openings and strong brand engagement. These insights reveal how C‑stores are redefining the retail experience evolving from mere convenience to becoming cultural and destination-driven hotspots, leaving traditional gas stations behind.
Brands That Became Beloved Brands
1. Wawa
Fresh-made hoagies and coffee have turned Wawa into a regional obsession. The brand’s fans even cross state lines just to visit a testament to its ability to convert convenience into devotion.
2. Sheetz
Sheetz leans into irreverent charm, offering quirky menu items and embracing 24/7 service. Its personalized vibe resonates with a blue-collar and Gen‑Z crowd alike.
3. Buc-ee’s
A Texan phenomenon, Buc-ee’s has redefined what a gas station can be, think cavernous retail space, swoon-worthy snacks (Beaver Nuggets, natch), impeccable restrooms, and swag-heavy souvenir displays. Not just a stop: a destination.
4. 7‑Eleven
Iconic events like Free Slurpee Day drive massive engagement, with foot traffic surges exceeding 127% over daily averages. Their in-house brands (creative snacks, flavored Slurpees) are aggressively cultivated into culture staples.
What Brands Can Learn (and What Comes Next)
Play to personality: Consumers love distinctive brands. Charm, quirks, regional identity all matter more than polish.
Treat private labels like culture: Make it collectible, experiential, and Instagram-worthy.
Build emotionally not just functionally: Create moments fans talk about, not just points to earn.
Leverage seasonality: Summer travel can be a goldmine. Diversify product mix to align with social and travel peaks.
Expand thoughtfully: Regional behavior differs. Analyze dwell times and foot traffic to adapt store formats and offerings.
Final Thoughts
Gas stations and convenience stores are no longer convenience alone: they’re community hubs, food destinations, quirky retail experiences, and emotional magnets. With immersive product offerings, cultish brand identity, and strong traffic momentum, the industry has absolutely turned culture upside-down one Slurpee, Beaver Nugget, and late-night hoagie at a time.
Want more data-driven insights like this? Visit MapZot.AI and unleash the power of location intelligence for your brand insight and strategy.
