TXB Taps "Chain of the Year" Leader to Fuel Aggressive Growth

SPICEWOOD, Texas – August 26, 2026 – In a move that signals a significant structural shift designed to accelerate its next chapter of growth, Texas Born (TXB) today announced the appointment of Nate Brazier as its new President. The strategic hire places a seasoned operational expert at the helm of day-to-day activities, freeing up Owner and CEO Kevin Smartt to focus on long-term strategy and expansion. This division of leadership is a classic maneuver for a company priming itself for a major leap forward, transforming a regional favorite into a formidable market force.

Brazier joins the family of restaurant-style convenience stores from Stinker Stores, where his tenure as President and CEO saw the chain earn the coveted CStore Decisions' 2025 Chain of the Year award. His arrival at TXB is not merely a personnel change; it's the deliberate installation of an engine built for scaling operations, refining culture, and mastering the complex logistics of a fresh-food-forward retail model. The move positions TXB to aggressively pursue its growth ambitions in one of the nation's most competitive markets.

A Deliberate Division of Power

The new leadership structure at TXB is a clear indicator of the company's maturation and ambition. Kevin Smartt, the visionary who rebranded the company from Kwik Chek and established its unique identity, will now concentrate on "growth, strategy, capital allocation, acquisitions, industry relationships and the long-term direction of the company." This pivot allows him to architect the brand's future from a 30,000-foot view, scouting opportunities for market penetration and strategic acquisitions while Brazier ensures the foundation on the ground is solid enough to support that expansion.

"Expanding the leadership capacity of TXB marks a big step in where the company is heading," Smartt stated, emphasizing the strategic nature of the hire. "We're building the organization and leadership team capable of operating a best-in-class convenience retail experience for our guests. Nate brings the kind of experience that can help us build on this momentum while also sharing the philosophy TXB was built on."

Brazier's role is complementary, focused on execution and internal excellence. He will lead the company's day-to-day operations, with a stated goal to "build on that foundation by investing in our people, continuing to differentiate TXB through fresh food and strengthening the culture that makes this company special." His arrival allows for a dual focus: Smartt builds the map for future growth, while Brazier ensures the vehicle—the stores, the people, and the processes—is running at peak performance. Their shared detail-oriented approach, noted by Brazier, suggests a powerful synergy aimed at meticulous execution. "Kevin and I are both detail-oriented and I'm expecting great things from our collaboration," Brazier said.

Importing a Blueprint for Excellence

Nate Brazier is not just an experienced executive; he brings a proven blueprint for success. His leadership at Stinker Stores, a 105-location chain, culminated in the industry's top honor, a recognition driven by a people-first culture, foodservice innovation, and future-focused growth. During his six-year tenure, which saw him rise from VP of Operations to President and CEO, Brazier cultivated a reputation for transforming company culture and driving tangible results.

Under his guidance, Stinker Stores implemented strategies that directly addressed one of the retail sector's most persistent challenges: employee retention. Through partnerships and a focus on workplace experience, the company reportedly improved employee tenure by an impressive 45% and reduced turnover by 37% in 2025 alone. This track record of investing in people aligns perfectly with Brazier's stated goals for TXB and underscores his philosophy that operational excellence begins with a supported and empowered team. His deep industry pedigree, which includes over a decade of experience with giants like 7-Eleven and high-growth brands like Maverik, further solidifies his credentials as a leader capable of navigating complex operational landscapes.

Doubling Down on the "Restaurant-Style" Revolution

At the heart of TXB's identity is its mission to dismantle the stigma of "gas station food." The brand has staked its reputation on being a "restaurant-style" destination, offering fresh, made-to-order food that rivals Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs). Offerings like hand-breaded, never-frozen chicken tenders and tacos on tortillas pressed daily in-store are not just menu items; they are declarations of quality. The company's focus on high-quality ingredients and on-site preparation has already enabled it to achieve QSR-level sales volumes at some locations, proving the model's viability.

Brazier's background makes him an ideal leader to amplify this core differentiator. At Stinker Stores, he was instrumental in a strategic initiative to remodel locations to better emulate QSRs and enhance foodservice offerings, including the launch of its first in-house fresh food program. His expertise in scaling foodservice operations is precisely what TXB needs to ensure consistency and quality as it grows. By bringing in a president with a passion for food service, TXB is doubling down on the very element that sets it apart in a crowded field.

Navigating a Hyper-Competitive Landscape

TXB's ambition to double its footprint to over 100 stores is set against the backdrop of the most saturated convenience store market in the United States. Texas is home to over 16,500 locations, where national behemoths like 7-Eleven and Circle K compete with beloved regional powerhouses like QuikTrip and the legendary Buc-ee's. In this arena, survival and growth depend on sharp differentiation and deep community ties.

TXB's strategy attacks on two fronts: superior food quality and authentic community engagement. The brand's "Leave 'Em Better" mission is manifested in its significant charitable work, most notably having raised nearly $1.5 million for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). This commitment builds local loyalty that national brands often struggle to replicate. Smartt underscored this, stating, "We're excited to bring his expertise to further our commitment to the communities we serve through our retail experience and local giving."

With five new stores already slated for future builds and a clear goal of expanding its presence across Texas and Oklahoma, TXB is poised for a critical growth phase. The installation of Nate Brazier as President is the key structural move designed to ensure this expansion is not just rapid, but also sustainable, scalable, and true to the brand's core identity.