Yesway Hits 250 Texas Stores With Burrito-Fueled, High-Tech Growth

ODESSA, TX – January 12, 2026

Yesway, one of the nation's fastest-growing convenience retail chains, has deepened its roots in the Lone Star State, opening two new large-format Allsup's stores in Odessa and Monahans. The late 2025 openings mark a significant milestone for the Fort Worth-based company, bringing its total Texas store count to 250. These new locations are more than just additions to a map; they represent a calculated strategy blending beloved regional tradition with forward-thinking technology, aiming to redefine the role of the roadside stop in modern American life.

A Strategy of Aggressive Expansion

Established in 2015, Yesway's ascent in the competitive convenience store sector has been remarkably swift. A pivotal moment came in 2019 with the acquisition of the historic Allsup's chain, a move that instantly added over 300 stores to its portfolio and secured a powerful, nostalgic brand identity. This aggressive growth has continued, funded by significant equity raises and an ambitious new-build program that saw 14 new stores open in 2025 alone, bringing its total network to 448 locations across nine states.

This expansion has propelled Yesway to the 19th spot on CSP's 2025 ranking of the largest U.S. convenience-store chains. In Texas, its largest market, the 250-store count positions it as a formidable player. While it still trails giants like 7-Eleven, with over 1,400 locations, and Circle K, with nearly 800, Yesway's strategy appears focused on quality and market penetration over sheer quantity. The company has announced plans to nearly double its entire footprint to approximately 900 stores in the coming years, signaling its intent to continue its assertive growth trajectory.

"The pace at which our incredibly talented and dedicated team was able to deliver new Allsup's stores across our network in 2025 is a testament to our culture of service, innovation, and execution," said Tom Trkla, Chairman, CEO, and President of Yesway, in a recent statement. He emphasized the company's dual focus on expansion and community integration, adding, "Every new store opening represents not just an expansion of our footprint, but an expansion of our responsibility to serve and support the communities that welcome us."

Redefining the Roadside Stop

The new stores in Odessa and Monahans are blueprints for this vision. Spanning an impressive 6,277 square feet, these are not your typical gas-and-go establishments. Operating 24/7, they are designed to function as community hubs, blurring the lines between a convenience store and a small-format grocer.

Inside, customers find a full selection of Yesway's private-label products alongside fresh grocery staples like bread, milk, and eggs. This offering is particularly impactful in the rural and suburban communities Yesway often targets, where access to a full-service supermarket may be limited or require a longer drive. The stores also feature expansive, well-stocked beer caves, traditional ATMs, and Western Union services, catering to a wide array of daily needs. This model reflects a broader industry shift toward providing an elevated, one-stop-shop experience that meets the evolving demands of consumers who value convenience above all else.

The Burrito That Built an Empire

At the heart of the Allsup's brand, and a critical component of Yesway's success, is a surprisingly simple, deep-fried culinary icon: the Allsup's World Famous Burrito. This beloved snack is far more than just a menu item; it's a cultural touchstone with a cult-like following, particularly in its West Texas and New Mexico heartland.

Born from what the company calls an "appetizing accident" in 1974 when a baked burrito was dropped into a deep fryer, the crispy, savory snack has fueled generations of loyal customers. The company sells a staggering 27 million of these burritos annually across its network. Its cultural impact is immense, inspiring everything from love songs to tattoos. Fans celebrate life milestones with burrito-themed photoshoots, and its unique flavor, often paired with Allsup's signature taco sauce, evokes a powerful sense of nostalgia and regional pride.

By acquiring Allsup's, Yesway didn't just buy stores; it inherited a half-century legacy of customer loyalty. The company has wisely made the burrito a centerpiece of its brand identity, demonstrating a keen understanding that in a crowded market, a unique and cherished product can be a more powerful differentiator than any discount or promotion.

Cashing In on Crypto and Modern Tech

While one foot is planted firmly in tradition with the iconic burrito, Yesway's other is stepping decisively into the future. A key feature of its new-format stores, including those in Odessa and Monahans, is the inclusion of digital and cryptocurrency ATMs. This move places Yesway at the forefront of a significant trend in retail.

Crypto ATMs have surged in popularity, offering a convenient way for consumers to buy and sell digital currencies like Bitcoin using cash, often without needing a traditional bank account. For retailers, they represent a new revenue stream and a powerful magnet for foot traffic. By integrating this technology, Yesway can attract a new, tech-savvy demographic and better serve unbanked or underbanked populations in the communities it enters.

However, the adoption of this technology is not without its complexities. Crypto ATMs are often associated with high transaction fees, which can range from 5% to over 20%, far exceeding those of online exchanges. They have also become a tool for scammers, who exploit the irreversible nature of crypto transactions to defraud victims. Operators face an increasing burden of regulatory compliance, including Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols and state-level licensing. Yesway's embrace of this technology signals a calculated risk, betting that the benefits of innovation and increased customer convenience will outweigh the potential challenges.

The new Allsup's locations in West Texas are a microcosm of Yesway's broader strategy: a careful marriage of the old and the new. They are a testament to the idea that a 50-year-old burrito recipe and a cutting-edge financial technology can coexist and thrive under the same roof, creating a retail experience that is both familiar and forward-looking. As Yesway continues its rapid expansion, this hybrid model of nostalgic branding and modern amenities may well set a new standard for the American convenience store.