Casey's

Casey's General Stores

Casey's General Stores, Inc., is a chain of convenience stores primarily located in the Midwestern and Southern United States. The company operates under the name Casey's and is publicly traded on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol "CASY."

History:

The first Casey's General Store was founded in 1968 in Des Moines, Iowa, by Donald F. Lamberti. Lamberti leased a service station from his father-in-law, and the business expanded from selling gasoline to offering a broader range of convenience items. The concept was to locate stores in smaller, rural communities, catering to local needs.

Business Model:

Casey's operates primarily in towns with populations of 5,000 or fewer. Their business model emphasizes providing a wide variety of goods and services, including groceries, beverages, tobacco products, health and beauty aids, automotive products, and prepared foods, particularly pizza. Many locations also sell gasoline.

Prepared Foods:

A defining characteristic of Casey's is its focus on prepared foods. The company is well-known for its made-from-scratch pizza, which is a significant driver of revenue. They also offer other prepared foods such as sandwiches, donuts, and other baked goods.

Geographic Footprint:

Casey's General Stores operates in sixteen states, including Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and Tennessee. Their concentration remains strongest in the Midwestern states.

Community Involvement:

Casey's often participates in local community events and supports local organizations. They are known for their philanthropic efforts within the communities they serve.

Competition:

Casey's competes with other convenience store chains, grocery stores, and gas stations. However, their focus on smaller communities and their emphasis on prepared foods give them a distinct competitive advantage in their core markets.