The Top 5 Roadside Convenience Stores in America

Think all convenience stores are the same? Think again. Once just quick stops for gas and a few snacks, many of today’s stores have evolved into destinations in themselves, with fresh food, local specialties, and unique souvenirs that make them a memorable part of any road trip. So, the next time you hit the open highway, make a point to stop at one of the top five convenience stores in the U.S., as ranked in a 2025 study by the American Customer Satisfaction Index.

5. Buc-ee’s

Buc-ee’s is a roadside destination designed with travelers in mind. With massive locations — including the largest convenience store in the world — featuring dozens of fuel pumps, clean bathrooms, and aisles packed with snacks, it’s a haven for road-trippers. One of the biggest draws of Buc-ee’s is the store’s unique treats, like the famous Beaver Nuggets, a sweet, caramel-coated corn puff snack that has become the brand’s signature. The stores also offer homemade fudge, Texas-style jerky, kolaches, and fresh barbecue, all made in-house or sourced from local suppliers, giving travelers a taste of regional flavors along the way. 

In addition to its food offerings, Buc-ee’s is known for its quirky merchandise, including beaver-themed hats, T-shirts, mugs, home decor, and even camping gear. The smiling beaver mascot was inspired by the founder’s childhood nickname, and it creates a fun, recognizable brand that keeps customers loyal and makes a visit to Buc-ee’s feel like part of the adventure rather than just a pit stop.

4. QuikTrip

Headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where the first store opened in 1958, QuikTrip now operates more than 1,000 stores across the Midwest, South, and Southeast. Arizona, Missouri, Georgia, Oklahoma, and Texas are home to the most locations, so if you’re planning a road trip through those states, one shouldn’t be far away. Known for its company culture and generous benefits, QuikTrip (along with Sheetz) has appeared on Fortune magazine’s list of the best companies to work for. Every year, the chain also donates 5% of its net profits to local charities. 

Stores are spacious and well laid out, featuring QT Kitchens for made-to-order meals. The “Guaranteed Gasoline” program ensures high-quality fuel with 300% more engine-cleaning detergents than required by the government. For road-trippers from Georgia to Arizona, QuikTrip is more than a gas stop — it’s a convenient place to grab a hot meal, refill coffee, stretch your legs, and refuel for the journey ahead.

2. Sheetz (tie)

Sheetz was ranked fourth in last year’s convenience store satisfaction report, but it climbed the ranks to tie for second place in 2025. Pennsylvania, where the store was founded, has the highest number of Sheetz locations, but the brand now operates in seven states across the Mid-Atlantic and Appalachian regions, including North Carolina, Virginia, and Ohio. 

Similar to the other stores on this list, Sheetz offers restaurant-quality food, a drive-thru option, and 24/7 operating hours (including its specialty coffeehouse). But Sheetz stands out for its indulgent snack menu, with comfort foods like breakfast pizza, loaded fries, mac and cheese bites, and sliders. That, combined with its lively, colorful store atmosphere and robust late-night menu, creates a memorable experience that keeps “Sheetz Freakz” (as its loyal fans are called) coming back time and time again. 

2. Wawa (tie)

The former convenience store champ fell to a second-place tie this year, but it’s still a favorite of many road-trippers, especially with newly opened stores in states including Ohio and Indiana. Wawa started primarily as an East Coast convenience store chain, with a strong presence in Florida, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Today, there are Wawa locations in 14 states, and the store is known for fresh, made‑to‑order food like hoagies, salads, wraps, and breakfast sandwiches, plus a full bar of coffee, tea, and specialty drinks. 

Open 24/7 year-round, Wawa also offers fee-free ATMs, complimentary air for tires, and competitively priced gas. When you’re road-tripping up or down the East Coast, Wawa is a convenient stop before visiting attractions like New York City’s landmarks, Washington, D.C.’s monuments, or Orlando’s theme parks. 

1. Kwik Trip

In 2025, Kwik Trip edged out Wawa, last year’s winner, for the top spot in customer satisfaction in the ACSI convenience store study. Founded in La Crosse, Wisconsin, this family-owned chain has expanded to more than 850 locations across Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, and South Dakota. 

Kwik Trip earned top marks for its friendly staff, strong company culture, convenient mobile ordering, and fresh, high-quality food — most of it made in-house or delivered daily. Customer favorites include glazed doughnuts, pizza, sandwiches, and soups. You’ll find Kwik Trip stations scattered along scenic routes in the Midwest, so whether you’re cruising through Wisconsin’s farmland, Minnesota’s lake country, or South Dakota’s wide-open plains, a Kwik Trip is never far away.