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Tops Plans New Fuel Format

Tops is preparing to open its first freestanding convenience store and fuel station under the Tops Fresh Xpress banner. Unlike the 36 other fuel centers at Tops locations, the store, in West Seneca, N.Y., is near an existing Tops but not located on the same property. It is slated to open this week. Fuel is an area we are going to give some focus in the coming months and years, because we think we

Tops is preparing to open its first freestanding convenience store and fuel station under the Tops Fresh Xpress banner.

Unlike the 36 other fuel centers at Tops locations, the store, in West Seneca, N.Y., is near an existing Tops but not located on the same property. It is slated to open this week.

“Fuel is an area we are going to give some focus in the coming months and years, because we think we can jump-start our supermarket sales,” said Frank Curci, president and chief executive officer.

The company offers an extensive fuel-rewards program through which shoppers can earn 10 cents off a gallon for every $100 they spend on groceries.

The new Fresh Xpress will offer sandwiches and other quick-service food items conducive to “dashboard dining,” Curci explained, as well as traditional convenience-store fare like beer and other beverages. He said the company is looking for additional locations for the format and expects to have a handful open by early next year.

“We could see this being a 100-store chain in the near future,” Curci said.

Tops previously owned a 200-store c-store network, including the Wilson Farms banner, although that was sold in 2004 while Tops was still part of Ahold.

Fresh product for the new store will be supplied by Rochester, N.Y.-based J. Mills Distributing Co., instead of C&S Wholesale Grocers, which is Tops' primary supplier for its traditional supermarkets.

“For right now, it needs a separate supply chain,” Curci said.