History of Kum and GoHistory of Kum and Go

 

Take a glance in the rearview mirror and see just how far the company has traveled in its more than 50 year history.
 

W.A. Krause and T.S. Gentle founded Kum & Go, L.C. on September 1, 1959. When the two Hampton entrepreneurs opened their small full-service gas station, they couldn't have known it was only the beginning of a business which would become known for unmatched ingenuity and courageous risk-taking.

 

In 1963, based on a desire to further serve customers, Kum & Go, L.C. introduced the convenience store concept by offering fuel and merchandise – converting their "gas station" into a "station store."

 

By late 1977, Kum & Go had grown to 65 convenience stores employing 327 people.

 

The 1980s brought further innovations in convenience with the addition of quick serve restaurants – including Blimpie, Taco John's and Burger King – in several stores.

 

Kum & Go opened its first store in Des Moines in 1984.

 

In 1988, the headquarters were moved from Hampton to West Des Moines – the fastest growing city in Iowa.

 

By the end of the 80s, Kum & Go had 134 stores across the Midwest.

 

In 1996, Kum & Go opened 22 new stores.

 

In 1997, the company opened 14 new stores.

 

In 1998, Kum & Go added 122 new stores.

 

In early 1999, the company capped a decade of phenomenal growth with the acquisition of an additional 45 stores.

 

In 2002, Iowa gained another 12 stores, including 7 in Des Moines, 2 in Fort Dodge and one each in Oskaloosa, Carroll and Grinnell.

 

Sixty-eight stores were added under the Kum & Go brand in Missouri and Oklahoma in 2004.

 

Kum & Go entered the Jonesboro, AR market in 2006 with 11 new stores.

 

During 2009 Kum & Go strengthened its presence in Springfield & Joplin, MO with 36 new stores.

 

A number of stores in the Des Moines, IA area were remodeled in 2010 to incorporate Go Fresh Market kitchens.

 

Kum & Go opened its first two stores in central Arkansas in 2011, planning to build 25 in the area within five years.



Today

The pioneering spirit of Kum & Go’s founders continues to drive the company forward into the future. As the fifth largest privately-held, company-operated convenience store chain in the United States, Kum & Go operates more than 400 stores in 11 states throughout the Midwest. Thanks to the efforts of its more than 4,000 associates, Kum & Go continues to strive for excellence in customer service and convenience – serving more than 400,000 customers each day.

Kum & Go Chief Operating Officer Plans for Retirement - January 25, 2012 Kum & Go Selects Pikes Peak Region for Multi-Million Dollar Expansion - January 11, 2012 Menace Owner Kyle Krause Inducted Into USL Hall of Fame - December 20, 2011 Buddies Emerge From Creature Country to Promote Love of Coffee & Good Deeds - September 30, 2011
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