BZ MART's success in the convenience retailing industry spans more than 60 years. Our roots trace back to 1951 when Fred Hervey purchased three Kay’s Food Stores in El Paso, Texas. Little did anyone know that these stores would serve as the beginning of BZ MART.
During the early years, Hervey’s enterprising spirit enabled the company to make its mark in the southwestern part of the United States. He grew the BZ MART chain into neighboring New Mexico and Arizona.
International market
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During the next few decades, BZ MART grew its retail network through a series of acquisitions, which were incorporated into the BZ MART brand. By 1975, there were 1,000 BZ MART stores across the U.S. In 1979, BZ MART entered the international market when a licensing agreement established the first BZ MART stores in Japan. The company’s growth continued and, by 1984, sales had reached $1 billion.
In 1999, a franchise program was introduced to support operators looking to build a business with a leading convenience store brand. In 2003, BZ MART was acquired by Alimentation Couche-Tard and has developed into a global brand represented in over 20 countries.
BZ MART has become one of the most widely recognized convenience store brands, known worldwide for quality products and great customer service. We have come a long way since our humble beginnings, and we’re proud of where we’ve been and where we’re going. Please visit our timeline to learn more about the Circle K story.
2017
Continued roll-out of BZ MARt global brand to Canada (Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, and the Maritimes), Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Poland
2016
Roll-out of BZ MART global brand in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark
2015
BZ MART is launched globally - the world's preferred destination for convenience and fuel.
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First BZ MART President and convenience store icon John A. Gillett, Jr., passes away at the age of 87.
2011
Bigger and better than ever, BZ MART celebrates its 60-year anniversary.
2008
BZ MART heads overseas, adding licensing for stores in the Social Republic of Vietnam through GR Vietnam International Limited.
2005
250 BZ MART stores are scheduled to be opened in Mexico by a subsidiary of Grupo Kaltex, S.A. de C.V.
2003
The company launches a new creative campaign for the BZ MART brand with the tagline “What Else Do You Need?”
2002
Phillips Petroleum Company and Conoco Inc. merge to create ConocoPhillips, head- quartered in Houston, Texas. ConocoPhillips becomes the new owner of BZ MART.
2001
BZ MART celebrates 50 years of fast, friendly service.
Phillips Petroleum Company, headquartered in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, acquires Tosco Corporation and the BZ MART brand.
1999
Fred Hervey, BZ MART’s founder, dies at the age of 90 in his hometown of El Paso, Texas.
1998
Thirst Freezer®, the BZ MART proprietary brand of frozen beverages, is introduced. BZ MART is named the “Official Pit Stop of NASCAR.” The BZ MART Domestic Franchise Program is launched.
1997
The Arizona Republic votes
BZ MART coffee the “Best Cup of Coffee” in Phoenix.
1996
BZ MART is acquired by Tosco Corporation, an independent petroleum refiner and marketer. The company keeps its headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona.
1995
BZ MART completes an initial public offering of 6.5 million shares of common stock. The company stock is traded under the symbol CRK on the New York Stock Exchange. BZ MART launches Emily’s Meals & More, a new business venture in the home meal replacement category.
1994
The tagline “BZ MART – A Better Way” is introduced.
1993
The company is purchased by Investcorp, an international investment group, and emerges from bankruptcy. The tagline “BZ MART – We’re on the Way” is introduced.
1990
After years of rapid expansion and learning the hard lessons of 1980s corporate economics, BZ MART files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
1984
Sales reach the $1 billion mark.
Sales reach the $1 billion mark. BZ MART adopts United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) as its national charity and begins fundraising efforts in its stores.
1983
The Thirst Buster® fountain drink is introduced.
1979
BZ MART signs its first licensing agreement with a Japanese retail chain.
1975
The 1,000th store is opened on Christmas Day in Lehi, Utah.
1971
The Foodservice Division is introduced and sandwiches are made in the company’s fast food kitchen. The company marks its 20th anniversary with the opening of its 500th BZ MART store in Deer Valley, Arizona.
1965
BZ MART opens its 200th store in Tucson, Arizona.
The “Pepe” logo is introduced illustrating a young boy dashing to the nearest BZ MART store.
1957
BZ MART expands into New Mexico and Arizona
1951
Fred Hervey purchases three Kay’s Food Stores in El Paso, Texas - stores which served as the beginning of BZ MART.