This Unexpected Chain Was Just Named the Best Convenience Store in the U.S.

At Allrecipes, we cover fast food news from coast to coast, and while that typically means what’s headed to the drive-thru, we’re also experts in movie theater menus and gas station fare. Honestly, some of our go-to snacks come from the gas station, from the greatest hot dog to the best cup of coffee. Heck, even celebrities love a good gas station hack.

And what would a road trip be without a pit stop for a good convenience store haul, complete with iconic sweets, crunchy treats, and a signature soda?

We all have our favorites (you simply can’t put a price on Buc-ee’s Beaver Nuggets), but America’s favorite convenience store was just dethroned in a big way. There’s a new chain topping the charts, and it’s an underdog in the gas station world. But our editors say it’s been a sleeper hit for years.

Kwik Trip Was Just Named Best Convenience Store in the U.S.

According to a new study published by the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ASCI), Kwik Trip is the most highly rated convenience store chain in the U.S. in terms of customer satisfaction. It’s a major shakeup, as beloved Wawa was on top last year.

Not to be confused with QuikTrip (which is evidently falling out of favor with fans per the ACSI study), Kwik Trip shot up eight percentage points this year, overtaking Southern favorite Buc-ee’s and East Coast darlings Sheetz and Wawa. Other regional players, including Casey’s General Stores, fell significantly in polling for customer satisfaction this year.

So, what makes Kwik Trip so special? According to the study, it’s largely due to a “food-focused model to draw in more visitors” as well as the company’s “stout commitment to building a positive culture that places a heavy emphasis on the customer experience.”

Or, in the words of Allrecipes’ Editorial Fellow and proud Wisconsinite Carmella D’Acquisto, Kwik Trip has a “die-hard fan base of customers who refuse to go elsewhere.”

Founded in 1965, the chain is known for a lot more than petroleum. Its pizza and donuts, aka Glazers, have earned serious praise and meme-worthy legend status on social media.

“Kwik Trip is a must-stop when on a Midwestern road trip,” she said. “There’s a fridge full of Midwestern delicacies, such as fish fry platters and cheese curds. I often rotate between the BBQ Pork Rib Sandwich, Cheddarwurst, or the Chicken Sandwich with cheese.”

D’Acquisto said there’s a big selection of sweet treats, too. “Everything I’ve had is tasty, fresh, and most importantly: relatively inexpensive!” she added. “Why make an extra stop at the drive-thru for a $5 (or more) sandwich when you can pay less than $2 for a freshly made sandwich right where you pump gas?”

The Midwestern chain currently operates in six states: Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and South Dakota. Though in some of those states, you’ll find that the sign says Kwik Star to avoid confusion with competitor QuikTrip.

So, if you’re planning any holiday travel this year, it’s worth checking the route to see if you’ll pass a Kwik Trip or Kwik Star along the way. The data says it’s worth a stop, and we have to agree.