Gulf Oil Returns to Music City

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. -- Gulf Oil is partnering with Tri Star Energy of Nashville to return the Gulf brand to the Music City and its surroundings for the first time in 25 years.

Tri Star Energy has slated 21 stations for the initial phase of rebranding. The sites are located throughout Nashville and middle Tennessee. Each location has traditional convenience stores. To date, 11 sites have been rebranded. The additional renovations are expected to be complete by March 2011.

“When we saw the announcement about the Gulf Oil brand returning nationally, we immediately requested permission for the rights,” said Tri Star Energy President William Kimbro said in a released statement. “Gulf is an iconic brand and had been popular in Tennessee for many years, with a dedicated following. We hope to build upon the heritage of the brand with those who knew it well, and shape its large appeal amongst a strong following of Baby Boomers that recognize the Gulf ideal.”

Since January 2010, Gulf Oil has grown its presence to more than 2,500 branded retail locations in 30 states.

“The enthusiasm for bringing the Gulf Oil brand back is outstanding,” said Gulf Oil Senior Vice President and Chief Sales and Marketing Officer Rick Dery. “The legacy of Gulf is undeniably iconic and respected, and its success is due in great part to the dedication of the high quality partners it attracts. Tri Star Energy is a perfect fit for the Gulf brand, with its own deep heritage in Tennessee. We are committed to supporting their success.” Tri Star was founded in 2000.

Tri Star Energy LLC is a joint venture of Kimbro Oil Co., The Parman Corp. and Motiva Enterprises LLC. The company manages 225 sites across Tennessee.

Gulf Oil Limited Partnership, based here, is a national branded supplier of motor fuels throughout the United States and its territories. Gulf Oil distributes motor fuels through a network of more than 2,000 branded gasoline retail centers, 12 proprietary oil terminals and a network of more than 70 other supply terminals. Gulf Oil supplies gasoline, heating oil, diesel fuel, jet fuel and kerosene through its terminal network. Through its unbranded subsidiary, Great Island Energy, Gulf Oil also supplies petroleum products and risk management and financial services to industrial, commercial and independent retail firms.