SpeedStop Stores Converting to SuperAmerica

ST. CLOUD, Minn. — JM Cos., owner and operator of SpeedStop convenience stores, is converting most of its BP-supplied gas stations in the St. Cloud area to the SuperAmerica brand. The change is being made in response to concerns about the long-term viability of the BP brand as it exits parts of the upper Midwest, Vice President Brian Laudenbach told the SC Times. 

The converted stores will still be owned and operated out of St. Cloud. A former E-Z Stop c-store that was recently sold to JM will also make the transition. SpeedStop stores in the Minnesota towns of Jenkins, Pequot Lakes and Pierz will continue to be supplied by BP.

BP is "really only a supplier of fuels," Laudenbach told the news outlet. "So, it rested exclusively with us to run a quality operation."

Laudenbach promised that as SuperAmerica franchisees, the stores will "improve overnight" thanks to operating under a recognizable brand; food made in Minnesota that arrives daily; and a rewards program that gives regular My SA Rewards cardholders a three-cents-per-gallon fuel discount, with more for commercial accounts.

The stores will also receive marketing help from Minnesota-based Northern Tier Retail, which partners with professional sports teams and other organizations within the state, according to the report.

Another advantage to the conversion is the fact that Northern Tier Energy LP, parent company of SuperAmerica and Northern Tier Retail, operates one of two Minnesota refineries. "From a supply standpoint, that's advantageous," Laudenbach said.

The new SuperAmerica locations will soon offer non-oxygenated premium gasoline, the exec added.