Casey's General Stores: Iowa's Gas Station Pizza Giant Takes on Domino's
An Iowa-based gas station chain is quietly becoming one of the biggest pizza sellers in America, and it's giving Domino's a run for its money. Casey's General Stores, headquartered in Ankeny, has grown from a small Midwestern convenience store into a Fortune 500 powerhouse with more than 3,000 locations across 19 states.
According to Bank of America research, Casey's is now the fifth-largest pizza purveyor in the nation, outpacing many well-known chains. The company's stock has surged 50% over the past year, pushing its market value to $58 billion. A Wells Fargo report found that Casey's prepared food and beverage same-store sales growth beat Domino's in 18 of the last 20 quarters.
“You don't hear the other big pizza players talk about Casey's,” said Tom Brennan, Casey's chief merchandising officer, in an interview with Fortune. “But at the same time, it's evident from our growth ... we're taking share as we continue to grow.”
How did a gas station become a pizza destination?
Unlike the typical hot dogs and roller grill items found at most convenience stores, Casey's serves pizza made with scratch dough, cooked in ovens inside each store. The pizza, first introduced in 1984, features unique toppings like taco pizza and a breakfast pizza with sausage gravy, eggs, and cheese.
These unconventional offerings have gone viral on social media, with TikTok and YouTube creators expressing surprise at the quality. Travel influencer Tony Cu told his 400,000-plus viewers, “If I had to go between Little Caesar's and Casey's, I think I'd go Casey's.”
Casey's social media analysts report that Gen Z engagement with the brand has risen six percentage points over the past three years. “You can't manufacture that kind of enthusiasm,” Brennan said. “It comes from years of delivering great food and becoming part of these communities.”
Casey's offers inflation relief with lower pizza prices
A large Casey's pizza costs around $13.99, while Domino's, Papa John's, and Pizza Hut charge closer to $20. That price difference is a welcome relief for families feeling the pinch of inflation.
Ironically, rising costs have helped Casey's stay competitive. As smaller convenience stores raise fuel prices to cover higher labor and operating expenses, larger operators like Casey's can boost their food margins, keeping pizza prices reasonable.
Small-town strategy gives Casey's a competitive edge
More than half of Casey's stores are in towns with fewer than 5,000 residents, places where national pizza chains like Domino's often don't operate. That “competitive distance” allows Casey's to dominate local markets.
“About half of our stores don't have a national pizza competitor within what we consider a competitive rating,” Brennan told Fortune. “We're bringing something that hasn't been really on offer there. And it's resonating.”
Casey's now has its sights set on Texas, a state with roughly 30 million residents, ten times the consumer base of Iowa, where Casey's operates 550 stores. “We see that as Casey's country,” Brennan said.
What does Casey's growth mean for Iowa?
For Iowans, Casey's success is a point of pride. The company, which started in Boone, Iowa, in 1959, has become a staple of small-town life across the Midwest. Its growth into new markets like Texas could bring more jobs and economic activity back to its home state.
Casey's also supports local communities through its stores, which often serve as gathering places in rural areas. As the company expands, it continues to emphasize its roots in the Heartland, offering quality food at prices working families can afford.
FAQ: Casey's pizza and its rise
Is Casey's pizza really that good?
Many customers and food critics say yes. Casey's makes its dough from scratch daily and offers unique toppings like taco pizza and breakfast pizza, which have earned a loyal following and viral attention online.
Where is Casey's headquartered?
Casey's General Stores is headquartered in Ankeny, Iowa. The company was founded in Boone, Iowa, in 1959.
How many Casey's stores are there?
Casey's operates more than 3,000 stores across 19 states, with about 550 locations in Iowa.
Will Casey's expand beyond the Midwest?
Yes. Casey's has announced plans to expand into Texas, which it sees as a major growth opportunity.
