MacEwen acquires Quickie Convenience Stores

MacEwen Petroleum is acquiring Quickie Convenience Stores, uniting two strong regional operators. 

The deal includes 51 convenience stores, including 22 gas stations, located in Eastern Ontario and Gatineau Quebec. The move will almost double MacEwen’s portfolio to108 company-controlled stores and 85 dealer-managed gas stations across Ontario. 

Founded in 1973, Quickie began as a single store located at Shoppers City East in Ottawa's east end under the Pinto Store banner. It soon grew to four stores in the Ottawa-Gatineau area and rebranded under the Quickie moniker. 

Co-owners Arnold Kimmel and Larry Hartman, known for their philanthropy and community support, have run the business for 48 years. In a release, they said "it was important for them to pass the reins of their business to another privately owned Canadian company and viewed Allan and his son Peter as an ideal fit."

READ: 'A good run': Ottawa-based Quickie Convenience Stores sold to MacEwen Petroleum

MacEwan, founded in 1976, is a Canadian independent energy and retail convenience provider with operations in Ontario, Quebec, and Manitoba. Headquartered in Maxville, Ont., the company recently acquired Jack Smith Fuels. As consolidation in the convenience industry continues, the company said in a release that "this as an ideal opportunity to not only increase their store footprint but to extend their strong brand" and the plan is to invest in its existing and newly acquired stores.

Peter MacEwen, president of MacEwen said: “Our vision for the future is to enhance the customer service experience through modernization investments across our store network. The Quickie brand has a strong legacy in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario, and we are excited to expand the brand’s presence and impact with our customers.

“We are grateful for the trust that Mr. Kimmel and his team have placed in us as we embark on this exciting retail journey.”

In a statement, the company said it recognizes "the strong legacy of the Quickie brand and will invest in evolving and expanding its presence across the existing MacEwen network of stores, and through new store growth."

According to the Ottawa Business Journal, all stores will be rebranded as Quickie to capitalize on brand's strong regional recognition.