Wally's
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Convenience stores, Gas stations |
| Founded | 2020 |
| Founder | Michael Rubenstein, Chad Wallis |
| Headquarters | United States |
Area served | Midwestern United States |
| Products | Fuel, convenience store items, food kiosks (popcorn, barbeque sandwiches, coffee), beer, ice cream, pizza, beef jerky, baked goods, slushies, travel accessories, camping equipment, clothing, souvenirs |
| Website | official%20website |
Wally's is a United States-based chain specializing in convenience stores and gas stations. Established in 2020, it currently maintains two outlets within the Midwestern United States region.
History
The idea for Wally's was conceived in 2017 by cousins Michael Rubenstein and Chad Wallis. They combined Rubenstein's expertise in real estate and logistics with Wallis's background in managing convenience stores to create a travel-oriented convenience store and fuel station concept.
The inaugural Wally's location launched in September 2020 on Interstate 55 in Pontiac, Illinois. This site encompasses roughly of retail area, includes 76 fuel pumps, and provides 4 electric vehicle charging stations with room to add 12 more units. Its opening was postponed from the initial Independence Day target due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A second outlet opened on March 4, 2022, in Fenton, Missouri, situated along Interstate 44. This facility features about of retail space and is equipped with 72 fuel pumps.
Looking ahead, Wally's intends to grow by adding two more Midwest locations: one in Whitestown, Indiana and another in Independence, Missouri, both anticipated to commence operations in 2024.
Products and services
Fuel at Wally's is unbranded and supplied by Wallis Companies, a family-operated enterprise that also runs Mobil/On the Run outlets around the St. Louis metropolitan area. The stations include electric vehicle chargers beneath a dedicated canopy, which incorporate Tesla Superchargers. Inside each convenience store are three primary kiosks—Wally's Popcorn, Wally's BBQ Sandwich House, and Wally's Cafe—offering popcorn, barbeque sandwiches, and coffee respectively. Additional products encompass beer, ice cream, pizza, beef jerky, baked goods, and proprietary slushie machines branded as Sloosh. The merchandise selection extends to travel accessories, camping equipment, clothing, and souvenirs.
Wally's has been likened to Buc-ee's due to its expansive store footprints, distinctive amenities, use of animal mascots, and branded merchandise. Similar to Buc-ee's policies, semi-trailer trucks are not permitted on Wally's premises.
Positioned along the historic U.S. Route 66, Wally's embraces a road trip motif that incorporates mid-20th century design influences evident in its mascots, color palette, and signage. The Illinois location is notably situated on "Holiday Road," a nod to the theme song from National Lampoon's Vacation.
Locations
By 2022, Wally's operates two venues with two additional sites planned for launch in 2024.
| State | Locations |
|---|---|
| Illinois | 1 |
| Missouri | 1 (1 planned) |
| Indiana | 0 (1 planned) |