3 Big Numbers is a weekly column that looks at a few key details from around the c-store industry.
Big plans are nothing without good people to implement them. From the top of the c-suite down to the part-time store employees, the best programs will crumble if they aren’t supported by smart, hardworking and dedicated workers.
With executive appointments, convenience retailers face a significant risk. Whether they’re looking to grow rapidly or just keep the ship steady, they need to find people whose backgrounds and strengths fit with their culture and the task at hand.
In today’s “3 Big Numbers,” we look at current or upcoming leadership changes at Parker’s Kitchen, Amazon Go and Krispy Krunchy Chicken.
49
The number of years Parker’s Kitchen has operated under its current CEO.
When the CEO’s name is also the name of the company, you know there’s a real family connection.
Greg Parker has led Parker’s Kitchen since he opened his first convenience store in Midway, Georgia, in 1976. In the nearly five decades since, the company has grown from that single location to around 100 stores, with a goal of 150 stores by the end of 2027.
This week, we reported that Parker will be stepping down at some point in the near future and handing over the CEO role to current president Brandon Hofmann.
While the timing of all this may be uncertain, Parker’s legacy certainly isn’t. Under his leadership, the company has become an award-winning c-store chain with a well-known chicken-based foodservice program. The banner has stores in three states, with plans to expand into Florida. It has stayed nimble with store development, opening its largest location to date in October.
16
The number of Amazon Go stores currently in operation.
Amazon Go recently tapped Kimberly James, formerly one of BP’s top product and merchandising executives, as its head of category management.
The difference in scale between the two brands is striking. BP’s convenience stores and travel centers span hundreds of locations under multiple banners, including Thorntons, Ampm and TravelCenters of America. Amazon Go, in contrast, has only 16 locations across four cities.
James is bringing a plethora of experience making or overseeing big deals to the table. She worked with BP’s merchandising, marketing, fresh food and proprietary beverage teams on programs like bringing co-branded Frito Lay cups to Ampm and Thorntons.
One advantage Amazon does have is tech. The Amazon Go stores are equipped with frictionless checkout technology, and customers can even use their palm print to identify themselves and enter via Amazon One.
“High tech solutions coupled with a strong team to fuel bullish growth and expansion to new formats to serve the customer is what gets me excited!” James said in a LinkedIn post announcing her move to Amazon.
47
The number of states where Krispy Krunchy Chicken operates.
Krispy Krunchy Chicken is one of the most well-known foodservice programs in the U.S. c-store space — and you can find it almost everywhere. Krispy Krunchy Chicken has a presence in 47 of the 50 states, encompassing around 3,000 stores nationwide.
Jim Zielke took over this week as the company’s finance chief. He replaces Brian Judge and will report to CEO Jim Norberg.
Zielke takes the top financial role at a time when the company is in rapid growth mode. Krispy Krunchy Chicken set a goal last year of adding its food to 700 locations. While the company has not shared if it hit that goal, it sounds like expansion is still on the table. In the hiring announcement, Zielke said “I look forward to exploring effective processes that we can leverage to further expand the brand and maintain its vitality for years to come.”
