RaceTrac overhauls 98 Florida stores with $63 million food upgrade
RaceTrac has allocated $63 million for the largest single-state renovation project in its history, targeting 98 convenience stores across Florida. This effort covers nearly 40% of its Florida locations, transforming them into food-centric destinations with expanded grab-and-go selections. The initiative includes new in-store pizza bars, revamped coffee stations featuring six Crazy Good Coffee blends, and updated Swirl World frozen yogurt bars with unlimited toppings at select sites. Shelving, signage, and decor will also receive updates, though some stores may temporarily close for major work.
Construction will take place in 14 Florida markets, with the highest concentration in Orlando (23 stores), followed by Tampa Bay, Southwest Florida, and Southeast Florida (14 each). Work began earlier this year and will extend through 2027, with some locations already completed. The project follows a $20 million remodel in Dallas-Fort Worth last year, RaceTrac’s largest investment in that market. Since nearly one-third of its stores operate in Florida, the state remains a key focus for upgrades. Melanie Isbill, president of convenience retail for RaceTrac, emphasized that customer feedback directly shaped these changes.
While fuel prices often drive competition in convenience retail, RaceTrac’s strategy now prioritizes food quality and the overall shopping experience. The new pizza bars will feature daily handcrafted pies, including limited-edition flavors, while coffee and frozen yogurt upgrades seek to draw customers beyond standard convenience items. The company has not specified exact timelines for individual store completions beyond the 2027 deadline.
Isbill confirmed that customer requests for fresh food, improved coffee, and more intuitive store layouts drove the initiative. The renovation covers nearly 40% of Florida locations, signaling a long-term commitment to a market where competition for convenience shoppers remains fierce.
