The 10 Best Gas Station Franchises of 2025 in the USA

If you’re considering entering the fuel retail industry, investing in a gas station franchise can be a highly lucrative option. But with so many gas station franchises available, how do you know which one is right for you?

In this post, we highlight the Top 10 Gas Station Franchises of 2025 in the U.S. Each franchise offers unique benefits and opportunities, with varying levels of support, fuel and product offerings, and market reach.

For each, we’ll provide essential financial details, including the average initial investment cost and Average Unit Volume (AUV). And for those looking for more detailed insights, stay tuned for our comprehensive reviews on each franchise!

The Best Gas Station Franchises of 2025

FranchiseOffering Franchises SinceLocations*Investment Range
Circle K1995639$279,000 – $5,367,000
AMPM1979956$431,000 – $11,000,000
RaceTrac1934500+From $1,000,000
Petro Stopping Centers200811$11,355,000 – $51,632,000
Holiday Stationstores1985117$3,342,000 – $7,734,000
Shell1907N/A**Undisclosed
Chevron2007N/A**$1,500,000 – $2,500,000
BP1996N/A**$2,500,000 – $6,500,000
Phillips 662012N/A**Undisclosed
* franchised units / ** undisclosed

Circle K

Franchising Since: 1995
Franchised Units: 639
Initial Investment: $279,000 - $5,367,000
Franchise Fee: $25,000
Royalty Fee: 2.5% to 5.5%

Circle K, founded in 1951 in El Paso, Texas, is a globally recognized convenience store brand with headquarters in Laval, Quebec, Canada.

In addition to its convenience stores, Circle K also offers different franchise formats including gas stations.

Since starting to franchise in 1995, Circle K has expanded into thousands of locations worldwide, offering a variety of products including groceries, beverages, snacks, and fuel.

AMPM

Franchising Since: 1979
Franchised Units: 956
Initial Investment: $431,000 to $11,000,000
Franchise Fee: From $25,000
Royalty Fee: 11 - 14%

AMPM, founded in 1978 in Southern California, is a popular convenience store franchise known for its high-quality food and beverage offerings.

Operated under its parent company, BP, and headquartered in La Palma, California, AMPM locations are typically paired with BP or ARCO-branded fuel stations.

The brand began franchising in 1979, expanding its presence across the United States, particularly in the Western and Southern regions.

RaceTrac

Franchising Since: 1934
Franchised Units: 500+
Initial Investment: from $1,000,000
Franchise Fee: $25,000
Royalty Fee: 3.5%

RaceTrac, founded in 1934 in St. Louis, Missouri, is a prominent fuel station and convenience store chain that has grown to serve the Southeastern United States.

Now headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, RaceTrac operates hundreds of company-owned and franchised locations.

The brand began franchising in 2019, allowing entrepreneurs to capitalize on its established reputation and successful business model.

Petro Stopping Centers

Franchising Since: 2008
Franchised Units: 11
Initial Investment: $11,355,000 - $51,632,000
Franchise Fee: $125,000
Royalty Fee: 2.0% - 4.5%

Petro Stopping Centers is a prominent chain of travel centers that primarily caters to long-haul truck drivers and travelers.

Founded in 1975, the brand has become synonymous with quality services and amenities designed for those on the road.

Petro offers a variety of facilities, including full-service restaurants, convenience stores, fuel stations, and maintenance services, making it a one-stop destination for truckers and travelers alike.

With 76 locations across the United States in 2024, Petro Stopping Centers is mostly operating a company-owned model (65 company-owned outlets).

Holiday Stationstores

Franchising Since: 1985
Franchised Units: 117
Initial Investment: $3,342,000 - $7,734,000
Franchise Fee: $25,000
Royalty Fee: 3.5% + $0.0075 per gallon

Holiday Stationstores is a chain of convenience stores primarily located in the Midwest, known for offering a wide range of products and services, including fuel, groceries, and prepared foods.

Founded in 1980, the brand quickly established itself as a go-to destination for travelers and local customers alike.

In 2017, Holiday Stationstores was acquired by Alimentation Couche-Tard, a Canadian multinational convenience store operator.

Following this acquisition, the brand began to transition its stores to its sister brand, Circle K. As a result, Holiday Stationstores is being phased out in favor of the Circle K branding, which emphasizes a standardized approach to convenience retailing.

Shell

Franchising Since: 1907
Initial Investment: Undisclosed
Franchise Fee: Undisclosed
Royalty Fee: Undisclosed

Shell Oil Company, founded in 1907, is a globally recognized energy and petrochemical company, with its U.S. headquarters located in Houston, Texas. A subsidiary of the international Shell plc, the brand is known for providing fuel, lubricants, and automotive services to millions of customers worldwide.

Shell began franchising in 1907, allowing entrepreneurs to operate gas stations under its iconic brand, which is trusted for its quality products and services.

Chevron

Franchising Since: 2007
Initial Investment: $1,500,000 – $2,500,000
Franchise Fee: $25,000 - $50,000
Royalty Fee: Undisclosed

Chevron, founded in 1879 as the Pacific Coast Oil Company, is one of the world’s largest energy corporations. Headquartered in San Ramon, California, Chevron operates a vast network of fuel stations and convenience stores across the globe.

The company began franchising its gas stations in 1936, allowing entrepreneurs to run Chevron-branded locations, offering fuel, automotive services, and convenience store products.

Chevron stands out for its high-quality fuel products, including its patented Techron additive, which helps improve engine performance.

BP

Franchising Since: 1996 
Initial Investment: $2,500,000 – $6,500,000
Franchise Fee: From $30,000
Royalty Fee: Undisclosed

BP (British Petroleum), founded in 1909 as the Anglo-Persian Oil Company, is a global leader in energy production and distribution.

Headquartered in London, England, BP operates thousands of fuel stations worldwide, offering a wide range of petroleum products, including premium fuels and lubricants. BP began franchising in the 1920s, allowing entrepreneurs to own and operate BP-branded fuel stations.

Phillips 66

Franchising Since: 2012
Initial Investment: Undisclosed
Franchise Fee: Undisclosed
Royalty Fee: Undisclosed

Phillips 66, founded in 1927, is a well-established energy company headquartered in Houston, Texas. Known for its fuel stations and extensive range of petroleum products, Phillips 66 operates across the United States, offering premium fuels, lubricants, and convenience store services.

The company began franchising shortly after its founding, providing entrepreneurs with opportunities to run Phillips 66-branded stations.

Phillips 66 has also partnered with Wetzel’s Pretzels to offer franchise opportunities at convenience stores branded with Phillips 66, Conoco, and 76.

Convenience stores franchises offering in partnership with Gas stations

The brands below are some of the most popular franchises offering convenience stores in partnership with existing gas stations. As such, they do not operate a gas station, but solely convenience stores.

Aplus

Franchising Since: 1993
Initial Investment: $775,000 - $1,886,000
Franchise Fee: $15,000
Royalty Fee: 6.00%

Aplus is a chain of convenience stores known for its commitment to providing high-quality products and services to customers on the go.

Established in the early 1990s, Aplus has become a familiar name in the convenience store industry, particularly in regions where it operates.

The brand offers a diverse range of products, including fuel, snacks, beverages, groceries, and essential household items, making it a convenient stop for travelers and local residents alike.

Like Holiday, Aplus was acquired in 2005 by Alimentation Couche-Tard. Following this acquisition, Aplus began transitioning its stores to the Circle K brand, which is part of Couche-Tard’s portfolio.

7-Eleven 

Franchising Since: 1964
Initial Investment: from $37,550

7-Eleven, founded in 1927 in Dallas, Texas, is one of the largest and most recognized convenience store franchises in the world.

Headquartered in Irving, Texas, the brand has a global presence with thousands of locations across more than 18 countries. 7-Eleven started franchising in 1964, offering a wide range of products including snacks, beverages, groceries, and fuel, with many stores operating 24/7.

7-Eleven was a pioneer in the convenience store industry, introducing the concept of extended hours and self-service, which have since become industry standards.

Dash In

Franchising Since: 1979
Franchised Units: 58
Initial Investment: from $138,600
Royalty Fee: 5.5%

Dash In, founded in 1979, is a convenience store and gas station franchise headquartered in La Plata, Maryland.

The brand is known for offering a wide range of products, including freshly prepared food, beverages, and fuel services, with a focus on delivering convenience and quality to its customers.

Dash In began franchising in 2000, expanding its presence primarily in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States.

Disclaimer

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