Wally's
TypePrivate
Industry
Founded2020 (2020)
Pontiac, Illinois
Number of locations
2 (2 planned)
Area served
Illinois and Missouri
ProductsCandy, snacks, beverages, hot meals, merchandise, and fuel
WebsiteOfficial website

Wally's is a small American chain of convenience stores and gas stations. Established in 2020, the chain currently has two locations in the Midwestern United States.

History

The idea of the Wally's business had originated in 2017 when cousins Michael Rubenstein and Chad Wallis of rural Missouri were experiencing an unexciting drive home from Colorado and came up with the proposal for their own convenience store and gas station that would serve as a tourist attraction for travelers. Rubenstein had worked in the real estate and supply logistics industries while Wallis had experience in operating convenience stores and gas stations and, with their combined experience, would subsequently create plans for their business.[1]

The first Wally's location was opened along Interstate 55 in Pontiac, Illinois in September 2020 after its initial plans to open on Independence Day were delayed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The travel center covers a total area around 30,000 sq ft (2,800 m2), with a 76 fuel pumps as well as 4 electric vehicle charging stations with the capacity for 12 more.[1]

Wally's second location opened on March 4, 2022, in Fenton, Missouri along Interstate 44 with 72 fuel pumps and a total footprint of about 36,000 sq ft (3,300 m2).[2][3]

Two more Wally's locations are planned to open in the Midwest; one in Whitestown, Indiana and another in Independence, Missouri. Both are scheduled to open in 2024.[4][5]

Products and services

The fuel provided at Wally's is unbranded and supplied by Wallis' family business, Wallis Companies, which operates Mobil/On the Run stores in the St. Louis area. Electric vehicle chargers (including Tesla Superchargers) are also provided underneath a separate canopy. Inside the convenience store are three main kiosks dubbed "experience stations" called Wally's Popcorn, Wally's BBQ Sandwich House, and Wally's Cafe, each respectively selling popcorn, barbeque sandwiches, and coffee. The store also sells beer, ice cream, pizza, a selection of beef jerky, and baked goods and features machines dispensing slushies (branded as Sloosh) as well as jerky bar. Among the other merchandise are travel gear, camping supplies, apparel, and various other souvenirs.[1][2]

Wally's has been compared to Buc-ee's for similar novelties and amenities including their atypically large stores and gas stations, animal mascots, and merchandise.[6][7] Semi trucks are also prohibited from Wally's, similar to Buc-ee's.[1]

Wally's—located along the historic U.S. Route 66 corridor—is road trip-themed with 20th century design elements through its mascots, color scheme, and signage. For instance, its Illinois location is listed as being on "Holiday Road", a reference to the theme song of National Lampoon's Vacation.[1]

Locations

As of 2022, Wally's currently has two locations, with another two planned to open in 2024.[8]

State Locations
Illinois 1
Missouri 1 (1 planned)
Indiana 0 (1 planned)

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Lindenberg, Greg (13 October 2020). "A Look Inside Wally's: The 'Home of the Great American Road Trip'". CSP Daily News. Retrieved 4 December 2023.
  2. 1 2 Barr, Diana (7 March 2022). "Wally's opens first St. Louis-area location". KSDK. Retrieved 4 December 2023.
  3. ↑ Lowry, Dave (22 March 2022). "The world of Wally's in Fenton". St. Louis Magazine. Retrieved 4 December 2023.
  4. ↑ Bradley, Daniel (13 June 2023). "Wally's planning mega travel center off I-65 in Whitestown". INside Indiana Business. Retrieved 4 December 2023.
  5. ↑ Hills, Connor (8 November 2023). "Move over, Buc-ee's: The Kansas City metro is getting a different super-sized travel center". KMBC News. Retrieved 4 December 2023.
  6. ↑ Santana, Steven (1 July 2022). "Illinois' answer to Buc-ee's is trending, some say the beaver should watch out". My San Antonio. Retrieved 4 December 2023.
  7. ↑ Creighton, Rob (30 June 2022). "Buc-ee's Better Watch Out, Missouri & Illinois Have Wally's". Awesome 92.3. Retrieved 4 December 2023.
  8. ↑ "Locations". Wally's. Retrieved 4 December 2023.
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