Make New York Post a Preferred Source Move over, Buc-ee’s!
In a shocking shift, the American Customer Satisfaction Index’s (ACSI’s) latest convenience store rankings show beloved Buc-ee’s taking a tumble in customer rankings — while a surprising superstore rises to the top.
America’s favorite convenience store for 2026 is Meijer, a Michigan-headquartered retailer -—beating out more than two dozen convenience stores evaluated by the index. Meijer operates 500 convenience and grocery stores across six Midwestern states, with plans to expand into Pennsylvania.
Meijer first opened in 1934 as a supermarket chain in Michigan and is now the country’s 23rd-largest retailer by revenue. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect A big reason for Meijer’s jump on the list is its mPerks loyalty program, where customers saved nearly $200 million through the coupons and fuel discounts. Most Meijer locations have 24-hour access, with about 244 express locations designed for quick-stop needs on the go.
Meijer received a score of 82 out of 100 on the ACSI, improving from its score of 76 in 2025 — the largest jump in the study.
The rankings were based on 9,475 customer surveys collected regarding each store in various categories, including food quality and cleanliness.
Store layout and merchandise were also factors, along with employee courtesy and efficiency. And most importantly, coffee quality was one of the surveyed criteria.
“We are honored to be recognized by customers as the top convenience store brand in the U.S.,” Meijer said to The Post, attributing the honor to their mPerks rewards program and Meijer Express stations, which they say are extremely accessible when fueling on the road.
Second place was a three-way tie with QuikTrip, Sheetz and Wawa — each scoring 80. Kwik Trip, last year’s winner, fell to third place and tied with Murphy USA. Buc-ee’s found itself in 4th place tied with four other convenience stores, each scoring a 77 out of 100.
Cintas named Buc-ee’s Best Restroom in America, cementing its reputation for immaculate facilities. Getty Images Buc-ee’s dropped ranking comes as a shock because of its cult following – its Reddit channel is described as being made to “celebrate the best gas station in all the lands.” The chain is famous for signature items like “Beaver Nuggets” (sweet corn puff snacks) and fresh Texas brisket.
Average scores for all stores show customers’ view of convenience stores as a whole, with high average scores on hours open and locations, along with checkout speed and food.
Ratings suggest that stores’ mobile apps are generally not useful to customers and low scores were given for cleanliness of stores and bathrooms.
It was also found that food sales in convenience stores increased to account for more than 28% of convenience stores’ sales. The report found that 15% of prepared-food visits involve consumers choosing a convenience store instead of a quick-service restaurant.
“Retailers such as Sheetz, Wawa, Casey’s, Kwik Trip, and others have invested heavily in food quality and menu expansion, which continues to reshape customer perceptions of the category,” the ACSI said.
ACSI’s report added that convenience stores have “expanded their role in consumers’ lives” with broader food offerings for customers.
