Hess Express

Hess Express was a well-known convenience store chain that operated primarily across the eastern United States. The brand originated from Hess Corporation, which was founded in 1933 by Leon Hess. What began as a single fuel oil delivery truck eventually grew into a major energy company, and Hess Express became the retail arm, offering both fuel and convenience store services. Over several decades, the chain expanded significantly, and by September 2014, Hess Express had reached a scale of more than 1,200 stores in 16 states, making it one of the largest regional players in the convenience retail sector.

The stores were recognized for their clean facilities and a wide selection of food, beverages, and everyday essentials, along with competitive fuel pricing. A notable milestone occurred in May 2014 when Hess Corporation sold its retail business, including all Hess Express locations, to Speedway LLC, a subsidiary of Marathon Petroleum. This transaction marked a major shift in the convenience store landscape, as the Hess Express brand was gradually phased out and all stores were rebranded under the Speedway banner by 2015. Subsequent industry consolidation brought these locations under the 7-Eleven network.

As of September 2014, Hess Express operated at significant scale, but the brand itself no longer exists independently. Its former locations now function as part of larger national convenience store networks. The evolution of Hess Express reflects broader trends in the sector, including consolidation and the integration of fuel and retail formats, which continue to shape the competitive environment for landlords, brokers, and developers working with convenience retail properties.