Empire Petroleum

What Empire Petroleum does

GPM Empire, LLC, operating under the trade name Empire Petroleum, is a wholesale fuel distributor headquartered in Dallas, Texas, that supplies branded and unbranded motor fuels to approximately 1,675 independent dealer sites across 33 states and Washington D.C. The company distributes fuel under all major brands including 76, BP, Chevron, Citgo, Conoco, ExxonMobil, Gulf, Marathon, Phillips 66, Shell, Sunoco, Texaco, and Valero, and is the wholesale fuel distribution arm of GPM Investments, LLC—a wholly-owned subsidiary of ARKO Corp (NASDAQ: ARKO), the 6th largest convenience store chain in the United States, which collectively operates approximately 1,415 company-operated stores and distributes over 2 billion gallons of fuel annually. The wholesale division originated from ARKO/GPM's October 2020 acquisition of Empire Petroleum Partners, a transaction that doubled the combined company's fuel distribution volume.

The company's technology and service infrastructure centers on the Preferred Vendor Program (PVP), a centralized procurement and partnership platform that aggregates vendor relationships across food service (Arby's, Dunkin' Donuts, Sbarro, Chester's Chicken, Hunt Brothers Pizza, Little Caesars), beverages (ICEE, Royal Cup Coffee), equipment (Bennett Pump, VeriFone, Cybera), construction, financial services, security (Envysion), and delivery (DoorDash, Grubhub, Amazon Locker)—providing independent dealers with group-purchasing terms typically reserved for large chains. The fas REWARDS loyalty platform includes a mobile app with over 1.3 million enrolled members, offering personalized rewards dashboards, fuel-discount stacking, geo-fenced offers, and order/delivery functionality across 1,233 locations. Fleet and commercial fueling capabilities include 121 proprietary Quarles-branded cardlock sites plus management of 63 third-party cardlock sites acquired in the July 2022 Quarles Petroleum transaction. Back-office integrations include PDI C-store Essentials, My Retail Buddy accounting, Global Payments processing, and Kalibrate AI-driven fuel site forecasting.

GPM Empire generates revenue through transaction-based wholesale fuel distribution (volume sold to dealers, consignment agents, and sub-wholesalers), retail fuel and merchandise sales at company-operated stores, recurring fleet cardlock fees, and equipment financing through Ascentium Capital (up to $1.5MM per dealer). The go-to-market motion is sales-led, combining field sales teams, local territory managers, and a "Become a Dealer" recruitment program. Growth has been driven by an aggressive acquisition strategy—23 transactions completed since 2013—including the transformative 2020 Empire Petroleum Partners acquisition, the 2022 Quarles Petroleum acquisition establishing the fleet cardlock business, and the October 2023 Transit Energy Group acquisition (~$370M) extending the platform into the Southeastern U.S.

Name

Empire Petroleum

Legal name

GPM Empire, LLC

Website

https://empirepetroleum.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

GPM Empire, LLC (dba Empire Petroleum) is a wholesale fuel distributor serving approximately 1,675 independent dealers across 33 states. A subsidiary of ARKO Corp (NASDAQ: ARKO), the 6th largest U.S. convenience store operator, distributing over 2 billion gallons annually.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Wholesale Fuel Distribution

NAICS

Petroleum and Petroleum Products Merchant Wholesalers (except Bulk Stations and Terminals) (424720), Petroleum and Petroleum Products Merchant Wholesalers (4247)

SIC

Wholesale-Petroleum & Petroleum Products (No Bulk Stations) (5172), Wholesale-Petroleum Bulk Stations & Terminals (5171)

akta.pro primary industry

Branded Fuels Wholesaling & Jobber Distribution (EUALAIAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Commercial & Fleet Fueling (Cardlock, On-Site Tanks, Bulk Delivery) (EUALAIAD), Fuel Pricing, Loyalty & Payments Platforms (POS, Mobile Pay, Fleet Cards, Loyalty Programs) (EUALAIAK)

Keywords

• Wholesale fuel distribution
• Motor fuel supply
• Convenience store operations
• Fleet fueling services
• Preferred vendor program

Headquarters

HQ city

Dallas

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Retail Fuel Sales: Fuel and merchandise sales to retail consumers through company-operated convenience stores under brands like Scotchman, Village Pantry, and Flash Market. Includes fuel products and convenience items such as beverages, coffee, snacks, and prepared foods.
2. Wholesale Fuel Distribution: Supplies branded and unbranded motor fuels to approximately 1,675+ independent dealer sites. Revenue generated from fuel volume sold to third-party dealers and consignment agents across 33 states.
3. Fleet Fueling Services: Cardlock operations and proprietary fuel card issuance providing fleet customers access to fueling network. Revenue includes fees from proprietary cardlock locations and third-party cardlock management.
4. GPM Petroleum: Supplies fuel to GPM's own retail and wholesale sites, as well as subwholesalers and bulk purchasers. Also charges fixed fees primarily to fleet fueling sites.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Empire Petroleum (GPM Empire, LLC) is a wholesale distributor of branded and unbranded motor fuel products supplying approximately 1,675 independent dealer sites across 33 states under major brands including 76, BP, Chevron, Citgo, Conoco, ExxonMobil, Gulf, Marathon, Phillips 66, Shell, Sunoco, Texaco, and Valero. The company also operates company-owned convenience stores and fleet cardlock fueling operations, and supports its dealer network with a Preferred Vendor Program (PVP) that negotiates group pricing and vendor partnerships, plus the fas REWARDS loyalty platform.

Product overview

GPM Empire, LLC (Empire Petroleum) is a wholesale motor fuels distributor and convenience store operator headquartered in Dallas, TX. The company distributes branded fuel under major brands (76, BP, Chevron, Citgo, Conoco, ExxonMobil, Gulf, Marathon, Phillips 66, Shell, Sunoco, Valero) and unbranded fuel across 33 states. The core offering combines fuel distribution services with a Preferred Vendor Program (PVP) that negotiates group pricing for dealers, and the fas REWARDS loyalty platform for customer engagement. The PVP encompasses Food Solutions (QSR brands like Arby's, Dunkin' Donuts, Sbarro), Drink Solutions (ICEE, Royal Cup Coffee), Equipment Services (Bennett Pump, Cybera, VeriFone), Construction & Maintenance, Back Office Accounting (PDI Software, My Retail Buddy), Financial Services (Kalibrate AI analytics), Security (Envysion), Specialty Services (DoorDash, Grubhub, Trike), and Training. The fas REWARDS mobile app enables loyalty rewards, in-app deals, store locator with gas pricing, and order/delivery capabilities. The company also operates convenience stores and fleet fueling/cardlock operations through its parent ARKO Corp.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• fas REWARDS: High-value loyalty program offering exclusive savings on merchandise and gas
• Preferred Vendor Program (PVP)

Products and services

• Wholesale Fuel Distribution Services Distribution of branded (76, BP, Chevron, Citgo, Conoco, Crown, ExxonMobil, Gulf, Marathon, Phillips 66, Shell, Sunoco, Texaco, Valero) and unbranded motor fuels to approximately 1,675 independent dealer sites across 33 states plus Washington D.C. Targeted at independent fuel dealers and convenience store operators.
• Convenience Store Operations Operation of approximately 1,415 company-operated convenience stores under community brands including Scotchman, Village Pantry, Flash Market, Corner Mart, Dixie Mart, Market Express, and Rose Mart, offering beverages, coffee, candy, snacks, prepared foods, and quick-service restaurant partnerships to retail consumers.
• Preferred Vendor Program (PVP) Group purchasing program that negotiates special pricing and discounts on equipment, supplies, and services for Empire dealers, providing price discounts similar to those received by large chain operators. Spans Food Solutions, Drink Solutions, Equipment, Construction & Maintenance, Back Office Accounting, Security, Specialty Services, Financial Services, and Training.
• fas REWARDS Loyalty Program High-value loyalty program offering enrolled consumer members exclusive savings on merchandise and fuel, with points that can be stacked for additional fuel purchase discounts or redeemed for fas BUCKS.
• fas REWARDS Mobile App Mobile application (iOS and Android) enabling enrolled loyalty members to access exclusive in-app deals, virtual wallet, store locator with current gas prices, order and delivery/pickup capability, and referral program.
• Fleet Cardlock Fueling Operations Fleet fueling cardlock operations with 121 proprietary Quarles-branded cardlock sites and 63 third-party cardlock sites, offering proprietary fuel cards providing fleet customers access to a nationwide fueling network. Targeted at commercial fleet operators.
• GPM Petroleum (Sub-wholesale and Bulk Supply) Supply of fuel to GPM's own retail and wholesale sites, sub-wholesalers, and bulk purchasers, plus fixed fees primarily charged to fleet fueling sites.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 2 billion gallons of fuel distributed annually after Empire acquisition
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration16 records

AI capability2 records

Feature2 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered major, strategic and minor.

• Transit Energy Group (TEG)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 September 2023TEG is a large privately held convenience store and wholesale fuel company in the Southeast United States, owned by ECP. ARKO agreed to acquire approximately 150 convenience stores, fuel supply rights to approximately 200 dealers, and transportation assets. TEG operates Flash Market banner and other brands.
• SbarrostrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 December 2021Strategic partnership to launch Sbarro restaurants inside Village Pantry store locations. Started with four locations in Indiana, with first two opening December 2021 and two more in early 2022. GPM serves Sbarro's New York-style extra-large pizza slices and Italian favorites.
• GetUpsideminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGetUpside is a preferred vendor partner offering personalized cash back offers via app. Over 30,000 fuel retails nationwide use GetUpside to capture new customers and proven profit on every transaction.
• Ascentium CapitalminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPreferred vendor partner specializing in flexible c-store financing up to $1.5MM. Offers streamlined process for 100% financing: easy application and instant credit decisions for up to $250K. Helps acquire equipment, furnishings, security systems, refrigeration, signage, lighting, and gas station items.
• PointsKashminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFinTech partner providing one-stop shopping for banking needs including ATM, check cashing, bill payment, microloans, money transfer, cryptocurrency services, and rewards loyalty points program in kiosk machines.
• Baskin-RobbinsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerQuick service restaurant brand franchise partner operating inside convenience stores. World’s largest chain of ice cream specialty stores with over 8,000 locations globally.
• SubwayminorGTM or Marketing PartnerQuick service restaurant brand franchise partner offering sandwiches and meals inside convenience stores.
• Chester's ChickenminorGTM or Marketing PartnerQuick service restaurant brand franchise partner offering fried chicken and related items. Part of preferred vendor program with franchise fee discounts available.
• DoorDashminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDelivery partnership enabling GPM to offer delivery from over 600 stores, with 84 stores offering alcohol delivery. Part of specialty services in preferred vendor program with discounted national program rates.
• GrubhubminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDelivery partner offering pickup or delivery from convenience stores. Preferred discounted rates for GPM Empire dealers through national program.
• Krispy Krunchy ChickenminorGTM or Marketing PartnerQuick serve solution for convenience stores with hand-breaded Cajun-spiced fried chicken. Zero franchise and royalty fees, financing options available, and complimentary grand opening product.
• Hunt Brothers PizzaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPizza franchise partner with $150 one-time rebate, $15,000 total average cost, and $40,716 annual profit projected. Empire dealers receive $500 worth of free pizzas once signed.
• Little CaesarsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPizza chain franchise partner, largest carry out-only pizza chain in the United States and third largest pizza chain globally.
• Arby'sminorGTM or Marketing PartnerQuick service restaurant brand offering handcrafted sandwiches with fast-casual positioning. Located inside select convenience stores.
• Dunkin' DonutsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBakery and coffee chain with over 3 million customers daily. Market leader in hot coffee, decaf, flavored coffee, iced coffee, bagels, donuts and muffins.
• Core-MarkminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGrocery and food distribution partner providing delivery of fresh foods and customized solutions for convenience stores.
• Amazon LockerminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAmazon Locker installation at convenience stores at no cost to drive foot traffic. Lockers 6 feet and up with additional 3-foot segments adding 23 slots each.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Sunoco LP: Master limited partnership primarily engaged in wholesale motor fuel distribution to dealers and 7-Eleven licensees. Highly comparable business model to GPM Empire's wholesale fuel segment with similar volume scale.
• Global Partners LP: Northeast U.S. distributor of gasoline, diesel, and heating oil to wholesale and retail customers; comparable in petroleum product distribution, terminal operations, and dealer/customer fuel delivery.
• ARKO Corp: Parent company of GPM Empire (NASDAQ: ARKO); directly comparable as the consolidated entity whose wholesale fuel distribution business is operated through GPM Empire. Revenue mix, geography, and dealer network are identical.
• Murphy USA: NYSE-listed convenience store and fuel retailer with comparable combination of company-operated stores and wholesale fuel supply to dealers; similar geographic footprint in U.S. Southeast and Midwest.
• World Fuel Services: Global fuel marketer and distributor with significant U.S. wholesale operations; comparable as a multi-brand fuel distributor serving commercial and retail customers through dealer and cardlock networks.
• CrossAmerica Partners LP: Wholesale fuel distributor and convenience store operator with ~1,700 sites; directly comparable in dealer-network composition, fuel volume distribution, and downstream reach.

Broad incumbents

• Pilot Travel Centers: Berkshire Hathaway-owned travel center and truck stop chain; overlapping in fleet fueling/cardlock operations and heavy-duty fuel distribution, though focused on travel-center retail rather than dealer wholesale.
• Alimentation Couche-Tard: Global convenience and fuel retail leader (Circle K) with extensive U.S. dealer/wholesale footprint; broader incumbent with overlapping wholesale fuel distribution and convenience retail but at materially larger scale.

Emerging players

• Casey's General Stores: Midwest-focused convenience store chain with in-store foodservice that also supplies fuel to its own sites; partial overlap as both a fuel retailer and convenience operator, though no wholesale distribution to third parties.

Regional players

• Wawa: Private Mid-Atlantic convenience store and fuel retailer with strong loyalty program; comparable convenience/fuel retail model but geographically concentrated and not a wholesale distributor to third-party dealers.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/gpm-empire-llc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Empire Petroleum