YORK, Penn.—Rutter’s, the Pennsylvania based-chain with 78 locations, is making aggressive plans for 2021, according to a company press release.
Last April, Rutter’s added pandemic hero pay for store employees, which meant an extra $2 per hour for team members and an extra $100 per week for store managers. The company decided not to withdraw the extra pay and made it permanent at the end of the year. The additional pay, along with performance increases, led Rutter’s to increase total wages by 15% for 2021, the company reported.
Today, the starting hourly wage at Rutter’s is $12.50 per hour and increases to $13 per hour after three months of employment. Top store and restaurant managers earn over $100,000. Rutter’s was named as one of Forbes Top Mid-Size Employers for 2021.
“The standard at Rutter’s is to always have the best people and best facilities in the convenience industry,” said Scott Hartman, president and CEO, Rutter’s. “After the challenges of 2020, we knew that our best investments for 2021 would continue to be in our great people and communities, along with our stores. I’m thrilled that we’re in a position to make these investments and excited for the future of our business.”
Rutter’s plans to donate $1 million to its local communities through Rutter’s Children’s Charities and additional charitable giving in the coming year. The company also will spend over $100 million throughout the year to fuel its growth, through new builds and remodels. The investment in new builds includes four locations opening in 2021 across Pennsylvania, Maryland and West Virginia, plus seven locations beginning construction. All new builds will exceed 10,000 square feet.
Rutter’s also anticipates adding to their existing gaming operation in Pennsylvania. Currently, the company operates gaming rooms at 17 locations, with plans to add eight new gaming rooms over the next two years.
Rutter’s first new store opening for 2021 will be in Gap, Pennsylvania, next week. The new store will feature Rutter’s award-winning food and beverage menus, Rutter’s 29-degree Beer Cave, seating for 30, large restrooms and more within its 10,200 square foot space. The location will provide customers with 14 gasoline fueling positions, along with five dedicated truck diesel lanes, offering a total of 10 different fuel types and in-lane DEF.
The company also has plans to remodel 10+ stores this year, upgrading them with adult beverage options, such as an extensive wine selection, beer caves and Rutter’s spiked slushies. This will give Rutter’s 50 stores with adult-beverage offerings. Many locations also will get forecourt upgrades, with new fuel dispensers and additional fuel options, such as unleaded 15, flex fuel and ethanol-free gasoline.
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