Indiana-based Family Express is currently working on a $100 million new to industry (NTI) development plan, which includes “a strategic rollout” of new stores across Indiana, the retailer told NACS. Family Express said the next several months will see a “flurry” of grand openings.
The retailer also began celebrating its 50th Anniversary, marking half a century of “community connection and innovation.”
The company celebrated the milestone at its Annual Family Festival, a signature event bringing together more than 2,300 team members and their families. The celebration concluded with a drone show illuminating the night sky with Family Express’ signature brands like JAVAWAVE, Cravin’s Pizza and Square Donuts, alongside congratulatory messages commemorating five decades of growth.
“As we celebrate our 50th year, we’re focused not only on our past, but on building the next 50,” said Alex Olympidis, president of operations. “Our newest stores are designed to enhance the guest experience, developed on spacious 3–4-acre sites, each featuring an expanded food service court, state-of-the-art car washes, and, in many cases, our signature pet washes that our guests have come to love.”
In other recent Family Express news, in March the retailer erected its first modular convenience store in Ligonier, Indiana. The prototype was the first in a line of new prefabricated building types that the Indiana retailer is constructing, according to a press release sent to NACS. The masonry buildings are approximately 7,200 square feet and include a full kitchen and car wash.
With components manufactured off-site and then assembled on-site, the store can go up in a matter of days, said the retailer.