The Modern Casey's General

The KC Matchgirl was born and raised in the big city, but she has plenty of kinfolk that live out yonder, along a distant country road.  And when you need gas, something cold to drink, a fresh, hot pizza- or just a clean restroom- you pull into a Casey's.

A common sight across the American midwest, a Casey's General Store is most often found in rural towns with populations less than 5,000.  With 1,700 locations in 12 states, Casey's founder Donald Lamberti (you notice his name is not Casey), started his first general store in 1959.  Located in downtown Des Moines, Iowa, it operated as an old country store until 1968 when the building was remodeled as a convenience store.  Soon after, a friend convinced him to purchase the Square Deal Oil Co. in Boone, IA and Lamberti decided to name his new business after that friend, K.C. Fish. (No relation to the KC Matchgirl.)

The new store was so successful they kept adding locations, again in small towns where the "Mom & Pop" stores were starting to close their doors, and a marketing plan was born.

Despite the "general store" moniker, Casey's has never been old-fashioned.  In most cases, Casey's is the most modern business located within those small town limits, providing jobs and freshly baked items like doughnuts and pizza. (KC Matchgirl has found Casey's pizza to be okey-dokey!)

And the modern Casey's General is not only found in small towns anymore, they're creeping into the suburbs; there are even 2 locations with Kansas City addresses.  Big City customers are likely to do a double-take someday when they spot a Casey's way out yonder on a country road.

Compare the late 1970's matchbook to one from 2013.