Kum & Go, a convenience store chain with almost 400 locations across the country, will be rebranding under the Maverik brand. Since Kum & Go was founded in Iowa, is headquartered in Des Moines and currently has 97 locations in Iowa alone, many Iowans are concerned about what this possible rebrand will mean for the future of Kum & Go. 

Kum & Go was founded in 1959 by William A. Krause and Tony S. Gentle in Hampton, Iowa, although its original name was actually Hampton Oil Co. According to an interview by the Des Moines Register with Krause back in 1993, Krause explained that the name “Kum & Go” originated from the first letters of both of the founders’ last names – K and G. Since a shorter name meant that they could make signs for a cheaper price, they ultimately came up with “Kum & Go.” Since the company’s rebrand in 1975, the Krause family has massively expanded the business by opening locations outside of Iowa, as far as Montana. 

However, in 2023, Kum & Go was bought and acquired by Maverik, a rival convenience store chain. Although not disclosed or confirmed by Maverik, the price of the sale was estimated to be around $2 billion, according to Reuters.

With Maverik’s purchase of the Kum & Go brand, they have stated in a news release that a rebrand for the entire chain across the Midwest and West Coast is in the works, “with the intent to unify our entire combined footprint under the Maverik brand.” However, after speaking with a Maverik spokesperson, they clarified that Maverik has not yet confirmed the official rebranding in any particular state at this moment, including Iowa. 

Although they have not clarified when the rebranding will be finished, the Maverik spokesperson shared that the company is taking a “thoughtful, market-by-market approach” to Kum & Go’s rebranding and will announce plans for each state as they progress. 

Maverik still intends to deliver a “consistently elevated convenience store experience — across fuel, rewards, food service and inside-store offerings,” like Kum & Go has been offering to its consumers for many years. According to the menu on Maverik’s website, they also offer unique, homemade food items like breakfast tacos, bowls, nachos, burritos, quesadillas and pizza. 

For more information on Maverik and its future plans on rebranding Kum & Go, visit their website.