Aplus

Aplus is the Sunoco affiliated convenience store franchise that began in 1985 when Atlantic Petroleum developed its retail convenience operations in the northeastern United States. The company’s corporate roots reach back to the early 1970s, when another successful convenience store chain served fuel dependent consumers along the East Coast. Sunoco acquired Atlantic Petroleum and the Aplus brand in 1988, then brought franchise opportunities to market in May 1993. Aplus operates under Sunoco Retail LLC, part of Sunoco LP, a master limited partnership and subsidiary of Energy Transfer Partners LP, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and one of the largest midstream energy companies in North America. In 2024, the system reported 266 total units, including 247 franchised locations and 19 company owned stores. Historical counts reached 1,030 A Plus branded locations across 17 states before the 2018 7 Eleven transaction. Aplus stores are available across more than 40 states and Puerto Rico, placing the brand between petroleum retail and convenience merchandising. PeerSense presents this information as independent research rather than franchisor marketing material.

The United States convenience store industry serves approximately 160 million customers each day. Globally, the franchise market is projected to increase by USD 565.5 billion between 2025 and 2030, at a compound annual growth rate of 10%, with North America representing 38.9% of that growth. The business format franchise segment was valued at USD 281.4 billion in 2024. Convenience demand is supported by dual income households, time constrained commuters, and customers seeking food and other purchases while traveling. Digital ordering is changing store traffic, while operators with food service programs have been outperforming those without them. Aplus addresses this demand through the City Deli hot food concept and Gulliver's gourmet coffee program. The category remains fragmented outside the largest national banners, giving an organized franchise system potential advantages in purchasing, category management, vendor relationships, and marketing. Population growth in suburban corridors and the continuing role of gasoline retail as a consumer destination also support the category.

The initial Aplus franchise fee is $15,000. Total investment ranges from $775,000 to $1,886,000, with construction representing $360,000 to $1,045,000 depending on site conditions, geography, and whether the location is new or converted. Architectural drawings cost $20,000 to $60,500, permitting costs $20,000 to $80,000, and store fixtures and equipment cost $205,000 to $282,000. Interior graphics range from $12,000 to $50,000, exterior graphics from $16,000 to $45,000, and opening inventory from $40,000 to $121,000. Insurance deposits range from $3,750 to $6,050 for three months of coverage, while the collateral deposit is $10,000 to $20,000. The proprietary technology fee is $990 to $1,800, and training travel and lodging cost $2,500 to $5,800. Qualified candidates are expected to have $250,000 in liquid capital, although some sources cite $125,000 to $130,000 depending on the format and market. Aplus offers financing through third party providers and has a veteran discount program.

Aplus locations average 2,400 to 4,100 square feet and follow a full service convenience store format. Stores may operate with or without an attached gasoline station, and the branded program can be used with any fuel brand. This makes the concept available to existing fuel retailers adding a branded convenience operation without rebuilding the entire site. Initial training takes approximately two weeks at the Aplus corporate training facility and covers operating standards, inventory management, food service procedures, and brand compliance. A Franchise Operations team supports stores operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Area Marketing Managers and Regional Sales Managers provide field consultation, while Marketing Development Specialists assist with real estate evaluation, site mapping, and construction design before opening. Support resources include category management, tobacco loyalty programs, food service guidance, planograms, store schematics, vendor negotiations, in store branding, competitive buying programs, and point of purchase marketing materials. Aplus does not provide exclusive geographic territory protection under its standard franchise agreement. Franchisees receive rights to an approved location, while the franchisor may establish or authorize additional locations in nearby or overlapping markets, including through digital channels.

Total revenue including gasoline frequently exceeds $5 million to $7 million at well positioned locations. Merchandise and food service therefore require close attention in a convenience store financial model. Aplus uses the City Deli and Gulliver's coffee programs to pursue prepared food and beverage revenue, which industry data identifies as a high margin and fast growing segment of convenience retail. Prospective franchisees should speak with existing Aplus operators and compare their results with independent industry benchmarks before signing a franchise agreement.

Aplus’s growth history was reshaped in 2018, when approximately 1,030 A Plus branded convenience stores were sold to 7 Eleven Inc. for $3.3 billion. It was the largest acquisition in 7 Eleven’s history at that time and expanded that company’s United States footprint to nearly 9,700 stores. Sunoco then focused more heavily on wholesale fuel distribution. In January 2024, Sunoco LP sold another 204 convenience stores, primarily Stripes branded locations, to 7 Eleven for approximately $1 billion. Sunoco’s remaining retail presence became more concentrated around Aplus franchised and company owned stores, along with New Jersey and Hawaii locations operating under the Aloha Petroleum brand. As of January 1, 2025, Sunoco LP operated 76 company owned Aplus convenience stores, with franchised locations across more than 40 states and Puerto Rico. The 2024 franchised count of 247 locations represented a 2% year over year decrease. Investors should consider that change alongside the parent company’s broader restructuring. Aplus also benefits from Sunoco’s fuel network, its NASCAR sponsorship dating to 2004, when Aplus became the Official Pitstop of NASCAR and the Official Convenience Store of NASCAR, and products such as name brand merchandise, fresh food, ATM services, money orders, propane tank exchange, lottery, prepaid gift cards, and cellular products. Mobile loyalty programs, contactless payment, and delivery integration remain important areas for convenience retail.

A suitable Aplus franchisee may have retail management experience, multi unit operating experience, or an established fuel retail business that could add a branded convenience program to an active gasoline location. Because stores average 2,400 to 4,100 square feet and may operate around the clock, owners must manage multiple shifts while maintaining cleanliness, inventory control, and consistent customer service. The program provides operating guidance and vendor support while allowing merchandise and services to reflect local demand. Aplus has its deepest presence along the East Coast, from Massachusetts to Florida, with additional locations in upstate New York and Ohio. Availability across more than 40 states creates room for operators in markets where the brand has less presence. Even development agreements for multiple stores do not guarantee exclusive territory protection. Buyers should have the franchise agreement reviewed by a qualified franchise attorney. The approximately two week training requirement should be included in the opening schedule along with permitting, construction, and equipment installation. Based on the investment ranges, total development may take several months depending on site complexity.

Aplus offers a convenience retail model supported by 160 million daily United States customers, Sunoco LP’s fuel network, and the broader resources of Energy Transfer Partners LP. The $15,000 initial franchise fee is relatively accessible within the category, while the $775,000 to $1,886,000 total investment reflects a physical store, equipment, food service capacity, and branded operating systems. The 6% royalty and 2% advertising contribution equal 8% of gross sales. Third party financing and veteran discounts may broaden the pool of qualified buyers. Because store level results must be validated through operator discussions and market benchmarks, buyers should conduct detailed financial review before committing capital. PeerSense provides franchise research tools that include SBA lending history, Loan Activity Score, location maps with Google ratings, FDD financial data, and side by side comparisons. These resources can help buyers compare Aplus with other convenience store franchise opportunities while reviewing the brand’s flexible format, food service programs, operating support, and territory terms.