RaceTrac is accelerating its expansion beyond the Southeast, announcing a nearly $65 million investment in Ohio that includes four new convenience stores and travel centers scheduled to open throughout 2026.

The Atlanta-based convenience store and fuel retailer recently celebrated the grand opening of its second Ohio location in West Jefferson, marking another milestone in the company’s strategy to expand into new markets across the Midwest.

The investment highlights RaceTrac’s continued growth as the company targets high-traffic transportation corridors, expanding residential communities and areas with strong commercial development potential.

RaceTrac Opens Second Ohio Location in West Jefferson

RaceTrac officially opened its newest Ohio store on October 15, 2026, at 2 Commerce Parkway in West Jefferson, just outside Columbus.

The new location is the company’s first store in the Columbus metropolitan area and its second in Ohio, following the opening of a travel center in Findlay in December 2024.

The West Jefferson property features RaceTrac’s larger travel center format, designed to accommodate both everyday commuters and professional truck drivers.

The facility includes separate fueling areas for passenger vehicles and commercial trucks, along with high-flow diesel dispensers and diesel exhaust fluid available at the pump.

Inside, customers have access to RaceTrac’s food and beverage offerings, including freshly prepared pizzas, sandwiches, salads, coffee and the company’s Swirl World frozen yogurt bar.

Three Additional Ohio Stores Planned for 2026

RaceTrac plans to open three additional Ohio locations before the end of 2026, bringing the company’s total number of stores in the state to five.

The planned locations include:

• Circleville, Ohio: A midsize convenience store serving local motorists, fleet vehicles and commercial drivers.
• Canal Winchester, Ohio: A midsize location targeting the growing southeastern Columbus market.
• Lima, Ohio: A larger-format travel center serving commuters and professional drivers traveling through the region.

Together with West Jefferson, the four new stores represent an investment of approximately $65 million.

Three of the new locations are situated within approximately 30 miles of downtown Columbus, positioning RaceTrac to capture demand throughout Central Ohio.

The company has also indicated that additional Ohio stores are planned for 2027 and beyond.

RaceTrac Targets Highway Corridors and Growing Communities

RaceTrac’s Ohio expansion reflects its strategy of developing locations along major transportation routes and within growing commercial markets.

The West Jefferson and Lima locations will operate as travel centers, offering separate fueling facilities for passenger vehicles and professional truck drivers.

Meanwhile, the Circleville and Canal Winchester stores will feature midsize formats capable of serving local customers and commercial fleets.

The company’s first Ohio location in Findlay opened in December 2024 as an approximately 8,100-square-foot travel center near Interstate 75 and County Road 99.

Each new RaceTrac location typically creates approximately 25 to 40 jobs, providing additional employment opportunities in the communities it serves.

RaceTrac Continues Expanding Beyond the Southeast

Founded in 1934, RaceTrac has historically maintained a strong presence throughout the southeastern United States, particularly in Florida, Georgia and Texas.

However, the company has increasingly targeted markets outside its traditional operating territory, including Ohio, Indiana and the Carolinas.

RaceTrac’s broader retail portfolio includes approximately 850 RaceTrac and RaceWay locations, along with roughly 1,200 Gulf-branded locations.

The company’s acquisition of Potbelly Sandwich Works has also expanded its presence in the foodservice industry, adding hundreds of sandwich shop locations to its broader business portfolio.

The expansion reflects RaceTrac’s continued investment in convenience retail, fuel distribution and prepared food offerings.

What RaceTrac’s Expansion Means for Commercial Real Estate

The nearly $65 million Ohio investment demonstrates continued demand for commercial land capable of accommodating convenience stores, fuel stations and larger travel center developments.

RaceTrac’s site selection strategy emphasizes strong traffic volumes, highway accessibility, growing populations and opportunities to serve both passenger vehicles and commercial transportation.

For commercial real estate developers, brokers and landowners, these requirements create opportunities for strategically located properties near interstate interchanges, major intersections and expanding industrial corridors.

Large-format travel centers often require substantially more acreage than traditional convenience stores due to separate truck fueling areas, circulation requirements and additional parking.

RaceTrac’s continued expansion also highlights the importance of identifying suitable commercial land in emerging markets before surrounding development increases property values and competition.

In the Columbus area, RaceTrac has already acquired multiple properties for potential future development, reinforcing its long-term commitment to the region.

Looking Ahead

With four new Ohio stores planned for 2026 and additional locations anticipated in 2027, RaceTrac is positioning itself for continued growth throughout the Midwest.

The company’s investment in Ohio represents another step in its broader strategy to expand beyond traditional southeastern markets while strengthening its convenience retail and travel center operations.

As RaceTrac continues evaluating new markets, demand for well-located commercial land along major transportation corridors is expected to remain an important component of its expansion strategy.

For more updates on national retail expansion, convenience store development and commercial real estate opportunities, visit ExtendedReach USA.

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