C-Store Updates: Freshies and Murphy USA

* Freshies (Hampden, Maine) has opened an updated flagship store on Hammond Street in Bangor. Project participants said in a news release that the refresh “expands and elevates every category that matters most to Freshies customers. The new store features a refined visual identity, elevated foodservice presentation with proprietary branded programs including Sweet Treats Bakery, Frankly Fresh Hot Dogs, and a new Grab & Go Pizza destination, an enhanced coffee program, a new beer cave, expanded parking and additional fuel options — all within an environment designed to feel welcoming, modern and unmistakably Freshies.” The chain, which has 22 units across its home state, is a unit RH Foster Energy and its new-look store was created in conjunction with Paragon Solutions (Fort Worth, Texas).

* Murphy USA Inc. (El Dorado, Ark.) plans to open up to 55 new stores this year. The company disclosed that number in its just-released financial results for its first quarter, during which is tallied operating revenues of roughly $4.8 billion (up from $4.5 billion a year earlier) and a net income of $136 million (up from $53.2 million). The chain currently operates 1800-plus c-stores (most with fuel stops) under the Murphy USA, Murphy Express, and QuickChek banners in the Southwest, Southeast, Midwest and Northeast U.S.