Albertsons debuts new c-store concept

Albertsons has opened an upgraded fuel center and convenience store concept down the street from its headquarters in Boise, Idaho, that includes prepared deli foods, cut produce and the chain’s first drive-thru window.

The move comes six years after former Albertsons parent Supervalu decided to divest most of Albertsons’ fuel center and c-store operations, selling 107 of its 134 fuel centers to various operators, including all of its fuel centers in the Boise market.

The new Albertsons Express store “is currently the only one of its kind,” said Kathy Holland, a spokeswoman for Albertsons. Both Albertsons and sister banner Safeway operate fuel centers with c-stores at other locations, but the offerings at the new Boise Albertsons Express are unique.

In addition to fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, the store also features fresh-made deli sandwiches and salads from the service deli of the adjacent full-size Albertsons location, a selection of private label grocery items, a large wine selection and a walk-in beer cave. Holland described the décor as “modern and classy.”

According to a report in the Idaho Statesman, the 3,100-square-foot store also includes a digital soda machine, an espresso coffee station and two varieties of cold-brew coffee.

The fuel center is also unique. It offers five different grades of fuel, and it is the first in the company to offer ethanol-free unleaded fuel, according to Holland. It is also the only fuel center in Idaho to feature credit card chip-based technology at the pump.

The store is located at the site of a former Pizza Hut, and is adjacent to an Albertsons flagship location at the Southshore Shopping Center.

“As our company grows and expands, we will review opportunities to open new fuel center/convenience stores similar to this one,” said Holland.

Albertsons now operates three fuel centers in Idaho, according to the Statesman, following its acquisition of the Paul’s Market chain in early 2016.