Tops Plans Fresh Xpress Format

MARK HAMSTRA

WEST SENECA, N.Y. — Tops Friendly Markets is preparing to open its first freestanding convenience store and fuel station here under the Tops Fresh Xpress banner, company officials told SN.

Unlike the 36 other fuel centers at Tops locations, the store is sited near an existing Tops but not on the same property. It is slated to open later this month.

The 1,600-square-foot convenience-store portion will offer traditional c-store fare like beer and other beverages, as well as a quick-service fresh-food offering, including sandwiches.

"We could see this being a 100-store chain in the near future," Frank Curci, president and chief executive officer of Tops, told SN.