Martin's Super Markets opens first convenience store

Martin's Super Markets announced the opening of a prepared foods-focused convenience store — its first c-store venture — in its hometown of South Bend, Ind.

"We are trying to broaden our customer base while at the same time meeting customer demand for convenience," a company spokesperson told SN in an email. 

Called Martin’s Express, the store features Eisenberg jumbo all-beef franks, Bob Evan’s biscuits and gravy, Martin’s Signature doughnuts, Bosco sticks, popcorn chicken and a variety of fresh sandwiches, wraps and salads. Beverage options include a Coffee Beanery coffee bar as well as Caribbean Cream and F’Real Milkshakes. The store has an eat-in seating area.

Other offerings at Martin’s Express include convenience grocery, dairy, frozen and automotive supplies.

Although the retailer had used the Martin’s Express name for a smaller format store in Goshen, Ind., that opened last year, a spokesperson told SN the convenience store would be different.

“Initially, when we opened the Martin’s Express in Goshen we didn’t know if the store would have the capacity to carry the products as our traditional stores, specifically ad items. As a result, we decided to name the store Martin’s Express. However, the store does have the capacity to carry all ad items in addition to a wide selection of items from other departments. Therefore, the name has officially been changed to Martin’s Super Markets,” the spokesperson said.

Martin’s operates 22 stores in Indiana and Michigan.