Established
1967
Franchise Units
95
Minimum Investment
$614,250
Franchise Fee
$12,500
Total Investment Range
$1,914,900
Home Based
No
Description
Kangaroo Express is a long-established convenience store and fuel-retail brand known for serving busy commuters, travelers, and neighborhood customers with quick service, essential products, and reliable fuel. With deep roots in the convenience retail industry and backed by a globally recognized parent company, Kangaroo Express presents an attractive franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking a stable, high-traffic business model in the United States.
With its strong name recognition, dual revenue streams, and flexible franchise formats, Kangaroo Express is well positioned for investors who want to build a retail business that benefits from daily demand, predictable customer flow, and a proven operational system.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
1. Highly Recognized Brand
Kangaroo Express carries a long reputation in the convenience retail space, known across many U.S. markets for fast service, accessible store locations, and competitive pricing.
2. Dual Revenue Streams
Franchisees can operate both a convenience store and, where available, an integrated fuel business—allowing multiple revenue channels within one site.
3. Backed by a Major Parent Company
After being acquired by Alimentation Couche-Tard, one of the world’s largest convenience retail groups, the brand now benefits from strong corporate support, advanced operating systems, and experienced retail infrastructure.
4. Flexible Store Models
Operators can build a new store, convert an existing convenience store, or add fuel services depending on the location and local regulations.
5. Scalable for Multi-Unit Operators
Experienced convenience-store owners or fuel-station operators can expand more rapidly through multi-site agreements.
Background
Founded Year & Founders
Kangaroo Express traces its history back to The Pantry, Inc., which was founded in 1967 by Sam Wornom and Truby Proctor, Jr. in North Carolina.
Brand Evolution
The Pantry grew into one of the largest independently operated convenience-store chains in the southeastern U.S. The Kangaroo Express brand became its flagship retail identity.
Ownership
In 2015, The Pantry and its retail operations were acquired by Alimentation Couche-Tard (ACT), a global leader in convenience retailing. After the acquisition, many corporately owned stores were converted to other ACT brands, but select locations remained under Kangaroo Express and later became part of a specialized franchise program.
Market Presence
Kangaroo Express currently has approximately 95 franchised stores across the United States operating under TMC Franchise Corp., a subsidiary of ACT.
Industry Category
The franchise operates in the convenience store, food & beverage retail, and fuel services marketplace—one of the most consistent, high-traffic, needs-based sectors.
Support Training
Kangaroo Express offers a structured, detailed onboarding and training program:
1. Pre-Launch Support
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Assistance with site evaluation, store planning, and layout
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Access to operational manuals and brand standards
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Guidance on permitting, licensing, and vendor setup
2. Training Program
Franchisees typically receive around 252 hours of combined training, including:
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Classroom training on operations, inventory, marketing, and compliance
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Hands-on in-store training covering POS systems, merchandising, customer service, staffing, and safety
3. Store Launch Support
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Help coordinating store opening tasks
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Merchandise planning and inventory ordering
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Fuel integration support (if applicable)
4. Ongoing Support
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Continuous operational guidance
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Marketing and promotional support
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Product sourcing and supply chain assistance
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Technology system access and updates
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Field support from experienced regional teams
5. Optional Fuel Business Setup
Qualified franchisees can integrate a fuel-retail component under a separate agreement—ideal for operators seeking higher traffic and added revenue streams.
Ideal Candidate
The Kangaroo Express system is best suited for:
Entrepreneurs With Retail Experience
Ideal candidates often come from retail, convenience store, fuel station, food-service, or grocery backgrounds. However, newcomers with strong business acumen are welcome.Operators Focused on Daily Consumer Needs
Kangaroo Express thrives on consistent, repeat customer traffic. The franchise suits investors who enjoy fast-moving environments and everyday consumer interactions.
Hands-On or Semi-Absentee Ownership
Owners should be comfortable managing operations directly or supervising a reliable management team.
Financially Qualified Investors
Given the investment range, the brand fits investors capable of managing upfront capital requirements and long-term operating costs.
Location-Focused Investors
Best suited for areas with:
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High vehicle traffic
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Commuter routes
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Dense residential communities
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Strong fuel demand
Financial Detail
| Financial Category | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Total Initial Investment | $614,250 – $1,914,900 |
| Initial Franchise Fee | Up to $12,500 |
| Working Capital Required | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Royalty Fee | Approximately 5.5% |
| Marketing/Brand Fund Fee | As outlined in the FDD (varies) |
| Fuel Infrastructure (Optional) | Additional investment if fuel services are added |
| Revenue Streams | Convenience retail, snacks, beverages, grocery items, fuel (optional), tobacco, lottery, quick-service food |
| Expected ROI | Location-dependent; typically improves with fuel services and strong traffic |
| Break-Even Period | Varies based on fuel volume, rent, staffing, and operating efficiency |
Note: Final figures depend on store size, construction costs, fuel-system requirements, geographic region, and real estate variables. The latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) should be reviewed for exact numbers.