If you live in the upper Midwest you know that there are two kinds of people. Casey’s people and Kwik Star (Kwik Trip) people. These are the main two convenience store chains in these parts.
You might be asking which one is better. The answer- it’s complicated. I’m here to break it down for you.
#1 Gas. The supposed main reason you’re there in the first place. I’m giving this one to Kwik Star because all of their stations offer the E88 gas with extra ethanol, which is anywhere from 3 to 35 cents cheaper per gallon vs. regular unleaded depending on the day. New / remodeled Casey’s offer this, but not all locations do, so I have to ding them for that.
#2 Pizza. This is no contest- Casey’s all the way! It’s made fresh for pick up and even delivery on the weekend. There are multiple pizza places in my town, but Casey’s has better pizza than either of them. I’m not personally a fan, but their breakfast pizza has a cult following too. Kwik Star doesn’t have anything that even comes close.
#3 Chicken. This one is all Kwik Star. This might be unfair, because Kwik Star does have a much larger focus/ selection of hot food to go vs. Casey’s. But both places offer chicken sandwiches and chicken tenders, and Kwik Star’s are just better.
#4 Decor. I’m giving this one to Casey’s. Kwik Stars all look the same, and they are all just blah. Casey’s have red and dark brown decor and they just seem more welcoming and less sterile.
#5 Donuts. This one is a tie. Both have excellent donuts and related pastries. No matter what you pick it will be good at either chain.
#6 Accessability. Around here, this is also a tie. Both chains are literally everywhere.
At the end of the day both chains have a lot going for them. In fact, it’s so close that I don’t think I can pick a winner. This is one you’ll have to decide for yourself.