Maverik to Lay Off 100 Employees at Former Kum Go Headquarters in Des Moines

What's Happening?

Maverik, a convenience-store chain based in Salt Lake City, is set to lay off 100 employees at the former Kum & Go headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa. This decision is part of Maverik's strategy to consolidate its operations at its Base Camp headquarters in Salt Lake City. The layoffs are scheduled for October 6, as reported on Iowa's Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act website. Maverik acquired Kum & Go in 2023, adding approximately 400 locations to its portfolio. Despite the layoffs, Maverik will maintain a limited presence in Des Moines to support regional business needs. The company is working with affected employees to offer relocation opportunities and support during the transition. Maverik is ranked No. 12 on CSP's 2025 Top 202 list of U.S. convenience-store chains by store count.

Why It's Important?

The layoffs at the former Kum & Go headquarters highlight the broader trend of consolidation in the convenience-store industry. By centralizing operations, Maverik aims to improve efficiency and better serve its expanding customer base. This move could impact the local economy in Des Moines, where Kum & Go has historical roots dating back to 1963. The rebranding of Kum & Go stores under the Maverik brand reflects a strategic shift to unify the company's identity and appeal to adventure-seeking customers. The decision underscores the competitive nature of the convenience-store market, where companies are seeking to streamline operations and enhance brand recognition.

What's Next?

Maverik plans to continue rebranding Kum & Go stores in Iowa and Nebraska, with the goal of unifying its entire store footprint under the Maverik brand. This rebranding effort is expected to be completed in the coming months. The company will focus on integrating the Kum & Go locations into its existing operations, potentially leading to further changes in staffing and store management. Stakeholders, including employees and local communities, will be closely monitoring the impact of these changes on the regional economy and job market.