Meijer, the Grand Rapids, Michigan-based retailer, has ranked first in the American Customer Satisfaction Index’s (ACSI) 2026 annual convenience store study, achieving a score of 82 out of 100. This marks a notable improvement from its 2025 score of 76 and represents the largest jump among convenience store chains surveyed this year.

With over 500 locations—including supercenters, grocery stores, neighborhood markets, and 244 Meijer Express convenience stores—spread across Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin, Meijer also plans to expand into western Pennsylvania. While many consumers primarily associate Meijer with supermarkets, the ACSI noted that its Express stores directly compete in the convenience store market.

Meijer’s top ranking came as Buc-ee’s, a popular Texas-based convenience chain, saw its rating slip to 77 from 79 last year. QuikTrip, Sheetz, and Wawa were tied for second place with scores of 80. Last year’s top convenience store, Kwik Trip, experienced a 6% decrease, falling to a score of 79. Overall, the study found a slight decline in customer satisfaction with convenience stores nationwide, dropping 1% to an average score of 75.

The ACSI surveyed 9,475 consumers chosen randomly via email between October 2025 and September 2026. Respondents gave generally high marks for location, store hours, checkout speed, and food offerings but identified cleanliness—particularly of bathrooms—as a common area for improvement. Additionally, customer expectations for convenience store apps have heightened, with many respondents citing app usability issues.

Forrest Morgeson, director of research emeritus at ACSI and marketing professor at Michigan State University, highlighted the expanding role of technology in shaping customer experience. “Convenience stores are asking customers to do more inside the store and more on the app than ever before," Morgeson said. He emphasized that when digital platforms are difficult to navigate or facilities are poorly maintained, these shortcomings can negatively influence overall customer perceptions.

Food sales constitute an increasing share of convenience store revenue, accounting for more than 28% of inside sales in 2026. ACSI observed that 15% of visits involving prepared food were driven by consumers choosing convenience stores over quick-service restaurants. Several retailers, including Sheetz, Wawa, Casey’s, and Kwik Trip, have made significant investments to elevate food quality and diversify menus, reshaping public perceptions of convenience stores as dining options. The study noted that affordability is a key factor driving this trend, positioning convenience stores as viable alternatives to traditional restaurants.

Meijer’s success is partly attributed to the seamless integration of its mPerks loyalty program with fuel rewards and store expansions. Loyalty members consistently rated their experiences higher than nonmembers, underlining the importance of user-friendly apps and attractive offers in fostering customer satisfaction and repeat business. Over the past year, Meijer customers collectively saved nearly $200 million through the mPerks program.

“We are honored to be recognized by customers as the top convenience store brand in the U.S.,” said Erin Cataldo, Meijer’s external communications manager. “Our team puts a lot of effort into making sure visiting our Meijer Express locations is a great experience.”

Regionally, Sheetz led in the Midwest with a score of 83. Wawa secured the highest ratings in both the South (82) and Northeast (79), while in the West, Maverik and QuikTrip tied for top honors at 78.