In a win that has Midwest food lovers nodding in agreement, Kwik Trip has been named the Best Gas Station for Food in the United States for 2025 by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. The Wisconsin-based convenience store chain also clinched the top spot as the Best Gas Station Brand for the sixth consecutive year, solidifying its reputation as a beloved pitstop for travelers and locals alike. This double victory highlights Kwik Trip’s unique ability to turn a quick stop for gas into a culinary experience that keeps customers coming back for more.
A Midwest Icon Shines Nationally
Founded in 1965 as a small neighborhood grocery store in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Kwik Trip has grown into a regional powerhouse with nearly 900 locations across Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan, Illinois, and South Dakota. Known as Kwik Star in some states, the family-owned chain has built a loyal following thanks to its high-quality food, clean stores, and friendly service. With over 500 locations in Wisconsin alone, it’s no surprise that 96% of Wisconsinites live within 30 minutes of a Kwik Trip, making it a staple of daily life in the Badger State.
What sets Kwik Trip apart from other gas stations? It’s not just about fueling up your car—it’s about fueling you, too. The chain has mastered the art of offering fresh, affordable, and surprisingly delicious food that rivals what you’d find at a fast-food joint or even a casual restaurant. From freshly baked donuts to hot pizza and fried chicken, Kwik Trip’s menu has something for everyone, whether you’re grabbing breakfast on the go or a hearty lunch during a road trip.
The USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards
The 2025 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards recognized Kwik Trip’s excellence in two categories: Best Gas Station Brand and Best Gas Station for Food. The awards process is rigorous, starting with nominations from a panel of industry experts. USA Today editors then narrow down the list, and readers vote over a four-week period to determine the winners. This year, Kwik Trip not only retained its title as the top gas station brand but also climbed from third place in 2024 to first place in the food category, surpassing competitors like Royal Farms and Casey’s.
According to USA Today, Kwik Trip’s food offerings stand out for their quality and variety. The chain’s in-house bakery produces more than two dozen fresh items daily, including bread, muffins, cookies, bagels, and their famous Dunker donuts, which recently introduced a popular Banana Dunker flavor. Beyond baked goods, Kwik Trip serves up hot food like burritos, pizza, salads, soups, and fried chicken, all made with high-quality ingredients and priced to fit any budget. The chain also sources its milk from dairy farms within a 100-mile radius of its La Crosse headquarters, ensuring freshness and supporting local farmers.
Why Kwik Trip’s Food Wins Hearts (and Stomachs)
So, what makes Kwik Trip’s food so special? For starters, it’s the variety. Whether you’re craving a quick snack, a hearty meal, or a sweet treat, Kwik Trip has you covered. Their hot food menu includes crowd-pleasers like burgers, chicken strips, and breadsticks that have earned rave reviews for their taste and freshness. The pizza, in particular, has become a fan favorite, with some customers jokingly claiming it’s better than what you’d get at a pizzeria.
Then there’s the bakery, which is a point of pride for Kwik Trip. The chain’s Kwikery brand produces everything from classic glazed donuts to unique offerings like Blueberry Dunker-flavored potato chips, a limited-release snack that had fans buzzing with excitement. For health-conscious customers, Kwik Trip offers fresh salads and take-home meals that make it easy to eat well on the go. And let’s not forget the coffee and smoothies, which have earned a loyal following for their quality and affordability.
But it’s not just the food itself that keeps customers coming back. Kwik Trip has built a reputation for clean stores, friendly staff, and a welcoming atmosphere. Customers often say they feel like more than just a number when they walk into a Kwik Trip. The staff’s cheerful “See ya next time!” farewell has become a trademark of the brand, creating a sense of community that’s rare for a gas station chain.
A Social Media Sensation
Kwik Trip’s success isn’t just about what’s on the menu—it’s also about how the brand connects with its customers. The chain has mastered the art of social media, turning a convenience store into a cultural phenomenon. With active accounts on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and even Spotify, Kwik Trip engages its audience with humor, relatability, and a distinctly Midwest vibe. Their Spotify playlists, like “Kwik Trip Checkout” and “Chicken Jammies,” have hundreds of followers, and their social media posts are filled with witty jokes and playful banter.
The brand’s social media strategy has created a passionate fan base, with groups like the Wisconsin Kwik Trip Enthusiast Club and Kwik Trip Missed Connections popping up online. Some fans have even held photo shoots at Kwik Trip locations for special occasions like prom or weddings, showcasing the chain’s unique place in their lives. Partnerships with Midwest celebrities, like comedian Charlie Berens and Green Bay Packers players, have further cemented Kwik Trip’s status as a regional icon with national appeal.
Beating Out the Competition
Kwik Trip faced stiff competition in the 2025 USA Today 10Best Awards, with other popular chains like Casey’s, Hy-Vee, and Buc-ee’s also vying for the top spots. Casey’s, known for its pizza, took third place in the food category, while Royal Farms, last year’s winner, came in second. Buc-ee’s, a Texas-based chain famous for its massive stores and diverse food offerings, placed tenth in both categories. Kwik Trip’s ability to outshine these heavyweights speaks to its consistent quality and loyal customer base.
Interestingly, Kwik Trip has a friendly rivalry with QuikTrip, a Southern-based chain with a similar name. While QuikTrip made the top 10 list for Best Gas Station Brand, it lagged behind Kwik Trip, which fans celebrated as a victory for the Midwest favorite.
What’s Next for Kwik Trip?
With nearly 900 locations and counting, Kwik Trip shows no signs of slowing down. The chain is set to expand into North Dakota in late 2025, bringing its signature food and hospitality to a new state. Kwik Trip’s La Crosse operations include two bakeries, a dairy, a kitchen, and a distribution center, allowing the chain to produce over 80% of the products sold in its stores. This vertical integration ensures quality control and keeps prices affordable, a key factor in the brand’s success.
As Kwik Trip continues to grow, its focus on fresh food, community engagement, and customer satisfaction will likely keep it at the top of the gas station game. For now, the chain’s double win in the 2025 USA Today 10Best Awards is a testament to its ability to turn a routine stop for gas into a memorable experience.
A Recipe for Success
Kwik Trip’s rise from a single Eau Claire grocery store to a national leader in gas station food is a story of innovation, quality, and heart. By offering fresh, affordable food and building a brand that feels like home, Kwik Trip has earned its place in the hearts of customers across the Midwest and beyond. Whether you’re grabbing a Dunker donut, a slice of pizza, or just soaking in the friendly vibes, a visit to Kwik Trip is more than just a pitstop—it’s a taste of why this chain keeps winning awards and loyal fans.
So, the next time you’re on the road and your stomach starts rumbling, swing by a Kwik Trip. You’ll see why USA Today readers crowned it the best gas station for food in 2025—and why “See ya next time!” is more than just a catchphrase.
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