The convenience store construction industry is looking to be as strong as ever for 2026!
The simple “Mom and Pop” c-stores are becoming a thing of the past. The architectural designs are becoming more complex, and the stores are trending towards a one stop, luxury shop for all customers. C-stores are now implementing commercial-grade kitchens with state-of-the-art equipment to produce fresh, quality food service for their customers. At Brunson Construction, our company is focused on meeting all the owners’ expectations and our experienced construction managers always focus on timelines, attention to detail, and constructing a quality product. Further down are the key trends that we are currently seeing in the convenience store construction industry and how our project teams plan accordingly to build a professional product on time and ahead of schedule.
Trend #1: Store Openings Ahead of Schedule is Still the Goal- But Quality Amenities are Driving the Industry
The days of singe pump convenience stores with interior items such as a pack of crackers and a small cooler with soft drinks are coming to close. Owners are progressing to a very complex design in food and beverage to accommodate the need of the customer to make their experience quick and enjoyable.
According to NACS, foodservice accounted for 39.6% of in-store gross margin dollars in 2024, up from 37.3% in 2023 (preliminary NACS State of the Industry data).
This is major indication for store operators and directly influences construction decisions.
In practical terms, that often means:
- Commercial Grade Kitchen and Preparation Stations
- Fresh and never frozen food items
- Refrigeration designs
- Self-checkout stations
- Luxury finishes such as custom tile throughout stores and decorative lighting fixtures above
“A lot of the most important work on a modern convenience store happens inside the building—not just outside of it. The details matter because the experience matters.” — Bobby Hass, Project Manager
How this affects the construction management process:
The complexity of a convenience store project in 2026 pushes construction managers to focus on critical path items more than ever to meet the demands of the project schedule.
Trend #2: Tighter Schedules and NO Margin for Error
With the complexity of a convenience store project in 2026, owners are wanting the stores to open as fast as possible. The goal is simple: Open doors equal return of investment for the owner which keeps growth moving forward in the right direction.
With less construction days allocated to complete a project, this can only mean one thing: NO margin for error.
Throughout the construction industry, labor shortages and never-ending rising costs remain key pressures. ULI notes that skilled labor shortages persist, and wage growth continues to push overall costs higher, especially where specialized skills are required. For convenience store projects, delays affect absolutely everything- especially business operations.
Which is why Brunson Construction focuses on the following:
- Updated project schedules weekly
- Professional and predictable coordination
- Early issue detection during the pre-construction and construction phase
- Understanding and mastering the closeout process
“When timelines are tight, surprises aren’t just inconvenient—they’re expensive. Our job is to build clarity and control into the process from day one.” — Gregg Brunson, Vice President
What this means for owners:
You want a contractor with the operational discipline to keep momentum moving from the pre-construction phase to the turnover phase.
Trend #3: The Finish Line Matters More Than Ever (Closeouts Are a Differentiator)
In today’s modern construction environment, the closeout process is becoming the hardest aspect of the job to overcome.
Closeout Requirements include:
- Several local jurisdiction approvals
- Fire Marshal
- Land Development (Zoning)
- As-builts
- Utility approvals
- Land Development approvals
- Storm Water Department
- Certificate of Occupancy
The closeouts process is also where the relationship between the owner and the contractor grows stronger or can be completely broken. Brunson Construction prides itself on its ability to conquer the closeout process with posthaste allowing the project to come to a successful close.
Trend #4: More Teams Are Prioritizing Self-Performing Capabilities
In 2026, convenience store projects are either successful or complete failures based on competent coordination. One of the best ways to eliminate the coordination of sub-contractors is to self-perform critical path items.
At Brunson Construction, we self-perform the following key scopes of work:
- Foundation layout and form work
- Floor slab placement and finishing
- Concrete Paving
- Masonry
- Carpentry
- Finish Work, Punch list and closeouts
Brunson’s ability to self-perform delivers control, professionalism, and consistent execution to the project’s completion. That isn’t just a capability statement, it’s a strategy for delivering the best product possible.
Why it matters: When crews are trained to Brunson’s standards and managed by Brunson’s project managers, there is a completely different level of attention to responsiveness and precision.
“Self-performing isn’t about doing everything on your own, it’s about owning the parts of the job that most directly protect schedule, quality, and finish.” – Wallie Hiers, President
Trend #5: Owners Want Reliable Partners Who Make Their Job Easier
Construction managers and owners are not just evaluating a contractor’s bid. They are evaluating all aspects of the construction process during the project.
- Clear communication
- Responsiveness
- Speedy problem solving
- Consistent collaboration
- Proficient decision making
- Professionalism under pressure
In laymen’s terms: Does this general contractor make the process easier?
Yes, that is why Brunson’s positioning, “in your corner”, lands so well with real construction leaders. It reflects what successful project managers value: a partner who supports them, communicates clearly, and helps them stay in control.
This is especially important when inevitable change happens like scope shifts, supply timing changes, weather interruptions, field conditions.
In 2026, teams are selecting builders who respond to changes with:
- A calmer approach
- Flawless options solve issues
- Honest budget implications
- Fast decision making
- Stress free
Trend #7: Economic & Cost Pressures Mean Builders Must Be More Disciplined
In a challenging cost environment, contractors are being pushed to operate with discipline and predictability.
Also, more general contractors are attempting to get involved in the c-store construction industry due to the boom we have seen over the past few years.
Construction cost inflation may be moderating compared to prior peaks, but costs remain elevated—and labor remains a key constraint.
The Nationwide Economics team highlighted that the construction industry continues to face headwinds from elevated costs, labor shortages, and policy uncertainty heading into 2026.
For convenience store owners and construction managers, that raises the importance of:
- Accurate budgeting
- Transparent cost implications
- Proactive planning
- Ordering materials ahead of schedule
- Tight execution
What This Means for Your Next Convenience Store Project in 2026
If you’re planning a convenience store build or renovation in 2026, here’s the bottom line:
- Projects are more complex
- Schedules are tighter
- Closeouts matter more
- Experience and coordination are differentiators
- Communication and leadership access are no longer “nice-to-haves”
Construction managers need contractors who don’t just build—they support, coordinate, and execute consistently. That’s why Brunson’s approach continues to resonate.
Brunson Construction is built on three commitments:
- Trust Built on Enduring Relationships – We build long-term partnerships through transparency, responsiveness, and mutual respect.
- From Scheduling to Quality Control, We’re In Your Corner – We show up to support your success, solve problems, and keep projects moving.
- Comprehensive, Turn-Key Expertise That Covers It All – With in-house teams and self-performing capabilities, we manage the details and finish strong.
Ready to Talk Through a 2026 Project?
If you’re planning a convenience store project in Georgia or South Carolina, we’d love to learn more about your timeline, goals, and how you define success. Brunson Construction would be honored to start a relationship with you that will persist for many years to come!
Whether you’re early in planning or ready to bid, Brunson is here to help you move forward with confidence. Fill out the form below and we’ll reach out shortly.