Cody’s Convenience Stores buys six Express Lane stores

With the purchase, which closed in bankruptcy court Dec. 28, Cody’s surpassed fellow Springfield-based chain Rapid Roberts’ 23 area stores. Cody’s portfolio now comprises 25 stores, second to West Des Moines, Iowa-based Kum & Go’s 33 stores in southwest Missouri.

Cody’s, which was founded five years ago with a single store in Rogersville, has grown through acquisitions and new construction.

Express Lane parent company Waddill’s Markets Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in July, according to U.S. Bankruptcy Court filings.

Filings also show that Cody’s acquired the six stores for $1 million.

Cody’s actually began operating the stores in late September under a temporary agreement, according to Curtis Jared, executive vice president for Jared Enterprises, parent company of Cody’s.

The six stores are located at 2744 E. Chestnut Expressway, 3506 N. Glenstone Ave., 3450 W. Division St., 1821 W. Grand St., 6935 W. Highway 60 in Republic and 414 N. Public Ave. in Clever.

See SBJ’s Jan. 14 issue for more on the latest Cody’s acquisition.