Dash In Bets $143M on Carolina Expansion to Take on C-Store Giants

Dash In is pushing into the Carolinas with a $143 million deal for 16 new sites, a major expansion first reported by the Charlotte Business Journal. The move kicks off a broader strategy to triple its store count and challenge established rivals in high-growth markets.

• Connecting the dots: The move isn't a random land grab, but a calculated play to connect new, high-growth territory to the company's Mid-Atlantic home base. The expansion is a key part of Dash In’s plan to triple its store count by 2030, targeting the region's booming population.

• Million-dollar menus: Dash In is betting its new 5,600-square-foot prototype will be its killer feature. The company plans to invest between $7 million and $9 million into each site, centering the experience on a made-to-order food menu and custom beverages to differentiate itself.

• The c-store wars: Dash In is stepping onto a battlefield. The Carolinas are a hotbed for competition, with giants like Circle K, Sheetz, and QuikTrip already blanketing the region, while other popular chains like Wawa and Buc-ee's are also vying for a foothold.

Dash In's high-stakes gamble hinges on whether its upscale, food-forward model can carve out a loyal customer base in one of the nation's most competitive convenience store markets. As it expands, Dash In is also getting noticed for its company culture, recently landing on Fortune's list of top retail workplaces. The company's big bet is on its new store format, a prototype of which recently opened in Indian Head, Maryland.