Kum & Go workers frustrated by merger with Maverik, report says

• Even now, Iowans are bracing for Kum & Go's locally beloved name to change to Maverik — though the timeline is ambiguous as they promise a "market-to-market" approach.

Flashback: When the sale was finalized, Maverik leaders initially told Kum & Go corporate staff that they wanted both brands and foods to coexist and even go as far as integrating food menus.

• But three former Kum & Go workers told C-Store Dive that it never happened. Instead, Maverik leaders made decisions about Kum & Go's food operations without consulting Kum & Go leaders and the transition has led to "unhappiness" among workers.
• Last year, Maverik ended Kum & Go's fresh, made-to-order food program.

Zoom in: The lack of integration was most clearly seen during a blind taste test in 2023, when food service leaders from both companies tried pizza from Maverik and Kum & Go to determine which one should be used in stores moving forward.

• Kum & Go won the taste test, but Maverik's pizza recipe is being used in stores.

Go deeper: Inside Maverik's decision to cut Kum & Go's food service program