TXB's CEO Inducted Into Convenience Store News Hall of Fame
TXB (Texas Born) CEO Kevin Smartt is one of two new inductees into the Convenience Store News Hall of Fame.
As a regional player in the convenience store segment, Smartt has driven the Spicewood, Texas-based retailer’s continued growth, with the company now operating more than 50 locations across Texas and southern Oklahoma.
Known formerly as Kwik Chek Food Stores, the rebrand to TXB drove a renewed commitment to Texas values that focus on authenticity, hospitality and integrity. The convenience store chain’s stores provide shoppers with a broad product assortment highlighted by fresh, made-to-order food and a growing assortment of private-label products.
In a previous interview with Store Brands, Smartt said the growing trust and confidence shoppers have with private-label products has given TXB more freedom to be adventurous when developing new products.
“From the beginning, we’ve taken the viewpoint that we want to create quality products for our private-brand assortment, and we want that to be the perception in the consumer’s mind,” he said. “When developing products, we’re always looking for uniqueness in terms of flavor, package size, etc. It’s all about creating a quality brand that offers some differentiation.”
Part of the strategy to set itself apart from other retailers is TXB’s non-consumable private brand product line. This includes such items as apparel and hard- and soft-sided coolers, among other products.
In addition to leading TXB, Smartt is the managing member of Taylor-Smartt LLC, a diversified investment firm with holdings across multiple sectors, including fuel, propane, technology, banking, real estate and food production. His strategic investment approach emphasizes long-term value creation and operational excellence across industries.
Smartt’s influence extends beyond his companies as well, as he has served in several high-profile industry leadership roles, including chairman of global trade association NACS, chairman of Conexxus and chairman of the Coca-Cola National Retailing Research Council. He currently serves on the NACS Supplier Board, the board of directors for P97 Networks and various advisory boards supporting companies in the convenience, retail and technology sectors.
Additionally, Chris Hobson will join Smartt as a member of the Convenience Store News Hall of Fame Class of 2025. Since 2024, Hobson has served as president and CEO of Core-Mark and has been with the company since 2000.
Editor’s Note: Convenience Store News is a sister publication of Store Brands.
