Family Express Unveils New Prototype, Growth Plans

Family Express (Valparaiso, Ind.) has taken the wraps off a new prototype and significant expansion plans.

For the past three decades, the c-store operator’s exterior architecture was characterized by a brick colonial look. The new prototype has a contemporary flair designed to be more inviting to a younger demographic, the chain’s founder, President and CEO says.

“The new prototype is challenging a successful tradition,” said Gus Olympidis. “Very much like sending one of your children to college, though you miss them, you know it will guarantee a better future. The contemporary feel of the new look is more inviting to a younger consumer, and it is transitioning our brand to the future …”

The new store will focus on food service and a separate counter for traditional sales. The typical Family Express store offers indoor and outdoor seating, a state-of-the-art car wash utilizing mobile wallet technology and a pet wash.

In conjunction with the new look for its stores, Family Express is planning to develop more than 20 new sites that will be serviced by its central distribution facility in Valparaiso. The company currently operates 81 stores throughout Northwest and North Central Indiana.