Benzinga | Dec 6, 2021 08:42AM EST

ARKO GPM Investments Enters Into Strategic Partnership With Sbarro; Terms Not Disclosed

GPM Investments, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of ARKO Corp. (NASDAQ:ARKO), today announced a strategic partnership with Sbarro, the Original New York Pizza, to launch new restaurants inside four Village Pantry store locations in Indiana. The first two stores are expected to open in December 2021, with two more locations expected to launch in early 2022. In participating locations, GPM will serve Sbarro's famous New York-style extra-large pizza slices handmade every day, with freshly prepared and stretched dough, hand shredded 100% whole milk mozzarella cheese, and San Marzano style tomatoes, with a variety of toppings, Stromboli, bread sticks, chicken wings, whole pizzas and chicken tenders.

The partnership will enhance GPM's in-store experience and provide sought-after food offerings to customers, all while adapting to evolving consumer shopping habits. Earlier this year, GPM announced the completion of its second remodeled store in Mechanicsville, VA featuring a new deli, expanded grab 'n' go for prepared foods, and freezers for frozen foods. GPM also recently expanded its partnership with DoorDash to offer delivery in more than 600 stores, 84 of which now offer alcohol delivery.

"We're constantly evaluating and thinking through new ways to meet the needs of our customers and expand our foodservice offerings," said Arie Kotler, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of ARKO. "With the COVID-19 pandemic limiting dining options for many living in remote locations and with pizza remaining one of the top selling food items in convenience stores, we look forward to this new partnership with Sbarro and providing even more value to our customers and stakeholders."

"We're excited to expand geographically through our new partnership with GPM," said David Karam, CEO at Sbarro. "We've delighted our customers with authentic New York-style pizza and Italian favorites for more than 60 years. Together with GPM, we will continue to provide premium quality foods to even more consumers."

GPM will celebrate the launch of the first Sbarro store with a grand opening event (located at 513 West 3rd St Connersville, IN) on Monday, December 6 with a ribbon cutting ceremony and exclusive promotions available for customers and enrolled fas REWARDS(r) members.

To learn more about GPM stores, visit: www.gpminvestments.com. To learn more about ARKO, visit: www.arkocorp.com.