About Us

Who is Rhodes?

Rhodes isn’t a convenience store. It’s people. People who know a customer’s favorite drink before they reach the drive-thru window. People who notice if a daily customer misses a visit because they’re under the weather. People that make dinner for a family juggling so many activities they don’t have time to cook. Through our people and relationship-focused culture, we have completely raised our customers’ expectations of the typical convenience store experience. Let our employees tell you more.

EMPLOYEE TESTIMONIALS

Our Mission

Our mission is to be a superior convenience store business; committed to excellence by creating a valuable experience for every guest and team member.

Core Values

R – Respect and trust our team and guests
H – Honesty to self and others
O – Outstanding experience for every guest
D – Do what we say we will do every time
E – Empower all well-trained team members
S – Service + Execution = 101 Success

History

Rhodes convenience stores started in 1963 when a young, hardworking oil jobber capitalized on a highway expansion project and later discovered an emerging retail gasoline market. A second generation of management then joined the company who established internal corporate functions and energized marketing efforts creating clear distinctions from other local convenience stores. Today, Rhodes operates 30 retail stores throughout Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois while enjoying consistent growth.

Many strategic decisions and critical turning points have also contributed to the company’s long-term success. With every critical turning point that Rhodes has encountered, the same recurring theme has existed; provide quality products in a convenient manner, and most of all, build customer relationships that will keep them returning. These are the foundations that have made Rhodes a consistent, and often daily, stop for the hardworking men and women of Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois.

1955

F.E. “Gene” Rhodes, a stubborn, hardworking farm boy, accepts a delivery salesman position with Gulf Oil Corporation.

1956

Gene hires his first employee for his Gulf Oil distributorship, Bob Amelunke, a delivery driver.

1963

Gene officially establishes Rhodes Oil Company, which is known today as Rhodes.

Late 1960s

Rhodes Oil Company takes a successful stride by becoming the exclusive fuel and motor oil provider for R.B. Potaschnick Construction Company, the contractor responsible for building Interstate 55. Rhodes Oil Company’s exceptional performance on this job launches its reputation for providing outstanding customer service, which remains an integral part of Rhodes today.

Early 1970s

Gulf Oil Coporation pulls out of Southeast Missouri, and Gene Rhodes acquires several local Gulf stations. The self-service locations are renamed Rhodes Pump-Ur-Own, and its rapid growth in the retail fuel industry began.

Late 1970s – Early 1980s

The size and complexity of his Rhodes Oil Company grows, and Gene realizes the need to delegate daily operating responsibilities. As a proponent of promoting from within, Gene appoints two employees to key positions.

Jim Maurer, formerly a service technician with LP Gas, became Rhodes Oil Company’s Office Manager. Maurer formalized financing and accounting practices while developing the company’s corporate structure, which is still used today.

Paul Dirnberger, originally a part-time cashier at a Pump-Ur-Own station, introduced bold and innovative marketing ideas to grow the chain, which primarily provided gasoline, oil, beer, cigarettes, bait, and tackle.

1983

The first computer is introduced at Rhodes Oil Company’s office improving the handling of its General Ledger and payroll.

Mid 1980s

Rhodes Oil Company studies market opportunities and defines corporate objectives to guide future business decisions.

1986 – 1994

In addition to operating a successful, growing company, Gene Rhodes serves as the mayor of Cape Girardeau, Mo., where Rhodes is headquartered.

1989

Rhodes Oil Company acquiresits first convenience store providing a full inventory of deli items, snack foods and beverages. Its expanded inventory inspires Paul to rebrand the company with the theme “101 reasons to stop.” Paul develops the company’s new title of Rhodes 101 Stops Convenience Stores, and a new logo replaces one that previously mirrored Gulf Oil’s logo.

1990

Five of the original Pump-Ur-Own stations are rebuilt to accommodate the Rhodes 101 Stops concept and the Rhodes Travel Center east of Interstate 55 in Scott City is rebuilt. After the upgrades, 14 convenience stores operate as Rhodes 101 Stops Convenience Stores.

1990s – 2000s

Rhodes 101 Stops introduces Orion Food Systems (Hot Stuff Pizza) and Chester Fried (Chester Fried Chicken) products to provide an attractive menu of hot foods. Rhodes 101 Stops Convenience Stores consistently ranks as Orion’s top chain among its five state mid-western region.

Rhodes 101 Stops Convenience Stores pioneers drive-up window service in its locations, which becomes an essential feature for providing quick, convenient service to customers.

Rhodes 101 Stops introduces a proprietary charge card for retail and business accounts.

Fountain soft drinks become a popular product at Rhodes 101 Stops, making it Coca-Cola USA’s number one chain for volume soft drink sales on an incident rate.

December
2014

Gene Rhodes dies at the age of 88.

2015

Rhodes unveils two big promotions that garner substantial excitement from customers and employees: a daily free fountain hour throughout May 2015, followed by a Jeep giveaway that customers entered to win June 2015 through August 2015.

April 2016

Rhodes begins a long-term, multi-faceted rebranding process lasting throughout 2016 and beyond.

In April, a new logo is adopted, which triggers the rebranding process. The new design focuses solely on the Rhodes name and drops “101 Convenience Stores” from the design.

In the same month, a new store design is introduced in Farmington, Mo. using a larger footprint, warmer color palette, and local photography appealing to the community which supports the store’s operation as customers and employees.

July
2016

Rhodes announces that military and veterans’ causes are its official corporate cause. The decision is inspired by Gene Rhodes’ service in the U.S. Army during World War II and the Korean conflict. To solidify the commitment, Rhodes makes a $10,000 donation to the USO.

August & September 2016

Two Rhodes locations are remodeled to include an Imo’s Pizza dine-in concept. The locations are in Perryville, Mo. and Scott City, Mo. The Scott City location introduces a Food Court layout, which includes Krispy Krunchy Chicken in addition to the pizza option.

September
2016

Following a summer-long promotion, which allowed customers to enter to win free fuel, food and drinks for a year from Rhodes, a winner is announced. Gabe McClung of Sikeston, Mo. wins after his contest video receives more votes than nine other finalists. Gabe “pays it forward” by donating his $5,000 prize to a Sikeston family who has a seven-year-old son battling a brain tumor. To honor Gabe’s selfless act, Rhodes also “pays it forward” by awarding the same prize back to Gabe. Both parties receive free fuel, food and drinks for a year from Rhodes to enjoy over twelve months.

November
2016

On Veterans’ Day, Rhodes makes another financial contribution to veterans’ causes. Five thousand dollars is donated among four Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois organizations that serve veterans’ needs and foster patriotism among younger generations.

December
2016

Gabe McClung continues to share his Grand Prize of Free Fuel, Food and Drinks for a year by paying it forward to other people. On Christmas Eve, he visited the Sikeston Rhodes location. Anyone that donated $5 to a local food pantry, received $20 in fuel from Gabe’s remaining $1000+ fuel allotment that he could have spent through August 2017 on himself. A large number of customers visited, more than $300 was raised for the food pantry, and Rhodes’ team members gladly spend their Christmas Eve serving a worthy cause.

Early 2017

Rhodes announces it will rebrand its Jackson Mercato Di Rodi to a Rhodes location, which will also feature a full menu of Imo’s Pizza items.

March 2017

Rhodes partners with the Army PaYS program. As a partner, Rhodes guarantees active and honorably discharged members of the Army an interview and possible employment.

May
2017

Imo’s Pizza at Rhodes in Jackson begins offering delivery to its local customers.

May
2017

Rhodes announces it will attempt to break the world’s record for largest fountain drink cup. The cup will need to be larger than the current 3,246 gallon record. Customer fountain drink purchases from May 26-July 31 will determine the final cup size. The cup will be unveiled and the record will be verified on August 20, 2017 at the Cape Girardeau Mercato Di Rodi.

June 1
2017

Rhodes becomes the owner of the Cape Girardeau Imo’s Pizza location. The standalone restaurant becomes Rhodes’ fourth Imo’s Pizza franchise.

June 30
2017

A new Imo’s Pizza at Rhodes location opens in Sikeston, Mo. The dual branded store is Rhodes’ 28th convenience store, 2nd convenience store in Sikeston and its 5th Imo’s Pizza franchise.

August 20
2017

Rhodes breaks the Guinness World Record for largest cup/glass of soft drink on National Lemonade Day. The record breaking cup holds 4730.95 gallons of lemonade and takes three hours to fill. A crowd of 1,000 spectators witnesses the official announcement and celebrates the milestone with free lemonade, pizza and hot dogs. The cup continues to reside at 425 South Mount Auburn, Rd. in Cape Girardeau, Mo. It is accessible by the public for photos.

December 19
2017

A new Imo’s Pizza at Rhodes location opens in Poplar Bluff, Mo. The dual branded store is Rhodes 29th convenience store and its 6th Imo’s Pizza franchise. The restaurant fulfills over 13,000 orders in its debut week.

December 31
2017

CS Decisions magazine presents Rhodes with its 2017 Best Overall Engagement Through Ongoing Social Media Campaigns Award for creatively engaging customers using Facebook, Twitter and Snapchat. Large convenience store chains with 270-2500 outlets were considered for the award, but Rhodes’ world record attempt, fruit-flavored lemonade, HomeGate HQ and holiday how-to video campaigns put it on top.

January
2018

Imo’s Pizza at Rhodes fundraisers generated over $13,000 for local schools and organizations since the events were introduced in March 2017. Rhodes continues to offer the fundraiser events in 2018.

January
2019

The Cape Girardeau Imo’s Pizza relocates to a newly constructed standalone restaurant at 1008 North Kingshighway. The new facility replaced an aging building on Broadway and offers more parking, a drive thru pick-up window and additional in-restaurant seating.

Summer
2019

Rhodes tests Street Eats, a new food truck menu, at its S. Mount Auburn Road location in Cape. Guest feedback is overwhelmingly positive, and Rhodes begins plans to introduce the same menu at a new convenience store opening in Chaffee, Mo. in January 2020.

December 27
2019

Rhodes management team opens its first Rally’s Drive-In franchise in Jackson, Mo. The restaurant chain is known for flavorful, indulgent foods delivered to guests within minutes via drive-thru or walk-up.

December
2019

Imo’s Pizza at Rhodes fundraisers generate over $75,000 for local schools and organizations since the events were introduced in March 2017. Rhodes continues to offer the fundraisers in 2020.

January
2020

Rhodes and Southeast Missouri State University partner to offer Rhodes employees a 10% tuition discount to the University. The discount serves as a recruiting tool to attract new talented employees and retain current employees while encouraging them to further their education and skill sets.

Late January
2020

Rhodes opens a newly constructed convenience store in Chaffee, Mo. The new location replaces an existing facility on the opposite side of Highway 77. It opens with Rhodes newest food concept, Streets Eats, a food truck menu.

Early
2020

Rhodes management team opens its second Rally’s Drive-In franchise in Sikeston, Mo. next door to its convenience store on North Main St.

March
2020

The COVID-19 pandemic hits the United States. Nonessential business across the country, including the Midwest, are ordered to shut down. Convenience stores are categorized as essential businesses. Rhodes, Imo’s Pizza and Rally’s Drive-In continue providing guests with clean, safe shopping environments as their demand for take home food and household needs grow.

Rhodes also introduces “appreciation pay” for its team members. Rhodes employees earn an additional two dollars per hour to recognize their dedication to serving guests through unprecedented times. Appreciation pay continues for several weeks in the spring and early summer.

July-August
2020

As Rhodes continues to operate through the pandemic and prepares to open three more Rally’s locations, an aggressive recruiting and hiring campaign is launched. #BuildingTogether offers the general public $500 in Rhodes gift cards for referring each new employee. New hires also receive a $600 cash bonus for joining Rhodes, and current employees receive a $600 cash bonus for referring a new employee.

September
2020

Rhodes management team purchases the Rally’s Drive-In located in Farmington, Mo. The restaurant becomes Rhodes’ third location in the Rally’s franchise system.

October
2020

Rhodes completes a major remodeling project at its North Sprigg St. convenience store in Cape. The location’s exterior is refinished to match Rhodes’ newly built locations. Street Eats, a food truck menu, is introduced at the location. Rhodes’ relationship and proximity to Southeast Missouri State University is reflected throughout the store’s interior finishes including recognition of its “Official Fountain Drink of SEMO Redhawks” title.

November
2020

Rhodes management opens its fourth Rally’s Drive-In in Dexter, Mo. All four of its Rally’s locations were built and put into operation over a 13-month period.

December
2020

The Checkers and Rally’s corporation names Rhodes management team its “2020 Rookie of the Year” among its new franchisees. The award is announced during Checkers and Rally’s virtual convention. Rhodes’ Sikeston, Mo. Rally’s location is also recognized for earning the highest first-week sales of all its 2020 new store openings.

February
2021

Rhodes management group opens a Rally’s Drive-In in Poplar Bluff, Mo.  The restaurant is their 5th Rally’s.  The new location sets a record for highest opening sales week in all of Rally’s franchise system.

March
2021

Rhodes management group opens a Rally’s Drive-In in Cape Girardeau, Mo.  It neighbors the Rhodes location on North Sprigg St. and is across the street from Southeast Missouri State University’s campus.  The new restaurant becomes Rhodes’ 6th location in the Rally’s franchise system.

May
2021

An interior and exterior remodeling project is completed at the Fruitland, Mo. Rhodes location.  Street Eats, a food truck-inspired menu, is introduced at the location.

August
2021

An interior and exterior remodeling project is completed at the North Kingshighway Rhodes location in Cape Girardeau, Mo.  Locals have affectionately called the location “Momma Rhodes” for years.  The nickname is incorporated in the store’s branding.

September
2021

The Rhodes location at the intersection of West End Blvd. and Independence St. in Cape Girardeau, Mo. is demolished to make way for a new Rhodes location to be built.  Construction is expected to be complete in Spring 2022.

November
2021

Ground is broken for a co-branded Rhodes and Rally’s Drive-In location in Miner, Mo.  It will become the company’s 30th convenience store and 7th Rally’s location.

December
2021

Rhodes’ six Imo’s Pizza locations raise over $104,000 for local schools and organizations since introducing their fundraising programs in 2017.  Fundraising options include selling vouchers for fresh baked pizzas to be enjoyed at home or in the restaurant along with 10% give back nights allowing groups to receive 10% of sales made on their behalf.