Apply now to the West Texas Strong Memorial Scholarship Program

West Texas Strong Memorial Scholarship Program: Honoring the Legacy of the Fallen

In the aftermath of the tragic events that occurred in West Texas on August 31, 2019, the community came together to support one another and begin the healing process. The West Texas Strong Memorial Scholarship Program was created by The Kent Companies to make a lasting impact in the wake of tragedy.

This scholarship program is designed to provide financial assistance to graduating high school seniors or college students who are residents of Midland or Odessa and will be full-time students of a college or vocational technical program for the upcoming fall semester. The program is open to students from all backgrounds and areas of study, with the goal of supporting those who show academic promise, leadership potential, and a commitment to their communities.

By participating in the West Texas Strong Memorial Scholarship Program, students not only receive financial support for their education but also become part of a community dedicated to honoring the legacy of those who lost their lives. They become ambassadors of hope, carrying forward the spirit of resilience and strength that defines West Texas.

To apply for the West Texas Strong Memorial Scholarship Program, students must submit an application no later than May 25, 2023. Three students will be awarded $2,500. For more information and to apply, visit here.

The Kent Companies Expand to Florida with Fourteen-Store Acquisition


MIDLAND, TEXAS, March 28, 2023 Kent Kwik Convenience Stores, an entity of The Kent Companies, is excited to announce that the company has entered into an asset purchase agreement to acquire the Tom Thumb Food Stores, Inc. based out of Hialeah, FL.  

“I have always admired their business model, leadership, and community support. I am honored that they would entrust their legacy to our company,” said Bill Kent, owner and Chairman of the Kent Companies, on his lifelong friendship with Tom Thumb co-owners, Jimmy and Tom McCarthy.

The acquisition will include fourteen company-operated Tom Thumb Food Stores and three Subway franchise locations. Tom Thumb Food Stores, Inc. is a family-owned and operated convenience store chain that has maintained a presence in South Florida for more than 59 years, with locations spanning from Fort Lauderdale to Key West. The acquisition will increase The Kent Companies portfolio to 88 company-owned and operated convenience stores, as well as 152 dealer sites, throughout Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and now Florida. 

“Tom Thumb Food Stores have a long history serving the Florida market, with a strong reputation of taking care of their employees and dedication to their customers. We are honored to continue their legacy of serving this market and giving back to the community. Tom Thumb Food Stores is a great convenience store chain that shares similar values and commitment. We are excited to welcome the Tom Thumb Food Stores Team into our family,” said Bill Kent.

The locations recently underwent a brand re-imaging and will continue to remain Tom Thumb Food Stores. “We expect that customers will continue to receive the same great service by the same great employees. We are thrilled that the leadership and team will continue operating the stores as normal,” said Bill Kent.

“Our father and grandfather opened the first Tom Thumb location in South Florida in 1964,” said Tom Thumb Food Stores co-owners Jimmy and Tom McCarthy. “From growing up in the stores and working with our family in all aspects of the business to finally purchasing the entire company from our parents and our sisters in 2015, it has been our greatest joy and distinct honor to deliver convenience and friendly service to the people of South Florida and the Keys for the past 59+ years. We will cherish the people, camaraderie, and relationships in our stores, communities and across the industry that have become like family to us.”

About The Kent Companies

Founded in West Texas by the late Buck Kent in 1957, The Kent Companies began as Kent Oil and Kent Distributors and still remains a family-owned business today. The Kent Companies are comprised of multiple entities including Kent Kwik Convenience Stores, Mr. Payroll Check Cashing, Rustic Café, Huddle House, Baskin Robbins, Kent Car Washes, Kent Lubrication Centers, Westex Urgent Cares, Prince Signs, Kent Tire Company, and Kent Fuels wholesale. All of The Kent Companies entities are continually voted the best in their respective fields by the local communities.

            The Kent Companies was recently voted by the Midland Reporter Telegram as the Permian Basin’s Best Employer with more than 100 employees. The company is proud to offer Team Members industry-leading benefits including: Free Health Insurance for Team Members (paid 100% by the company,) Free $50,000 Life Insurance, Weekly Pay, Vision and Dental Insurance, Vacation and Sick Pay, Tuition Reimbursement, and more.

Kent Kwik opens new location in front of the midland airport

Travelers flying in and out of the Midland International Air & Space Port now have a convenient spot to fuel up, get food, snacks, use the restroom and get a car wash. On Thursday, January 20th, The Kent Companies opened the doors to it’s 18th Midland Kent Kwik and 73rd overall convenience store. The address of this location is 10300 TX-40 Loop, Midland, TX 79706.

Picture of the front of a Kent Kwik Convenience Store in Midland, TX.

This much needed Midland addition is open 24 hours and features a full-service deli, a convenient drive-thru, self checkout kiosks and a two bay unmanned Kent Car Wash. The Kwik Eats deli offers made to order breakfast burritos, breakfast skillets, pizzas, burgers and sandwiches. For those in a hurry, there are fresh food options in the hot and cold boxes.

Travelers will also find Kent Kwik staples like their bean to cup coffee stations, serving the famous Texas Pecan flavor; Kwik Splash fountain area with the best chewy ice, fountain drinks and fresh brewed tea and lemonade in six different flavors; and 28 degree walk in beer cave. New offerings guests will find are the newly launched Kent Kwik chips and water. With bold flavor chips, such as sweet and spicy BBQ, and refreshing water, guests now have more reasons to love the Kent Kwik brand.

Next on deck for Kent Kwik is another Midland location opening in the Spring of 2023 and various remodels of existing stores in Central Texas and New Mexico. To view a full list of locations click here.

Picture of Kent Kwik Team Members.

Founded locally by the late Buck Kent in 1957, The Kent Companies began as Kent Oil and Kent Distributors and still remains a family-owned business. The Kent Companies is comprised of multiple entities including Kent Kwik, Kent Lube, WesTex Urgent Care, Rustic
Café, Huddle House, Baskin Robbins, Kent Car Wash and Kent Tire. The Kent Companies continues to expand their business both locally and out of state.

Kent Kwik & The Kent Companies Donates $65,000 to local organization

On Monday, November 7th, members of the Kent Companies Team presented Buckner of Midland with a check for $65,000. This money was collected as the proceeds from The Kent Companies Annual Charity Golf Tournament, this past June. The golf tournament was hosted at Odessa County Club and featured more than 200 players, which has been the largest turnout for the tournament. Naturally, with the largest tournament, this is also the largest check that has been presented from this event.

Buckner of Midland provides adoption services and a variety of services for single-parent families in Midland. The Kent Companies is proud to have supported such a great organization over the last few years, through the charity golf tournament.

Two New Kent Kwiks Coming to Midland

Kent Kwik is looking to help all local travelers with the locations of their two new stores set to open in early and mid-2023.

First, located off 1788, at the entrance of the Midland Airport, this Kent Kwik will make for a much-needed convenient stop for those flying in and out of Midland. The layout of this store will be similar to our newest builds in Midland and Odessa and will feature a full-service deli, plus a 24-hour car wash. In the last year, Kent Kwik’s deli menu has introduced new burgers like the Basin burger, featuring avocado and fried jalapenos, and the Buck burger which is piled high with shredded brisket. This deli will feature these burgers and all other classic items. While traveling along 1788 night or day, this will be a beacon of light for all who are looking to fuel up and refresh. Look for a grand opening around the first of the year.

Second, those traveling along 349 towards Lubbock, will now have a new Kent Kwik to stop at complete with a full-service deli and manned car wash. The deli menu here will also feature the new burgers and other specials, like pizza. Fully stocked with all your favorite snacks there will also be a drive-thru and walk-in beer cave. This is the perfect neighborhood stop or last stop leaving town.

In addition to these two new stores, Kent Kwik is currently remodeling stores in Tennesee. Outside of Kent Kwik, The Kent Companies is building two new WesTex Urgent Care clinics in Midland and Odessa. These new clinics will take over the original locations and the old clinics will be closed.