Five Star Food Service on Friday announces the acquisition of vending routes from F.P. Corso, Inc., an independent wholesale convenience store distributor and full-line vending operator based in Biloxi, Ms. The acquisition grows the company’s base of business in the Mississippi Gulf Coast region.
“Corso (Inc.) has had decades of success building a quality business serving the needs of the convenience store and vending customers in the region,” said Richard Kennedy, Five Star’s president, and CEO. “We are excited for the opportunity to bring aboard their vending business and continue to grow our base in Mississippi.”
Corso, Inc. has been family-owned and operated since its founding nearly a century ago in 1924 by Frank P. Corso, Sr. The company was originally a wholesale distributor of cigars, tobacco, candy, castor oil, and other popular products. In 1952, Corso added full-line vending to his convenience store distribution operation. Today, the company is owned and operated by his daughter Liz Corso Joachim and her children. The company is expected to continue to operate out of its current location in Biloxi as Corso, Inc. primarily as a wholesale distributor for convenience retailers.
“The addition of the new vending routes from Corso presents a tremendous growth opportunity for us,” said Greg McCall, chief revenue officer for Five Star. “We anticipate a high potential for growth through optimization and conversion. Also, with more route trucks on the road and customer stops, we will increase brand our awareness and recognition, which we are excited about.”