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ampm

ampm is an American convenience store chain owned by BP America, Inc., a subsidiary of BP.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

ampm is an American convenience store chain owned by BP America, Inc., a subsidiary of BP. It operates in several western U.S. states and has also had international branches, including in Costa Rica and Brazil. The brand was originally founded by Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO) and was acquired by BP in 2000.

History

ampm originated as a brand associated with ARCO and later became part of BP's North American retail business after BP acquired ARCO in 2000. The chain withdrew from the Eastern United States in 2012, but later reopened in New York City with an outlet in The Bronx.

Operations

The chain operates convenience stores in several western U.S. states, including Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. Source material also indicates branches in parts of Latin America, such as Costa Rica and Brazil.

Corporate ownership

ampm is owned by BP America, Inc., a BP subsidiary. This places the brand within BP's broader retail and fuel-related business interests in North America.

Key facts

  • ampm is a US convenience store chain owned by BP.
  • It operates in five western US states.
  • The brand originally belonged to ARCO, acquired by BP in 2000.
  • It left the Eastern US in 2012 but returned with a Bronx store.
  • International branches exist in Costa Rica and Brazil.

Frequently asked questions

What is ampm?
ampm is an American convenience store chain.
Who owns ampm?
ampm is owned by BP America, Inc., a subsidiary of BP.
Where does ampm operate?
It operates in Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington, with some international branches reported.
Was ampm once in the Eastern United States?
Yes. Available source material says it pulled out of the Eastern United States in 2012 and later returned with a Bronx outlet.
What company originally founded the brand?
The available source identifies Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO) as the brand's founding owner.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ampm
    Supports: Basic description of ampm as an American convenience store chain, ownership by BP America, Inc., operating regions, and history of Eastern U.S. withdrawal and return.