APCO has something for all

As a uniquely independent brand with core family values Anderson Petroleum Company (APCO) has survived decades in a fiercely competitive market.

With a brand new store now open in Grovedale, store manager Matt Rice said he made the move from Bendigo to Geelong five months ago and loves being a part of the APCO family.

“I’m responsible for the Grovedale site and I oversee the whole operation. We cater to the local area and also get a lot of tourist traffic off Torquay Road,” Mr Rice said. “The best part of working here is the broad range of people we cater to and interact with on a daily basis. We have something on offer here for everyone.”

He said that with close to 30 staff and running 24 hours seven days a week, managing the store had given him the opportunity to immerse himself within the community.

“I love the customers that walk through the door. I know it sounds cliché but someone different walks through the door every day. We have fantastic staff and I look forward to turning up to work each day and I don’t know if there’s not too many people that could say that,” he said.

“Obviously we’re in the petroleum business but there is a real focus on our cafe that is serving all your standard, premium and gourmet lines. We’re doing roast dinner out of the site as well as coffees, cold drinks and groceries at supermarket prices.

He said that they are also offering ready-to-go meals and have put a lot of focus into providing healthier alternatives to people on the go.

“People are looking for a healthier option and when everyone’s in a hurry convenience plays a big part in people’s lives. If we can provide that for them everyone’s better off for it,” he said.

“We’ve had such a fantastic response within our first month and that’s really shown that people are indentifying we can offer them a healthier alternative.”

APCO co-director Rob Anderson said alongside his brother, Peter Anderson, he was continuing the legacy started by parents Ron and Margaret in the late 1970s.

“We’re based here in Geelong and have 25 stores around regional Victoria, seven in Geelong and now eight with our new Grovedale site,” Mr Anderson said.

“We’re uniquely independent and there are very few true independents left in the market place. We have our own brand, we own our sites and we control our supply chain of fuel with our own fleet of drivers and trucks.”

Mr Anderson said the fact it’s a family business means family values are evident within the APCO brand and stores.

“We try to instil that in our business and maintain that family spirit. We believe APCO are community stores there to serve the local neighbourhood.

“The Geelong store is owned by Geelong people, employing local people and hopefully giving back to the community, which is a positive thing.”

Mr Anderson and his brother Peter have been in the industry collectively for over 40 years and both reside in Geelong.

“We’re really proud of the organisation that has continued to thrive because we have great facilities and great people in store and that’s the key.

“There’s a strong sentiment towards us because we are an independent chain and we keep the others honest, that’s why we get support from our customers.

“It’s no longer just about petroleum it’s about being a one-stop shop and our new store in Grovedale offers everything from a freshly made salad to a hamburger 24/7.

“We’re catering to our busy Aussie battlers who want to grab something quick on their way to work or something easy on their way home and that’s where the