Coen name endures with convenience store operations
Jon Andreassi/Observer-Reporter
The name still endures, but Coen Oil Co. has undergone change over the past century – some of it quite flavorful.
“We have 57 Coen Markets in the tri-state area,” said Charlie McIlvaine, chairman and CEO of the Canonsburg-based business, which was once known as a local retailer service station that sold fuel, tires and other auto-related products. The trademarks of its markets are dining selections made on site, high-grade fuel and store items.
His grandfather, Charlie Coen, built up the operation in the early years following its launch in 1923.
Charlie described Coen Oil as “the mother company of the company’s markets.” He and his brother, Andy, the firm’s president, purchased the company in 2000 and ramped up its convenience store operations over time. Convenience is the operative word, according to Charlie.
The company’s principals made a pivotal change in 2012, implementing on-site food preparation featuring “crispy chicken, unfrozen pizza prepared in the stores and a strong focus on coffee,” the chairman/CEO said. “It’s kind of grown from there.” That growth also includes pepperoni rolls made from a Coen recipe.
“We were born and raised here,” Charlie said. “We’re very proud of our community and want to offer services to our guests by understanding their needs. Coen’s mission statement is “to impress and satisfy our guests and make their lives simple.”
The brothers also strive “to keep our locations attractive,” stressing orderliness and cleanliness. Charlie also is pumped up about the Amoco gasoline his stores provide, describing it as “a high-grade fuel that could enhance motorists’ mileage.”
Coen Markets operate throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania as well as the West Virginia panhandle and the Ohio Valley.
The company, Charlie said, has about 700 employees at those 57 markets.
The two newest locations are in Bethel Park, off Library Road, and Baldwin Borough, off Clairton Boulevard. Both were built from the ground up.
A week before Christmas in 2018, Coen enhanced its holdings when it purchased all 35 CoGo’s locations that were available.
Charlie McIlvaine said the company continues to be proactive in the regional community, assisting families and youths with a push from professional athletes. Cam and Connor Heyward of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Connor Joe of the Pirates have appeared at Coen Markets, pumping gas and meeting fans.
“This summer, we provided 60,000 lunches for children of need. A lot of kids get lunches at school, but school was out. Educating and assisting people in the community are important.”
That’s an element of the community pride Coen espouses.