Insider Spotlight
Why it matters
Fuel retailers are increasingly monetizing forecourts beyond gasoline, turning stations into mixed-use hubs. TOP’s strategy leans on steady lease income and higher basket sizes from convenience retail to smooth earnings tied to volatile fuel margins.
The deal
Under the partnership, Uncle John’s stores will be integrated into full-service Tier 1 Light Fuels sites, which are designed with dedicated commercial spaces for convenience, food, and other tenants. The rollout will be phased as new and renovated stations come online through 2026.
“Our partnership with Robinsons Retail elevates the Light Fuels experience by combining mobility and everyday convenience in one location. Having Uncle John’s as our anchor tenant strengthens customer traffic across our stations while allowing us to diversify revenue through nonfuel sales and leasing income.
This supports our strategy of building service-oriented stations that generate multiple income streams,” Eugene Erik Lapasaran Lim, chair, president, and CEO of TOP, said in a press statement on April 15, 2026.
By the numbers
TOP operates 18 service stations, with 32 more under construction or renovation and slated for phased completion by end-2026, expanding the footprint where Uncle John’s can plug in.
Zoom out
For Robinsons Retail, the tie-up accelerates Uncle John’s expansion into high-traffic provincial corridors and community hubs, bringing ready-to-eat meals and daily essentials closer to underserved areas.
“Many of our stations are located in underserved areas in the provinces. Through this collaboration, we are making everyday essentials, both fuel and convenience retail, more accessible to consumers across Visayas,” Lim added.
What’s next
As stations open, TOP will layer in additional tenants alongside Uncle John’s, aiming to build repeat traffic and capture more non-fuel spend per visit. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
