Clark Brands, LLC

Clark is a trusted petroleum payment processing solution for independent petroleum marketers and retailers throughout the United States.

Our brand licensing program is ideal for marketers who want to offer entrepreneurial dealers a low-cost alternative brand. Our licensees manage their own petroleum supply and purchase fuel at their lowest available cost each day. Clark and Crown branded programs, combined with unbranded fuel, help dealers increase profitability.

Clark Brands processes transactions for a large network of gas stations, providing simple, consolidated processing statements with no hidden fees. Our locations create jobs and serve thousands of customers each day. As independent merchants, Clark and Crown locations maintain close ties to their local communities. We are proud of our local focus and look forward to serving you in the future.

Clark Crown Brands, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Clark Brands, LLC that licenses the Crown brand to petroleum marketers.

Clark History

1930s - 1970s

In the beginning

In 1932, Emory T. Clark opened the first Clark's Super Gas station in Milwaukee. A general contractor by trade, he opened this first station after his original customer could not pay his loan. From there, Emory T. Clark grew his brand throughout the upper Midwest, as well as founded Clark Oil. By the late 1970s, Clark Oil had established a strong market presence and a reputation for the sale of high-quality gasoline at discount prices. At its peak, Clark Oil operated and supplied 1,500 gas stations in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

1930s - 1970s

1980s & 1990s

Expanding Retail

During the 1980s and 1990s, Clark Oil underwent several ownership changes, during which the company expanded its retail and refining operations—including the purchase of several refineries. Like many other independent oil companies, the company also faced a series of financial setbacks. But the recognizable Clark brand continued to represent local merchants selling quality fuels at good prices.

1980s & 1990s

Early 2000s

The newly formed Clark Brands, LLC

In late 2003, a team of oil industry veterans and other investors acquired the Clark gasoline brand originally owned by Clark Oil. The newly formed Clark Brands, LLC focused on providing comprehensive branding and payments processing solutions for independents who wanted an alternative to the major brands.

Early 2000s

Today

Today, Clark Brands offers a local focus with a national look across the United States, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

Today

Crown History

1917

In the beginning

On a barren piece of land in Harris County, Texas, just outside of Houston, a discouraged but determined drilling crew struck “black gold” in 1917. Weeks after paychecks from the new Crown Oil and Refining Company had run dry, “Well Number 3” finally spouted oil. However, what flowed from the well was more than just crude oil; it was the foundation of what became the Crown Central Petroleum Corporation.

1917

1930

Expanding

In 1930, a group of Baltimore-based businessmen led by Mr. Louis Blaustein took notice of the growing Texas company, and bought a 48% share of Crown. Shortly afterward, Crown purchased a tank wagon and began to sell products through a chain of 30 stations in the Houston area.

1930

1935

Going Public

Five years later, in 1935, Crown went public, listing on the Curb Exchange, the predecessor of the American Stock Exchange. Crown’s success continued as it pioneered the manufacturing of 100-octane aviation gasoline, which the U.S. Navy utilized in its high-performance airplane engines during World War II.

1935

1943

The Start of Marketing

In 1943, Crown opened its first stations in the Baltimore area, marking the start of an extensive marketing campaign.

1943

Fun Fact

An Innovator

Known as an innovator in the petroleum industry, Crown has been credited with introducing a license program designed to give jobbers and their dealers a wide range of custom alternatives that successfully compete with conventional branding programs.

Fun Fact

Today

Today, Crown is an iconic brand with locations serving thousands of people each day in the Mid-Atlantic and the South, including Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and the District of Columbia.

Today