What Country Fair Is

Country Fair is a regional gas station chain operating primarily in the upper Midwest, with locations concentrated in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and surrounding states. It functions as a traditional gas station — you pump your own fuel, pay at the pump or inside, and can buy convenience items — but also operates as a small grocery and general store at many locations.

The chain is independently owned and operated, which means individual Country Fair stations may differ in what they stock, their hours, and the specific services they offer. Some locations are larger format stores with deli counters, bakeries, and full grocery sections; others are smaller fuel-only stops. This variation means the experience at one Country Fair can differ from another, even within the same region.

Key Takeaways

  • Country Fair stations sell gasoline, diesel, and E85 fuel at some locations, with payment options at the pump or inside the store.
  • Many Country Fair locations operate as convenience stores or small groceries, selling food, beverages, snacks, and household items beyond fuel.
  • Some larger Country Fair stores include deli counters, bakeries, and prepared food options that you can order and eat in the store or take with you.
  • Individual Country Fair locations set their own hours and inventory, so calling ahead or checking online before visiting a specific store is useful if you need a particular service or item.
  • Country Fair accepts major payment methods at the pump and inside, including credit cards, debit cards, and cash.

Fuel Types and Pump Payment

Country Fair stations pump regular unleaded gasoline (typically 87 octane), mid-grade (89 octane), and premium (91 or 93 octane) at most locations. Many also carry diesel fuel for trucks and larger vehicles. Some Country Fair stations, particularly in agricultural areas, offer E85 (ethanol blend fuel), which is cheaper than regular gasoline but only works in vehicles designed to run it — check your owner's manual or fuel door to confirm your car can use E85 before pumping it.

You can pay at the pump using a credit card, debit card, or by going inside to prepay with cash. Pump-side payment is standard: insert your card, select your grade of fuel, and pump. If you prepay inside with cash, tell the attendant which pump number you are at, hand over your money, and they will authorize that pump for the amount you paid. Any unused balance can be returned as change or applied to a purchase inside the store.

Convenience Store and Grocery Items

Beyond fuel, Country Fair locations stock typical convenience store items: bottled beverages, coffee, snacks, candy, chips, and frozen items like ice cream and frozen burritos. Larger Country Fair stores also carry groceries — milk, bread, eggs, canned goods, frozen vegetables, and basic pantry staples. The selection varies by location; a small rural Country Fair may stock only essentials, while a larger store in a town might have a wider range.

Many Country Fair locations also sell non-food items such as motor oil, windshield washer fluid, car air fresheners, maps, phone chargers, and basic automotive supplies. Some carry lottery tickets, tobacco products, and over-the-counter medications. If you need something specific, calling the location ahead of time is faster than driving there and finding out they do not stock it.

Deli, Bakery, and Prepared Food Services

Larger Country Fair stores operate deli counters where you can order sandwiches, rotisserie chicken, hot dogs, and other prepared foods. Some locations have bakeries that sell fresh bread, pastries, donuts, and cakes — some baked on-site, others supplied by regional bakeries. A few Country Fair stores have seating areas where you can eat your purchase on-site, though this is not universal.

Hours for deli and bakery services often differ from the main store hours; they may open later in the morning or close earlier in the evening. If you are planning to pick up a specific prepared item or want to order a custom cake or sandwich, calling ahead ensures the service is available and gives the staff time to prepare your order.

Payment Methods and Loyalty Programs

Country Fair accepts all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), debit cards, and cash at both the pump and inside the store. Some locations may accept mobile payment apps like Apple Pay or Google Pay, though this varies by individual station and their payment system setup.

Country Fair does not operate a single national loyalty program, but some individual locations or regional groups may run their own rewards programs or special offers. Ask the cashier whether the location you are visiting has a loyalty card or rewards program, or check the store's local signage. Fuel prices and promotions can also vary between locations, so a Country Fair in one town may offer different pricing than one 20 miles away.

Finding a Country Fair Location and Hours

Country Fair locations are concentrated in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, and Michigan, with the heaviest presence in Wisconsin. You can find a specific store location using Google Maps or the store locator on the Country Fair website (if available for your region). Because Country Fair is a regional chain with independently operated stores, hours vary — some are open 24 hours, others close at 10 p.m. or earlier, and a few may have limited weekend hours.

Before making a trip, especially if you need a specific service like the deli or bakery, call the location directly or check their posted hours online. This is particularly important in rural areas where Country Fair stations may have shorter hours or seasonal variations.

What to Know About Fuel Quality and Pricing

Country Fair fuel meets standard U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements for gasoline and diesel. The fuel is not branded as a "Top Tier" fuel (which includes detergents beyond EPA minimums), so if your vehicle manufacturer recommends Top Tier fuel, you may want to use a Chevron, Shell, Mobil, or similar branded station instead. For most vehicles, Country Fair fuel is perfectly adequate.

Fuel prices at Country Fair stations fluctuate with the wholesale market, just like any other gas station. Prices can differ between locations and change daily or even multiple times per day. Country Fair does not typically advertise a price-match may provide, so comparing prices with nearby competitors is up to you if price is a major factor in your choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my credit card to pay at the pump at Country Fair?

Yes, Country Fair pumps accept all major credit cards and debit cards. Insert your card into the pump reader, follow the on-screen prompts, select your fuel grade, and pump. If the pump does not accept your card, go inside and prepay the cashier with your card or cash instead.

Does Country Fair have a rewards or loyalty program?

Country Fair does not operate a single chain-wide loyalty program. Some individual locations may run their own rewards cards or promotions. Ask the cashier at your local Country Fair whether they offer a loyalty program, or check for signage in the store.

What is E85 fuel and can my car use it?

E85 is a fuel blend containing 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. It is cheaper than regular gasoline but only works in vehicles labeled as "Flex Fuel" or "E85 Compatible." Check your vehicle's owner's manual or look for a yellow fuel door label that says "Flex Fuel" or "E85." If your car is not compatible, using E85 can damage the engine.

Are Country Fair stores open 24 hours?

Some Country Fair locations are open 24 hours, but many are not. Hours vary by individual store and location. Call ahead or check online for the specific hours of the Country Fair you plan to visit, especially if you need to stop late at night or early in the morning.

Can I order a custom cake or sandwich at Country Fair?

Larger Country Fair stores with deli and bakery services can often take custom orders for sandwiches and cakes. Call the location directly and ask whether they take orders and how much advance notice they need. Smaller Country Fair stations may not have these services at all.