Our History
EZ Stop Food Marts was founded in 1984 to meet the ever-changing demands of families like yours. Our 24 East Tennessee locations carry forward a tradition of excellence and community service that began with one family in Maryville…
1948
After returning from WWII, Hugh M. Calloway graduates from the University of Tennessee and begins his career with Phillips Petroleum Company.
1957
Hugh and Helen Calloway, along with her father, Bruford Everett (B.E.) Mills, found Calloway Oil Company in Maryville, Tennessee distributing Phillips products.
Pictured: Hugh & Helen on their wedding day.
1958
The Calloway Oil bulk plant and the first three service stations open, representing an expenditure of $180,000.
1959
Calloway Oil, with 11 Phillips dealer accounts in Blount County, sells more gallons than the 14 Knoxville Phillips dealers.
Pictured: Mr. Calloway (left) at the Washington Avenue Grand Opening in 1960, converted to E-Z Stop #2 1984
1969
Calloway Oil affiliates with Sunoco after Phillips pulls out of the Knoxville market.
Pictured: Mr. Calloway and son Marty with newly-branded Sunoco trucks.
1984
The 1980’s brings to a shift from traditional service stations to the convenience stores – outlets featuring fuel and a convenient alternative to grocery stores. E-Z Stop Food Marts is created opening its first location in Maryville.
1989
By 1989, Calloway’s son and son-in-law have joined the business to accomodate the needs of his growing company.
Pictured: Founder Hugh Calloway, Tommy Hunt, and Marty Calloway.
1994
Calloway Oil affiliates with ExxonMobil and purchases several corporate Exxon sites from Exxon as it withdrew its corporate retail operations from the Knoxville market.
Pictured: E-Z Stop #12 – Alcoa Highway
2004
ExxonMobil recruits Calloway Oil Company to be a regional franchise developer for the On the Run franchise program. The program features bright and inviting interior décor with a focus on freshness and efficiency.
2007
E-Z Stop Food Mart #27 opens in Maryville, the company’s first unbranded site.
2014
Marty Calloway retires from the Tennessee State Underground Storage Tank Board after 18 years of service. He currently serves as the President of Tennessee Fuel Wholesalers & Convenience Stores and is instrumental in the success of numerous initiatives for the industry.
Pictured: Marty with his wife, Kellie.
2020
Marty Calloway retires from the company after 31 years of service. Tommy’s daughter, Julia Hunt Langston, and her husband, Trenton, join the company representing the fourth generation of family leadership.
Today
After over 40 years of delivering on the initial promise made in 1984, EZ Stop continues to deliver a convenient friendly food and beverage offerings paired with premium fueling options.
Pictured: E-Z Stop #12 – Alcoa Highway