Gas Station Chain Has Fast-Food Ambitions

German gas station chain Aral said it plans to expand its fast-food offerings and double its turnover in sandwiches and snacks in the next four years. With food revenues of €132 million last year, Aral is currently Germany's fourth-largest fast-food provider, behind McDonald's, Burger King, and the seafood chain Nordsee. Aral, which belongs to British Petrol (BP) is the eighth largest company in the German gastronomy industry. Of its 2600 gas stations nation-wide, 1100 are equipped with the company's snack bar, called "PetitBistro." "We expect revenues in this area to continue to climb," an Aral spokesperson said.