Newcomb Oil Co. is a progressive family-owned company
founded in 1924 in Bardstown, Kentucky.
Established as a one-location and one-vehicle distributor
of Gulf Oil products, Newcomb Oil Co. now operates
convenience stores in over 21 counties in Kentucky, Indiana
and Illinois. Newcomb Oil Co. serves as a jobber for
BP, Chevron, Marathon, and Shell fuels, and Chevron, Conoco,
Mobil, Pinnacle and Shell lubricants, and Houghton
Chemicals, from four locations in Central and Western
Kentucky.
In 1924, tenant farmer John C. Newcomb became a
commission agent for the Gulf Refining Co., for Nelson
County. Times were tough, but a strong work ethic and
perseverance persisted, and J.C. Newcomb’s business managed
to survive economic times, including the Great Depression.
In 1946, John L. Newcomb, after a stint in World War II,
joined his father in the oil business, subsequently known as
J.C. Newcomb & Son.
The founder of the business did not live to see the
acquisition of the Gulf distributorship by J.C. Newcomb &
Son. Family continuity was assured as John L. "Jack"
Newcomb, Jr. joined his father in 1976, when the company
became Newcomb Oil Co.
The purchase of the Gulf distributorship was only the
beginning of a series of purchases that led to the
formation, and expansion, of the existing Newcomb Oil Co.
Present family management was brought up to date when the
younger Newcomb son, William D. "Bill" Newcomb, joined the
firm in 1981. John is still active as Chairman of Newcomb
Oil Co. with Jack as President, and Bill as Vice President.
Today, Newcomb Oil Co. owns and operates over sixty
convenience stores in twenty-nine communities in Central and
Western Kentucky, southern Indiana and southern Illinois,
under the Five Star Food Mart logo. The operation of these
food marts has been favorable because of the successful
business relationship with major petroleum marketers and
retail suppliers. In all its operations, Newcomb Oil Co.
employs about eight hundred persons, with headquarters still
in Bardstown. In 1997, the Bardstown-Nelson County Chamber
of Commerce presented to Newcomb Oil Co. its first
"Corporate Citizen of the Year" award.
In addition, Newcomb Oil Co. transports over one hundred
million gallons of fuels per year to its own locations and
to its many customers.
From its earliest days, Newcomb Oil Co. was "Fueled by
Excellence" and continues highest standards of customer
service today.
