Burt Holmes

QuikTrip chairman and Chief Executive Officer Chet Cadieux issued a statement on Wednesday announcing Holmes' death. "In 1958, Burt came up with the CRAZY idea to open a convenience store," Cadieux said in the statement. "We are extremely fortunate that he did because it created opportunities for so many people who make our company what it is today. On behalf of our 31,000 employees, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude. We will miss you, Burt, but we will never forget you." Since its opening, QuikTrip has expanded to include more than 1,100 stores across 19 states.