Waltham, Mass. (June 13, 2025) – Global Partners (NYSE: GLP), a fourth-generation, Massachusetts-based company, along with local non-profit CommonWealth Kitchen, are urging the MassDOT Board of Directors to reconsider the recent recommendation to award the redevelopment of 18 highway service plazas to a private-equity backed, foreign-owned corporation. Instead, they advocate for awarding the contract to a partner that better reflects the Commonwealth’s values, supports local communities, and prioritizes long-term public interests.
Global submitted a rent proposal that significantly exceeded the package recommended by the MassDOT Capital Programs Committee, offering a bold vision centered on local partnerships, culinary diversity, and reinvestment in the community. Despite this strong proposal, the contract was awarded to Applegreen, an Ireland-based company.
“Massachusetts was presented with more than just a development plan for renovating a series of old service stations—it was offered a compelling vision for the future of convenience travel,” said Mark Romaine, Global Partners Chief Operating Officer. “Our proposal wasn’t just financially stronger; it was built on our 90-year history of local investment, partnerships with homegrown businesses, and a vision for infrastructure that reflects the Commonwealth’s identity. This isn’t just about who operates a travel plaza—it’s about who we are as a state.”
A Vision Rooted in Massachusetts
Global’s proposal included:
• Annual guaranteed rent to the Commonwealth averaging $43.2 million a year over the 35-year term of the contract, representing $1.5 billion to the state, far in excess of the reported $28.4 million in reported ‘revenue sharing’ rent of the recommended bidder which results in more than half of a billion less in rent payments to the state
• $650 million in capital improvements over the life of the lease, guaranteed by a Fortune 500 company
• Strategic partnerships with local food innovators, including CommonWealth Kitchen and its extensive community of diverse food businesses, plus planned inclusion of regional and local QSRs such as Anna’s Taqueria and Pressed Café
• A focus on guest experience, sustainability, and equity, creating welcoming, future-ready destinations across 18 highway sites
• A commitment to the full 35-year term—not short-term profits
Jen Faigel, Executive Director of CommonWealth Kitchen, described the committee’s decision as “a missed opportunity to invest in Massachusetts—and ourselves.”
“We weren’t imagining more of the same old fast food and cookie-cutter convenience stores,” said Faigel. “We were envisioning something bold: a reimagined model for public infrastructure—one that reflects the values, identity, and entrepreneurial spirit of our Commonwealth. Global understood that. Their proposal offered not just operational strength but a heartfelt understanding of what it means to be an integral part of the core infrastructure that makes Massachusetts a great place to live, work, and visit. And that’s what makes this decision so incredibly disappointing. Massachusetts deserves something new and visionary, not more of the same.
Public Urged to Attend Final Vote
The final decision rests with the MassDOT Board of Directors, which will vote on the recommendation on June 18th, Global and CommonWealth Kitchen are calling on Massachusetts residents, community leaders, and business advocates to attend and speak up in support of a proposal that keeps economic gains local, elevates community partnerships, and delivers lasting value to the Commonwealth.
“This is a moment for the Board to lead with purpose,” said Faigel. “We urge them to reconsider the recommendation and select the path that brings more revenue, more opportunity, and more Massachusetts-grown impact to our state’s infrastructure.”
Supporters can learn how to make a comment here.
About Global Partners LP:
Building on a legacy that began more than 90 years ago, Global Partners has evolved into a Fortune 500 company and industry-leading integrated owner, supplier, and operator of liquid energy terminals, fueling locations, and guest-focused retail experiences. Global operates or maintains dedicated storage at 54 liquid energy terminals—with connectivity to strategic rail, pipeline, and marine assets—spanning from Maine to Florida and into the U.S. Gulf States. Through this extensive network, the company distributes gasoline, distillates, residual oil, and renewable fuels to wholesalers, retailers, and commercial customers. In addition, Global owns, operates and/or supplies approximately 1,700 retail locations across the Northeast states, the Mid-Atlantic, and Texas, providing the fuels people need to keep them on the go at their unique guest-focused convenience destinations. Recognized as one of Fortune’s Most Admired Companies, Global Partners is embracing progress and diversifying to meet the needs of the energy transition.
Global, a master limited partnership, trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “GLP.” For additional information, visit www.globalp.com.
About CommonWealth Kitchen:
At CommonWealth Kitchen, we believe in the power of inclusive entrepreneurship to change the world. The business leaders that make up our network—predominantly BIPOC and women-owned enterprises—bring the passion, talent, and love for their craft. We provide some of the supports they have not traditionally had access to, like our shared kitchen and manufacturing space, specialized equipment, best practices, and valuable connections. We are coaches, mentors, and advocates for those whose power has been unrecognized. Since 2009, we’ve helped to launch more than 150 diverse food businesses, creating over 500 new permanent jobs, and generating over $65 million annually in combined gross revenue.
Media Contact:
Reid Lamberty, Senior Communications Advisor
516-305-1210