The story starts in Roblin, Manitoba, in 1931. Brian Hughes’ (President and CEO) parents, William and Kathleen Hughes, started selling gas at their Chrysler dealership. During the late ‘40s, they operated a GMC dealership in Dauphin, Brian recalls. "In the early ‘50s, my parents sold out. Some salesmen from Cody, Montana, working for the Husky Company, approached my father, who was nearing retirement. They wanted to establish a presence in Alberta, and he agreed to come to work with them. In 1956, he established a bulk fuel agency, trucking and selling Husky products directly to farmers and construction companies."
(Hughes Fleet, May 1959)
The first Hughes Petroleum bulk outlet opened in 1956, at 104 Avenue and 119 Street, (where Crosstown Motors is now located). In 1962, they moved, opening the first retail outlet at 160 Street and 112 Avenue in Edmonton’s west end. In those days, 160 Street really was on the city’s western extremities. "There were fields within a few blocks, and every now and again, a grazing cow would wander over," says Brian. "We still have that location, and it remains one of our best."
(6005 – 99 Street, Edmonton, 1971)
As a Husky agent, Hughes Petroleum warehoused and sold Husky products; the company maintained its relationship with Husky until 1971, when it became completely independent. Since then, Hughes Petroleum has purchased its fuel products from all major refiners.
In keeping with the company’s policy of purchasing as much as possible locally, Hughes buys its petroleum products for the Edmonton market from local refineries, Brian explains. "When it comes to doing business, I’m a real Albertan," he adds proudly. "The company is 100% owned by Edmontonians. We believe in spending our money here in Alberta. My family and I live in the city, our children go to school in the city, and we shop here."
Presently Hughes Petroleum continues to distribute wholesale fuel products across western Canada while operating 22 “hughes” brand retail self-service fueling stations and car washes in Edmonton, St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Leduc and Spruce Grove.
(8004 – Roper Road, Edmonton, 2005)
