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The $100 Million Secret Behind 'Now And Forever 59': How Two Brothers Built A Houston Gas Station Empire

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The phrase "Now And Forever 59" is not a cryptic social media trend or a secret code; it is the name of a highly successful, specific gas station and convenience store in Houston, Texas, that has become a local landmark. As of late 2025, this single location is a key part of a much larger, privately-owned empire that recently made headlines for a massive commercial real estate transaction, cementing its founders' place as major players in the competitive Houston retail landscape. This deep dive uncovers the business strategy, the founders, and the multi-million dollar deals that transformed a simple gas station into a powerful regional brand.

The number '59' in the name is a direct geographical reference, pointing to its prime location on the bustling Southwest Freeway (US-59) in Houston. But the story of the Now & Forever chain, which includes the famous 59 location, is a fresh narrative of entrepreneurial success, rapid expansion, and shrewd real estate moves by the Farooqi family, who have mastered the art of providing competitive fuel prices and essential convenience services to the sprawling Houston metropolitan area.

The Founders and The Explosive Growth of a Houston Retail Chain

The Now & Forever brand is the brainchild of two ambitious brothers, Zain Farooqi and Shayan Farooqi. They established the company in 2005, aiming to capture a significant share of the Houston convenience store market.

  • Founders: Zain Farooqi and Shayan Farooqi
  • Founded: 2005
  • Headquarters: Houston, Texas
  • Primary Business: Gas Stations and Convenience Stores (C-Stores)
  • Total Locations: Approximately 25 stores across the Houston area
  • Key Strategy: Offering highly competitive fuel prices, often cited as some of the lowest in the region, and providing a full range of convenience services.
  • Noteworthy Locations: Now & Forever 59 (Southwest Fwy), Now & Forever Highway 6, Now & Forever Eldridge, Texas Forever Beechnut.

From their start, the Farooqi brothers focused on strategic locations and operational efficiency. Their business model was simple but effective: provide unbeatable value at the pump and a wide selection of products inside the store. This focus quickly allowed them to expand their footprint from a single location to a chain of over two dozen stores, establishing the Now & Forever name as a recognized and reliable brand for Houstonians.

The $100 Million Deal That Defined Their Legacy

The most significant and recent development involving the Now & Forever empire is the massive commercial real estate transaction that took place. This event is the reason the business has been featured in recent news and gives the phrase "Now And Forever 59" its current relevance and financial weight.

In a landmark deal, 12 of the Now & Forever convenience stores were sold for a staggering sum of $100 million. This transaction highlights the immense value and profitability the Farooqi brothers managed to build into their portfolio in less than two decades. The deal involved the sale of both the real estate and the operating businesses, a major move that reshaped the local C-store landscape.

Market Impact and Investment Strategy

The sale was a clear indicator of the high demand for prime retail real estate in the Houston area, particularly properties with established fuel and convenience operations. For the Farooqis, the divestment likely represents a strategic move to capitalize on their successful development, providing capital for new ventures or a focused expansion of their remaining locations, such as the famous Now & Forever 59.

This kind of large-scale transaction often involves complex negotiations with major investment firms, demonstrating the sophisticated level of business strategy employed by the Now & Forever leadership. The deal ensures that the brand remains a powerful entity in the region, even after selling a significant portion of its assets.

Decoding the '59' and the Unique Location Strategy

The specific location name, "Now And Forever 59," is a prime example of the company’s smart, location-based branding. The number 59 is a direct reference to the Southwest Freeway (US-59), a major artery connecting the Houston metropolitan area. Placing the number in the name immediately tells local drivers exactly where the store is situated, maximizing visibility and convenience.

The address, 8103 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77074, confirms its strategic positioning to capture high-volume traffic. This location is frequently praised in customer reviews for its affordability, often being touted as having the lowest fuel prices in the immediate vicinity, a key driver of customer loyalty.

The 'Plus' Factor: Converting Big-Box Retail

Beyond the freeway locations, the Now & Forever chain has a fascinating real estate strategy involving the conversion of existing big-box stores. This is where the 'Now & Forever Plus' concept comes into play.

  • Walgreens Conversions: Several former Walgreens pharmacy locations have been acquired and successfully converted into Now & Forever Plus gas stations and convenience stores.
  • Strategic Advantage: These sites are typically on prime, high-traffic corners with established infrastructure, allowing the company to rapidly expand its footprint without the lengthy process of new construction. This strategy is a testament to the Farooqi brothers' understanding of commercial real estate and retail adaptation.
  • Services Offered: The stores are full-service C-Stores, offering not just fuel (Regular, Midgrade, Premium, Diesel), but also money services, Texas Lottery tickets, snacks, and other essential convenience items.

The strategic use of highway names (like Highway 6 and US-59) and the clever repurposing of former retail giants like Walgreens are central to the Now & Forever story. The success of the brand, symbolized by the high-profile "Now And Forever 59" location, is a masterclass in local business development and commercial real estate investment. The company continues to operate and grow, promising that its presence in Houston will, indeed, be "now and forever."

now and forever 59
now and forever 59

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