Tarleton State University responds to student requests with a bigger, better c-store

The 1,000 sq.ft. c-store at Tarleton State University’s Stephenville campus in Texas has a new name, new look, new location and new offerings. Designed as an urban grocery shop in collaboration with the university and dining services partner Sodexo, Oscar P’s General Store is named for Tarleton founder John Tarleton’s pet duck who, according to legend, went everywhere with him. Oscar P is said to be buried with the founder and has his own place on the Tarleton sculpture on campus.

At Oscar P’s General Store, students can use their Texan bucks and Texan dollars to purchase fresh grocery and pantry items, school supplies, meal kits, household goods, and branded Oscar P novelty items, including hats, apparel, JBL speakers, ice chests, and reusable cups. 

Oscar P’s General Store is named for Tarleton founder John Tarleton’s pet duck who, according to legend, went everywhere with him.

“Oscar P’s General Store has been a fantastic addition to Tarleton State University and Stephenville,” says Mike Benge, executive director of campus operations, auxiliary services. “The store offers nearly everything that an individual would need. In addition to the standard snacks and beverages, there are fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, dairy products, cleaning items, toiletries, and promotional items.”

The store has convenient hours, including being open evenings and weekends. It is also home to Tarleton's new KiwiBot delivery robots.  

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The key motivation for the altered retail outlet was student feedback, which showed that they wanted to see more items in the store and more dining options on campus, so it was moved to a larger space, with its original space used for a new Blaze pizza outlet.

As for the new waterfowl moniker, students were polled to name the store and that was the result...