Founded in 1960, Salisbury-based Cato is a leader in retail and wholesale fuels along with operation of nineteen convenience stores and seventeen Arby’s and Popeye’s restaurants. Cato also owns and develops various commercial real estate projects on Delmarva.

Our wholesale fuels footprint includes Maryland, Delaware, Southern Pennsylvania, and Virginia. We offer Exxon, Mobil, Shell, and Sunoco brands in addition to unbranded fuel.

Our Company History

Cato was founded by Elliot T. Cato in 1960. What began as a residential fuel oil company expanded and changed thru the years. Elliot or “Buck” as he was known, brought in the Texaco brand and began the transition to retail fuels. His son-in-law Michael G. Abercrombie joined the company in 1969 and grew the company by adding multiple fuel brands including Shell, Exxon, and Citgo. He also built Cato’s first convenience stores and the first cobranded Popeye’s restaurant and convenience store in the county. His son Michael G. Abercrombie Jr joined the company in 1991 and became President in 2002. In his career they have expanded the convenience store chain to nineteen stores and grown the restaurant chain to include four Popeye’s and thirteen Arby’s locations throughout the Delmarva Peninsula.

Our Commitment to Community

Nothing means more to us than being proud members of our community. Our family business has deep roots in Delmarva, and we strongly believe in being good corporate citizens. Our company and employees volunteer regularly to support local non-profit organizations and community causes we believe in, everything from the American Cancer Society, March of Dimes, first responders and local health care providers, to support for Science, Math, Engineering and Technology programs in local high schools. We know that when our neighbors and community succeed, our company succeeds.

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In The News

CATO provides donation to Selbyville Middle School

Salisbury-based Cato and ExxonMobil have partnered to provide $500 checks to 15 area local schools to support their STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programs, including Selbyville Middle School.

Cato donates to Phillip C. Showell Elementary

“Thank you so much for the generous donation to Phillip C. Showell. This donation will be used to help fund our STEM initiatives at PCS, including our robotics program. We are incredibly thankful for our partnership with Cato Gas & Oil” – Christy K., Showell (Phillip C.) Elementary School Principal

Cato Supports Schools | Maryland Coast Dispatch

Hoping to accelerate the careers of kids interested in science, technology, engineering and math, Salisbury-based Cato Gas & Oil Co. has awarded $500 checks to 15 area local schools to support their S.T.E.M (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) programs.

Cato Gas & Oil donates to local schools to support STEM programs

Cato Gas and Oil Company announced they awarded 15 schools with $500 checks to support their STEM programs. Schools awarded include Berlin Intermediate School, Crisfield High School and Academy, North Salisbury Elementary School, Pemberton Elementary, and Parkside High School.