Bainbridge-based Southwest Georgia Oil Company closed a deal Thursday for the acquisition of 44 S&S Food Stores in Florida.

The food stores, formerly owned by Scaff’s Inc., help extend Southwest Georgia Oil Company’s continue growth through Florida. They currently own and operate 22 locations in Alabama, with other locations in Georgia and Florida.

Glennie Bench, Southwest Georgia Oil Company’s chief financial officer, said the acquisition would put Bainbridge back at the center of the company’s map.

“This is a group of stores we have been looking at for several years,” Bench said. “We like the area. Most of the convenience stores we operate are west of us in southeast Alabama. With us in Bainbridge, this is equidistant to the East.”

Bench said they would continue to run the stores like they were under Scaff’s Inc.

“We like these stories because Mr. (Lester) Scaff and his late wife ran them similar to our stores—customer service, giving repeat customers a good experience when they come in the store. We want to build repeat customers, so you operate your stores differently, make sure you offer them good value and good food.”

Scaff’s Inc. is based in Lake City, Florida and was founded by Scaff and his late wife, Anne.