In June 1970, after 27 years of being affiliated with Mobil Oil Corporation, Mr. Henry LeBlanc decided to retire and sell his business. An agreement was made with Patrick Richard for him to take over the business. After an 18-month transition period, Mr. Richard purchased Mr. LeBlanc's interest and in January 1972 Patrick J. Richard, Inc. (Richard Oil Company) was formed.

At the time of the formation of the business, the company had 2 employees and was selling approximately 1.2 million gallons of light oils (gasoline and diesel fuel) per year and another 50,000 gallons of heavy lube oils per year. During the years following, the business experienced a steady annual growth in volume and dollar sales. In the early 1980's, Mr. Richard realized the continued growth of his business, and the desire to position his company to accommodate the many changes facing the industry would require a new state of the art facility. In 1987 the new Bulk Plant facility was completed. It is strategically located and easily accessible to Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Morgan City, Houma and Thibodaux, Louisiana.

In 1988 Richard Oil and Fuel, LLC diversified further and began operating some of the retail facilities it owned but had previously leased out. This new venture proved to be extremely profitable, and the name "Popingo's Convenience Stores" was selected as the new name for company-operated stores. Today, there are nine Popingo's Convenience Stores located in seven communities; Donaldsonville, Gonzales, Napoleonville, White Castle, St. Gabriel, Prairieville, and Saint James, Louisiana. All of the stores are located within 15 miles of the Bulk Plant in semi-rural, well-trafficked areas.