Emily Boes Senior EditorCStore Decisions Thought Leaders See More >
Emily Boes Senior Editor
Today on CStore Decisions
TA Opens 10th Black Bear Diner
TravelCenters of America, part of the BP portfolio, opened its 10th Black Bear Diner (BBD) in the TA and Petro network and its third location in Arizona this week at the Petro Eloy, Ariz., travel center. The woodsy bear-themed restaurant coupled with an extensive menu of freshly made meals has become a TA customer favorite.…
Sites for Sale in Florida and New York
A travel center located in central Florida and a truck stop in Lackawanna, N.Y., are now up for sale. The Florida travel center is a 9,120-square-foot convenience store which includes a Huddle House restaurant on a 4.14-acre site. The property is on a major arterial street and currently is BP branded but may be purchased…
Three Ways C-Stores Can Utilize GenAI
Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is redefining how businesses operate. With its potent ability to analyze large amounts of data and automate complex tasks, it sets new standards for operational agility and is becoming a strategic imperative for forward-thinking organizations. Using the power of GenAI, convenience stores can unlock new productivity levels to promote operational efficiency…
Vroom Delivery and Finix Partner for C-Store Payment Solution
Convenience store digital commerce platform Vroom Delivery has partnered with Finix to launch Pay360 — an online payment solution specifically tailored for the c-store industry. Pay360 cuts rates and allows for the secure online sale of age restricted items. Retailers that sell age restricted products online are often deemed higher risk by legacy payment processors…
7-Eleven Acquires All Stripes Stores
7-Eleven Inc. successfully acquired 204 stores from Sunoco LP, which include Stripes convenience stores and Laredo Taco Co. restaurants. Located across Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma, these stores join the more than 13,000 7-Eleven, Speedway and Stripes locations that 7-Eleven operates, franchises and/or licenses across the U.S. and Canada. With the closing, 7-Eleven now owns…
Coffee Consumption Rises
Consumers globally are increasing their coffee consumption. Total coffee servings experienced a 5% year-over-year growth globally, outpacing the 3% recorded in the United States, based on Circana’s CREST Commercial Foodservice data. Circana’s extensive research combines global data with local depth, providing nuanced insights for each country, spanning restaurant chains and independent segments. This growth trend…
Thorntons Breaks Ground in New Community
Thorntons held a groundbreaking ceremony to kick off construction of its first Markham, Ill., location on April 12. The event was attended by Lisa Blalock, president, Thorntons; Mayor Roger Agpawa, mayor of Markham; Derrick Champion, economic development director of Markham; and other elected officials and community leaders. Many city officials have worked hard with the Thorntons…
Parkland Shareholder Urges Company to Consider Selling
Engine Capital LP, a shareholder of Parkland Corp. holding about 2.5% of the company’s outstanding shares, sent a letter to Parkland’s board of directors supporting Simpson Oil Ltd.’s request for a strategic review at Parkland. Parkland had previously rejected Simpson’s request, noting a review doesn’t consider the best interests of a majority of shareholders. In…
Brother International Corp. Integrates Subsidiary Brother Mobile Solutions
Brother International Corp. (BIC) announced that it has integrated its wholly-owned subsidiary, Brother Mobile Solutions (BMS), under its corporate operations. “This move allows the organization’s mobile and label printing products, solutions and services to benefit from BIC’s global reach and resources,” the company noted in a press release. Additionally, the move enables BIC to streamline…
Driving Sales in Complex Retail Market
Research firm commercetools has been tracking shifts in retail commerce for nearly a decade and has found that changes in retail over the past five years are unparalleled. Changes are being driven by global events and the development of transformative technologies that quickly become expected by customers, challenging businesses to innovate and adapt continuously. In…
Beverages & Cold Vault See More >
7-Eleven Offers Exclusive Energy Drink
7-Eleven Inc. has partnered with ZOA Energy to bring a new energy drink flavor only available at 7-Eleven — Mango Splash — to participating 7-Eleven, Speedway and Stripes stores nationwide, in addition to ZOA Energy’s core flavors like Tropical Punch, Strawberry Watermelon, Frosted Grape and Wild Orange. Co-founded by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, ZOA Energy…
Sponsored Content See More >
A Customizable Pizza Program That Saves Operators Space and Increases Revenue
Sponsored by Hunt Brothers Pizza It can be challenging for smaller, locally-owned convenience stores to compete with larger national chains. Food offerings can help mom-and-pop shops remain competitive and offer more variety with greater consistency to the customers they serve, but oftentimes this can be expensive and complicated. Hunt Brothers Pizza is a pizza program…
Tobacco See More >
FDA Issues MDOs for 65 E-Cigarettes
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued marketing denial orders (MDO) for 65 disposable e-cigarettes to Shenzhen Yibo Technology Co. Ltd. The e-cigarettes, which received the MDOs on April 15, are marketed as “MNGO Disposable Stick.” The products in the denial orders include flavors such as tobacco, menthol, pink lemonade, strawberry mango, watermelon freeze, iced…
Videos See More >
More on NAG Convenience’s Info ExchangesThere’s still time to register for the NAG Convenience Conference, happening March 10-13 in Tampa Bay, Fla. Watch the video…
NAG Convenience to Feature Labor Management SessionThe upcoming NAG Convenience Conference, set for March 10-13 in Tampa Bay, Fla., is set to feature six burning issue…
Sweet and Spicy Snack SamplingCStore Decisions Senior Editor Emmy Boes samples a few different snacks this month, including her namesake: Emmy’s Organics Thin &…
Young Executive Opportunities at NAGErin Del Conte, editor-in-chief of CStore Decisions, interviews Allison Dean, executive director of NAG, to learn more about the opportunities…
Soft, Chewy and Shareable: A Candy RoundupSenior Editor of CStore Decisions Emmy Boes taste tests three different candy items: SKITTLES Gummy Sour, HI-SOFT Salted Caramel Chews…
Learn More About the NAG Artificial Intelligence SessionMike Maxwell, senior vice president, Technology — Dining & C-Store for Bounteous, is set to lead the upcoming NAG Convenience…
Insights on the Foodservice Marketing Session at NAGKay Segal, moderator of the Foodservice Marketing session at the upcoming NAG Convenience Conference, shares some insights on what the…
Calling All C-Store Retailers to Take the HR Benchmarking SurveyCStore Decisions is calling all c-store retailers to take our annual HR Benchmarking Survey to help us track how labor…
Joy Almekies Shares Her Thoughts on the NAG ConferenceErin Del Conte, editor-in-chief, CStore Decisions, speaks with Joy Almekies, senior director food services, Global Partners LP, who shares her…
Savory, Spicy SnacksThree new snacks are on the menu for Emmy Boes, senior editor of CStore Decisions. The snacks are Pringles Scorchin’…
Announcing a New Year’s Discount for the NAG ConferenceSign up now for the NAG Convenience Conference, set for March 10-13 in Tampa Bay Fla., and take advantage of…
NAG Conference Early Bird Pricing Expires Dec. 31Early bird pricing for the NAG Convenience Conference is expiring on Dec. 31, 2023. C-store retailers should register now to…
C-Store Resources See More >
The 16th Annual HR Benchmarking ReportIn 2024, staffing issues and inflation both remain top challenges at convenience stores. As retailers look to better recruitment, hiring…
The 2024 Category Management Handbook As your c-store chain navigates the year ahead, CStore Decisions’ 2024 Category Management Handbook is here as a reference…
The 2024 Social Media AwardsCStore Decisions, for the 12th consecutive year, is recognizing the convenience store chains performing best on social media platforms. This…
CStore Decisions’ 2023 40 Under 40 Leaders to WatchThroughout 2023, the c-store industry has faced countless setbacks and challenges, from ongoing tobacco legislation, the lingering effects of COVID,…
Overcoming Challenges in Hiring and RetentionThe COVID-19 pandemic may no longer be a primary concern in 2023, but its impact on the economy and the…
The 2023 Social Media AwardsFor the 11th consecutive year, CStore Decisions is celebrating convenience store chains standing out on social media for their creativity…
CStore Decisions’ 2022 40 Under 40 Leaders to WatchC-store retailers have faced several challenges in 2022, from labor shortages, continued supply chain issues, a lingering pandemic, mounting inflation,…
Navigating Staffing Challenges in Today’s Labor MarketAfter two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, supply challenges and labor shortages, c-store retailers are evaluating labor management practices in…
The 2022 Social Media AwardsCStore Decisions, for the 10th consecutive year, is recognizing convenience store chains standing out on social media. For the second…
CStore Decisions’ 2021 40 Under 40 Leaders to WatchThroughout 2021, c-store retailers have grappled with ongoing challenges due to the lingering COVID-19 pandemic, including supply chain issues, labor…
Labor Management in the Age of COVID-19CStore Decisions and Humetrics, for the 13th consecutive year, have collaborated on the annual Human Resources (HR) Benchmarking Survey, which…
The 2021 Social Media AwardsCStore Decisions, for the ninth consecutive year, is recognizing convenience store chains standing out on social media. If there was…
New Products! See More >
Caramel Ice Cream BarBreyers CarbSmart Caramel Bars are the latest addition to the fast-growing CarbSmart line, with rich flavor and a heavenly caramel swirl, yet only four grams…
Crunchy Toaster Pastry SnackPop-Tarts has unveiled its all-new lineup of Pop-Tarts Crunchy Poppers. As the first crunchy offering from the brand, Crunchy Poppers are…
Limited-Edition Mini MuffinsLittle Bites Snacks has launched its all-new, limited-edition flavor: Little Bites Girl Scout Toast-Yay! Muffins. Available now through July, these muffins are full of…
Spring Mini CupcakesCafé Valley is celebrating the start of spring with its seasonal mini cupcakes. These spring treats are available in vanilla…
Protein-Packed Granola ClustersKIND Snacks has expanded its granola line with the addition of Healthy Grains Banana Peanut Butter Clusters with Dark Chocolate…
Minions-Themed Mini BackpacksCandyRific, in partnership with Universal Products and Experiences, has launched its new Minions Despicable Me 4 Mini backpacks. The new…
Better-for-You Energy DrinkMonster Energy Ultra has launched Fantasy Ruby Red, the latest zero-sugar flavor joining the Monster Energy Ultra lineup. Fantasy Ruby…
Hilco has expanded its line of candy items with two iconic brands, KOOL-AID and WARHEADS. Hilco has joined Kraft Heinz…
LTO Potato Chip FlavorsLay’s has unveiled its newest Lay’s Flavor That Hits Home. Inspired by different regions across America known for their signature…
Ready-to-Drink Iced LattesCosta Iced Coffee Lattes brings a unique consumer offering to the ready-to-drink coffee market, as it’s not an over-indulgent coffee…
Thin Mint-Flavored SnackGeneral Mills has introduced its new Girl Scout Thin Mint Muddy Buddies. Inspired by the No. 1 Girl Scout Cookie,…
Compostable Food Packaging ProductsEco-Products has added a variety of paper bags, sandwich wraps, and other items to its GreenStripe compostable products line. The products…
Independent Operators See More >
Ferrellgas Partners Acquires Eastern Sierra PropaneFerrellgas Partners recently acquired California-based Eastern Sierra Propane. The company is one of the premier propane retailers in the eastern…
How Can I Create a Loyalty Program?Independent convenience store operators who aren’t yet taking full advantage of customer loyalty programs are missing multiple opportunities that could…
PDI Technologies Launches New Solutions and ProgramsPDI Technologies recently announced the launch of brand-new solutions and programs to connect operations and address industry challenges. “The convenience…
Neon CEO Talks Forward ProgressNeon Marketplace, which operates seven locations in New England, recently announced new leadership. Adi Dhandhania has taken the helm as…
How To Launch an Independent C-Store BusinessStarting an independent convenience store or grocery business can be both exciting and challenging. Aspiring entrepreneurs in the retail industry…
Road Ranger Commits to Everyday ConsumersRoad Ranger has partnered with retail technology company Upside to attract more customers to its stations and provide them with…
How to Expand into Mult-Unit OperationsEvery retail operator starts with that first single store. The management hones their operational skills; develops a “how-to-go-to-market” strategy; and…
Neighborhood C-Stores Deemed Important to ConsumersSurgePays recently conducted a survey focusing on the underbanked and underserved communities looking at consumers’ perspectives and attitudes toward independent…
How Can C-Stores Cope With Supply Chain Issues?How can convenience stores cope with lingering supply chain issues? The answer is to take several commonsense steps that can…
Restaurants Add Thanksgiving Items to MenuRestaurants have been welcoming customers this holiday season by adding Thanksgiving items to their menus. SpotOn, a restaurant software and…
Restroom Sanitation Rises in SignificanceWINNER: High’s of Baltimore High’s continues to upgrade its restroom features and value the importance of sanitation as an influence…
Fast Break Promotes Outdoor RecreationIn a distinctive twist on the typical convenience store, Fast Break Bait & Tackle houses a fisherman’s paradise, ideally situated…