By John Lofstock, Editor When ExxonMobil Corp. announced last June that it was getting out of direct-store operations, dealers of its venerable retail brands found themselves at a crossroads. They could either be on the receiving end of the deed to their own properties or be forced to work with a new master and an [...]
By Brian L. Milne, Refined Fuels Editor for DTN A potential strike by United Steelworkers at oil refineries that could have impacted as much as two-thirds of oil refining capacity in the U.S. was averted on Feb. 3 after the two sides hobbled together a three-year agreement, taking away a worry that lost gasoline production [...]
West Des Moines, Iowa-based Kum & Go LC has signed an agreement to purchase the 37 Cody’s Convenience Stores located in southwest Missouri. Cody’s is currently operated by Springfield, Mo.-based Cody Ventures LLC, which is led by CEO Curtis Jared. The deal’s closing is subject to completion of due diligence and customary closing conditions, the [...]
Nominations are now being accepted for the eighth annual “America’s Best Restroom Award,” which is presented by Cincinnati-based Cintas Corporation. Nominations can be submitted at www.bestrestroom.com through March 31, 2009. The public is also invited to visit the America’s Best Restroom (ABR) YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/user/BestRestroomAwards to post comments, view and share videos. Facebook subscribers [...]
Dallas-based 7-Eleven is reducing its non-store and non-operational workforce by about 10%, which amounts to about 200 employees in the U.S. and Canada, the Dallas/Fort Worth NBC TV news affiliate reported. The nation’s biggest convenience store chain, 7-Eleven is also suspending raises, incentives and 401(k) matching in an attempt to remain as profitable as possible, [...]
Integrated financial governance, risk and compliance software solutions provider Chesapeake System Solutions Inc. said Cumberland Farms Inc. has selected the Chesapeake IDM (Internet Data Manager) and SmartAnalysis with SmartAnalysis RM to help minimize risk and promote savings in the corporation’s treasury operations. Canton, Mass.-based Cumberland Farms operates more than 1,000 locations from Maine to Florida. [...]
Produce sales at Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market stores have increased more than 11% since January, when the grocer introduced its new 98-cent Produce Packs for customers who have been looking for fresh fruits and vegetables on a budget, the company said. The sharp increase in sales shows people are continuing to look for ways [...]
Dallas-based foodservice equipment manufacturer APW Wyott has introduced its new Rhino Grill, a tough and compact double-sided grill that will help retailers add quick and easy hot menu items to their menu. The versatile clamshell grill comes with grooved or smooth cooking plates, which allows foodservice workers to specialize in the creation of a variety [...]
Cold Stone Creamery parent company Kahala Corp. has announced a multi-store co-branding test initiative with Tim Hortons Inc., which would transition up to 50 stores to co-branded sites within the next few months. Kahala and Tim Hortons said the co-branding of Cold Stone Creamery and Tim Hortons concepts will pan out in up to 50 [...]
As U.S consumers are shopping and buying less in a troubled economy, they’re increasingly relying on supercenters for their needs, according a new report from The Nielsen Company. Nielsen’s analysis of 2008 unit sales shows budget-conscious consumers increased their supercenter spending across nearly every department, including dairy, dry grocery and prescription drugs. The Nielsen research [...]
Philip Morris USA is raising prices on Marlboro and other cigarettes by about 9 cents per pack next week, while some of its smaller brands could get an 18-cent-per-pack increase, Reuters reported. Philip Morris USA told trade partners about the plan on Wednesday, and the new list prices will go into effect on Feb. 9, [...]
S&S Food Stores, a 47-unit convenience operator in North Central Florida, has donated $74,536 to the Children’s Miracle Network at the University of Florida’s Shands Children’s Hospital, according to the Lake City Reporter. S&S Food Stores/Scaff’s Markets donated the money during a two-hour program and lunch Thursday at Southern Oaks Golf and Country Club. It [...]
The owner of an Irving gas station in Milford, N.H., says he’s taking care of all customers whose engines were damaged when water got into a gas-station fuel tank last week, The Cabinet Press in Milford, N.H., reported. Bruce Fortin, president of CK Smith Fuel and Energy Company of Worcester, Mass., said ice buildup in [...]
Canton, Mass.-based Dunkin’ Donuts has introduced a new Waffle Breakfast Sandwich to its bourgeoning breakfast lineup. The new oven-toasted sandwich features cherrywood smoked bacon, scrambled eggs and American cheese between two maple-infused waffles. Dunkin’ said it’s now the first national quick service restaurant chain to serve a breakfast sandwich featuring waffles. The sandwich is available [...]
Tough economic times mean new opportunities and Road Ranger just found one. The Rockville, Ill. convenience store chain entered into operating lease agreements for 15 Fast Break Food Mart gasoline and convenience stores in the Louisville, Kentucky market. The deal increases Road Ranger’s network of travel centers and convenience stores to 88 locations in seven [...]