With many c-stores moving into foodservice to compensate for lagging cigarette and gasoline sales, the roller grill is becoming more important than ever for driving sales. According to industry retailers, among the emerging trends worth noting is the growing popularity of breakfast sausages for the morning daypart, while spicy and ethnic flavors continue to attract [...]
EZ Energy USA At a Glance Headquarters: Mansfield, Ohio Stores: 92 (68 company-operated and 24 dealer-operated sites) Total Estimated Sales: $480 million Markets of Operation: northeast and central Ohio, Pittsburgh Retail Brands: ampm, Easy Trip Fuel Brands: BP, Marathon Fuel Volume: 160 million gallons annually While many marketers are struggling to ride out this economic [...]
Susser Holdings Corp. at a glance A dynamic marketer Based in Corpus Christi, Texas, Susser Holdings is the largest non-refiner, convenience store operator in Texas, with additional stores in Oklahoma and New Mexico. It operates 516 convenience stores through its Stripes LLC division and is the 19th largest c-store chain in the U.S. Convenience Store [...]
Pastor Tom Atchison’s work with those down on their luck has led him to many places, but never did he think he would find his calling at a Texaco car wash and convenience store. As Pastor of the New Beginnings Church in Tampa, Fla., Atchison also runs a program called New Beginnings, which provides transitional [...]
It isn’t often one finds a c-store with a hanging chandelier and a fireplace in the office, but Dave Carney’s Hillside Chevron Station in Torrance, Calif., is anything but conventional. This April, the store began a major renovation, transforming what was a traditional c-store into a site with charming old-world Santa Barbara style; a Spanish [...]
August is always one of my favorite issues of the year. It’s the month we get to profile convenience store “Chains to Watch” for the next 12 months. This year we’ve focused in on two outstanding chains, Stripes, a division of Susser Holdings in Corpus Christi, Texas, and EZ Energy, a rapidly growing operator based [...]
In the midst of the recession, more consumers are opting for at-home entertainment, which is good news for the salty snacks category. This trend may account for a jump in sales of chips and popcorn, the quintessential counterparts for an at-home movie. Last year, salty snack sales totaled $4,962 with a profit of $1,867, a [...]
Beginning this June, Red Bull will expand its energy options in the U.S. with Red Bull Energy Shot and Red Bull Sugar-free Shot. Red Bull’s entry into the shot category will grow its consumer base by introducing a premium shot from a trusted brand. Red Bull Energy Shot will engage new consumers, create new consumption [...]
With tobacco prices on the rise, TOP Tobacco is providing smokers relief with the introduction of TOP Superoll Tobacco, specially blended and crafted to provide more cigarettes for the price than other pouch or canned tobaccos. Top Superoll tobacco will initially be available in three styles: Full Flavor, Menthol and Light. Breaking from TOP’s conventional [...]
Kretek International Inc., exclusive importer of Djarum brand tobacco products, has introduced new Djarum Filtered Clove Cigars, available in four styles–Classic Black, Vanilla Black, Cherry Black and Special Box. Three of the styles will carry the popular Black brand name with its distinctive red triangle and black package. Djarum Filtered Clove Cigars are packaged in [...]
These days, having “mini” on the menu means BIG business. To help operators leverage the increasing “less is more” demands of customers in the most flavorful way, Johnsonville Sausage LLC has introduced new Sausage Minis in two marketplace-driven varieties. Mini Stadium Style Brats offer the uniquely seasoned brats customers crave. Mini Italian Sausages feature a [...]
Sitting atop the growing liquid energy shot category by a substantial margin, 5-Hour Energy seeks to continue its category dominance with the introduction of its newest flavor, Grape, in late September. Founded in 2004, 5-Hour Energy is a 2-ounce energy shot that provides hours of energy with no crash or jitters through a blend of [...]
Power Hungry Foods (PHF) introduces Lightning Rods Energy Beef Stick, the only energy-enhanced product that uses meat protein as the delivery system. This new alternative to energy drinks and bars uses the synergy of Guarana, charged full of natural caffeine; and ginseng to assist the body in restoring itself to health and for its beneficial [...]
P&M Products has introduced the EZ Grill, an earth-friendly, portable grill that is 100% recyclable and comes complete with foil pan, grill grate, stand and charcoal. The instant charcoal is 100% natural with no additives, chemicals or fillers. The grill lights with one match and cooks for up to 1½ hours. Plus it’s mess-free. EZ [...]
In response to consumers’ thirst for more great-tasting, low-calorie hydration, Glacéau vitaminwater10 will introduce four brand-new varieties on Aug. 17. Currently available in New York City and southern California, the low-calorie game-changer will flood stores nationwide next month. The four new varieties are go-go (mixed berry), mega-c (grape raspberry), revitalize (green tea) and recoup (peach-mandarin). [...]