There was a time not long ago in this industry when bigger was always thought to be better. Fortunately, the folks at Rutter’s Farm Stores knew better. With 52 stores in five Pennsylvania counties, Rutter’s focus has never been on reckless expansion simply for the sake of having a larger store count. Rather, its has…
Going Green
Is it time for convenience store operators to introduce so-called green fuel pumps that can accommodate E-85, biodiesels and other emerging renewable fuels? As with so many other issues in the c-store business, the answer is “it depends.” The consensus thus far is this: the trend is very much in its infancy. Those who wish…
Clearing The Blends
Ethanol, of course, is a high-octane, liquid, domestic and renewable fuel, produced by the fermentation of plant sugars typically produced from corn and other grain products. Ethanol also degrades quickly in water and, therefore, poses much less risk to the environment than an oil or gasoline spill. Not only is ethanol generally less expensive than…
Going With The Flow
Successfully managing a retail fuel operation in today’s fickle market can be daunting since price volatility can undermine predictability in purchasing, pricing and sales. Because handling a high-volume, low-margin product like fuel is so complicated, many convenience store operators are turning to technology for assistance. One of the best ways to maximize fuel profits is…
Green and Envied
Scott Zaremba grew up in the fuel business. As president and CEO of Zarco 66, the petroleum company his father founded in 1968, Zaremba is battle-tested in the trenches and has the scars to prove it. But what motivates this savvy industry veteran every day is the opportunity to push the boundaries of creativity and…
Ethanol and Biodiesel: What You Need to Know
Ethanol is a renewable fuel made primarily by distilling grains such as corn, wheat, barley and other food crops. It is an alcohol that is mixed with gasoline when used in vehicles. Cars can run on a mix of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline, but typically ethanol is only used as a fuel additive in…
Zarco 66 Expanding Alternative Fuels
Zarco 66 Earth Friendly Fuels last month celebrated the official grand opening of its first sustainable and alternative fuel site in Lawrence, Kan. The Zarco location not only dispenses ethanol and biodiesel produced within a 75-mile radius of the facility, it also represents an innovative vision for sustainable construction and energy consumption. Dubbed the "Green…
Faith-Fueled and Furious
At a jail in Valparaiso, Ind., there’s a rebel musician who’s probably wishing he’d sung just a little bit louder. At a church in San Francisco, there’s a holy man wishing he and his flock had prayed just a little bit harder. And in a backwater town just outside Kansas City, Mo., there’s a new…
Car Wash and Motor Fuels: Fueling Frustration
Fuel price volatility is here to stay. Marketers must learn how to manage it to their advantage. That was the cold, hard message conveyed in the 2008 NACS State of the Industry (SOI) report. Marketers are urged to pay attention to sales volumes, but also focus on gross margin dollars and to always look at…
Chevron Announces Revamped Credit Cards
Chevron and Texaco personal credit cards are being reintroduced with enhanced benefits, such as no annual fee and flexible payment options. Chevron Global Marketing will offer customers newly designed Chevron and Texaco personal credit cards that offer enhanced benefits, the company said. In the coming weeks, active Chevron and Texaco cardholders will be reissued the…