By John Matthews, founder and president of Gray Cat Enterprises Inc. Establishing a Franchise Advisory Council (FAC) as a formal communications system to ensure franchisees input with regard to store marketing & operations is a natural stepping-stone for a growing franchise operation. FAC representatives are an indispensable part of the communication system in that they…
Award-Winning Rice
RiceSelect is causing consumers to think twice about which rice they buy with its unique Texmati Rice. Similar to basmati, the award-winning Texmati has a nutty flavor, delightful aroma, unique texture and easy cooking characteristics that set it apart from all other aromatics. Texmati Rice is produced by American family farmers; packed in reusable, re-sealable…
Tom Robinson Named New NACS Chairman
“I came [to NACS] for the advocacy and stayed for the knowledge and connections,” said new NACS Chairman Tom Robinson during the Oct. 4 Closing General Session at the NACS Show. An estimated more than 22,000 attendees from 50 countries attended the 2011 NACS Show, which featured more than 60 workshops and 1,300 exhibitors…
It’s Showtime!
By John Matthews, founder and president of Gray Cat Enterprises Inc. It is time to create a stir. Some excitement. Some passion. Go ahead, pound your chest a bit. It is time to make yourself known. It’s Showtime! All too often, store operators – after their grand opening—sit back and wait for the phone to…
Putting the Community to Work
With 20% of its staff now made up of challenged and disabled individuals, VERC Enterprises has earned a reputation as a top employer. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. VERC Enterprises, an independent convenience store, gasoline station and car wash operator in eastern Massachusetts and New Hampshire, has reached a new milestone by including challenged/disabled individuals…
Jr. Joins Java Family
Midwest coffee roaster Paramount Coffee Co. has introduced a new eight-ounce addition to the “perfect cup of Joe” family of coffee blends: Jr. Coffee. The family of Joe Coffee Products includes Joe, Joy and Jr. Joe comes in four true-brew blends: “Wake Up Joe” medium roast, “Unleaded” medium roast decaf, “Tall, Dark and Handsome” dark…
NACS Chairman Jeff Miller Urges Advocacy
Approximately $3.2 million dollars. That’s the savings thus far to the convenience and fuels retailing industry and their customers since the Durbin amendment took effect just yesterday, said NACS Chairman Jeff Miller during the NACS Show Opening General Session. Miller, who is president of Norfolk, Va.-based Miller Oil Co., said that the swipe fee reform…
The Business of Growing
Overcoming the top nine challenges for effectively growing your retail business requires true leadership and patience. By John Lofstock, Editor. The hardest step entrepreneurs take is getting their startup off the ground once and for all. The second hardest step is growing it into the best business it can be. What today’s entrepreneurs and aspiring…
Raising the Bar on Auto Accessories
A blown head gasket can mean the end of the road for many older vehicles. With a repair ticket of $2,500 or more for car owners, fixing a head gasket often costs more than the car is worth or than its owner can afford. But now Bar’s Leaks has a solution that’s not only affordable,…
Tracking the Trends in Convenience Retailing
Despite the global recession, convenience stores have thrived thanks to their ability to provide fast service, quality products and great value in strategic locations. As service and location remain the industry’s primary competitive advantage over supermarkets, drug stores and mass merchandisers, many of whom are moving into the fuel and fresh food business, convenience stores…