Whether doing it themselves or finding a national partner, convenience store operators are developing food programs with fresh ingredients and quick service. By Heather Henstock, Contributing Editor. Convenience store strategies for sandwich programs are as customizable as the sandwiches themselves. Some opt to develop and prepare sandwich lines in their own commissaries or via made-to-order…
Wawa To Enter Florida
Some 100 Wawa c-stores are planned for Florida over the next five years. Wawa, which operates more than 580 c-stores in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia, is set to begin construction on its first Florida convenience store across from SeaWorld at International Drive and Central Florida Parkway, in Orlando, Fla., the Orlando Sentinel…
Dos Equis Named Beer Brand of the Year
“We’re delighted that Dos Equis has been recognized by our trade partners as a brand with scale and high margins supported by innovative marketing,” says Dos Equis spokesperson. Market Watch has awarded Dos Equis, a premium Mexican beer in the U.S. and perennial favorite of the Most Interesting Man in the World, its Beer Brand…
Chester’s Opens 17 New Locations
“Each opening brings Chester’s great chicken and sides to more people, and keeps the brand growing,” says Chester’s spokesperson. Chester’s International LLC continues its aggressive expansion by opening 17 more domestic locations. With industry expectations that convenience store food sales will outperform the restaurant and food industry averages, Chester’s is well positioned for success. Chester’s…
Pilot Flying J Fights Human Trafficking
“Our associates, professional drivers and the motoring public can take a stand by keeping our eyes and ears open for trafficking red flags,” says Pilot Flying J CEO. In an effort to help raise awareness about human trafficking along America’s roadways, Pilot Flying J has partnered with Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) to expand education for…
Wholesale Gasoline Costs Mixed in Early November
Wholesale gasoline costs were mixed in major metropolitan markets across the U.S. during the first week of November, while the broader trend is moving higher despite poor demand for gasoline. Should current dynamics hold, we could see the Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) U.S. retail gasoline average moving higher into the Thanksgiving holiday from a four-week…
Durbin Hits, Fight Escalates
Retailers may have won the right to debit fee caps for now, but banks are raising fees and pointing the finger at merchants, while some lawmakers look to repeal the interchange caps. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. The long awaited Durbin Amendment went into effect on Oct. 1, capping interchange fees well above the 7-12…
Perfecting Pizza
A top-notch pie and artistic appeal help differentiate the offering for this important foodservice segment. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor. Pizza, a perennial favorite of American culture, is grabbing headlines as some restaurateurs and retailers devise gourmet versions with a variety of innovative toppings and crusts. And while that’s all well and good, c-store shoppers…
Blueberry Cigarillos
Extending its product lineup with a new flavor, Swisher has introduced the new Swisher Sweets Blueberry Cigarillos. The new product features special introductory pricing as well as Swisher’s innovative Sealed Fresh foil wrappers. Reaction to the new flavor among consumers has been extremely positive, and the special introductory pricing is expected to help Swisher Sweets…
Thorntons Earns Top Chain Honors
Kentucky operator presented the industry’s most prestigious retail award at a gala in Chicago. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. Convenience Store Decisions honored Louisville, Ky.-based Thorntons Inc. as its 22nd annual Convenience Store Chain of the Year at an exclusive dinner at Café Spiaggia in Chicago last month during the NACS Show. More than 200…