C-store innovators like Chicago’s Foxtrot Market are integrating e-commerce to craft a new customer experience. By David Bennett, Senior Editor According to a January 2018 survey from orderTalk, an online ordering software provider, at least 45% of U.S. adults believe within the next 12 months, they will increase their use of online ordering, with nearly…
Weigel’s Succession Plan Begins at the Top
In this week’s Executive Corner, industry veteran Bill Weigel, founder and chairman of the company, shares his insights into Weigel’s succession plan. Of all the responsibilities convenience owners and operators share, preparing for the future is perhaps the most daunting. By David Bennett, Senior Editor Of all the responsibilities convenience owners and operators share, preparing…
CSD Goes to the Races
Going behind the scenes of this year’s Daytona 500, the bond between NASCAR and c-stores is strong. By David Bennett, Senior Editor It should be no surprise there’s a growing bond between convenience retailers, the suppliers and manufacturers that provide its most popular products and NASCAR. That link was on full display at the 60th…
Sprint Mart Is Now Running Ahead
The growing Mississippi c-store chain recently turned to the cloud to better navigate its workforce issues. By David Bennett, Senior Editor Victory Marketing LLC., which does business under the name Sprint Mart, is like many convenience operators when it comes to the necessity of having to balance workforce requirements amidst business expansion. Located in Ridgeland,…
Fasel Focused on Family Express
Because of his imperative role at Family Express and the positive impact he makes on the company’s customers every day, CSD this year is recognizing Ryan Fasel as a category management leader. By David Bennett, Senior Editor When Ryan Fasel came to Family Express Inc.nine years ago, his role as a category manager was challenging…
M-PACT Show Hints at the Future
Fashioning a good foodservice program can boost a retailer’s economic buoyance. As M-PACT 2018 wound down in Indianapolis, one general session directed at convenience retailers included economic outlooks that could affect the industry in 2018 and another addressed how c-stores can shape their own futures by creating a better experience for customers. In a session…
Hanke Brings Experience to Maverik
Utilizing modern means and methods are a necessary part of being a category manager in today’s convenience store industry. Travis Hanke counts his well-rounded industry knowledge as perhaps his sharpest tool. By David Bennett, Senior Editor Travis Hanke wouldn’t say he’s cutting edge, but in terms of the latest and greatest in category management, you…
Opening the Door to Foodservice Delivery
While more convenience retailers are mapping out how to deliver food items to customers, 7-Eleven is molding its next model of innovation. By David Bennett, Senior Editor As convenience retailers labor to distinguish their foodservice program, some c-stores have added off-site delivery as part of the package. For example, Wawa Inc. recently announced the company…
Pilot Steers Its On-the-Go Program Forward
While Pilot Flying J is known for adding some dash to its foodservice, Shannon Johnson is ensuring the program is around for the long haul. By David Bennett, Senior Editor Over-the-road truckers and even the local commuter on the run can be challenged to eat a healthy diet and by the monotony of fast food.…
Donoghue Refocuses Weigel’s Foodservice
As the Tennessee chain’s foodservice director, Brian Donoghue often succeeds in exceeding expectations. By David Bennett, Senior Editor When you drill down to determine what motivates Brian Donoghue to keep improving the menu at Weigel’s, it can be traced several years ago to the time when he met the woman he would eventually marry. “When…