As technology continues to evolve in c-stores, retailers are finding that if they don’t want to be left behind, they will need to invest in an effective loyalty program, which has proven to be an excellent tool that can be used to increase in-store sales and retain customers. To dive into this topic, CStore Decisions…
Retailers Weigh in on Bean-to-Cup Transition
As c-stores gravitate toward bean-to-cup (BTC) coffee dispensers, they’re seeing an uptick in sales. Meanwhile, cold coffee is simultaneously rising as a trend and customization remains a top demand from customers. Brunswick, Maine-based Rusty Lantern Market is one chain that has seen success with the shift to BTC. As of 2022, 25 out of the…
Spirited Frozen Dispensed Drinks Spike Sales
Alcoholic frozen beverages are becoming more popular with each passing year, and convenience stores are helping to pave the way for the drink with new innovations and flavors. York, Pa.-based Rutter’s, for instance, has been offering alcoholic frozen dispensed beverages — called Spiked Slushies — since 2018, according to Adam Long, category manager for Rutter’s.…
Monitoring Congressional and FDA Tobacco Developments
With most state legislatures adjourned until January, recent tobacco regulatory and legislative developments have centered around Congress and the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Tobacco Products (CTP). Congressional Bills Two separate bills have been introduced that would substantially increase the federal excise tax on all tobacco products. The “Care for Moms Act” and…
Lessening the Gap Between QSRs and C-Stores
The convenience store industry is moving closer and closer, in terms of offerings, to traditional quick-service restaurants (QSRs). As retailers try to further lessen that gap, it is incredibly important to understand how to know, select and implement foodservice practices that will attract and retain loyal customers. CStore Decisions was able to catch up with…
The Tobacco Flavor Ban Means More than Resetting the Backbar
The FDA has restricted consumer visibility and access to tobacco for 14 years. During that time, cigarette consumption has declined more than 35%; down more than 4% in 2023 vs. last year (8% according to the Wall Street Journal). The bans will rearrange everything starting in mid-2024. It will be smaller. Chain managers are already…
Six Strategies for Building a Low Waste Operation
Building a low waste foodservice operation can help c-store retailers reduce food costs. In foodservice, there is always discussion about cost inflation and the fact that you can only raise prices so much. This is true, but there is a whole world of opportunity to mitigate cost inflation by taking a laser focused look at…
Finding a Legal Pathway for Cannabinoids Continues
The opportunity for cannabidiol (CBD) sales in c-stores hangs in the balance as retailers wait to learn the fate of this growing category. In 2018, the Agriculture Improvement Act (Farm Bill) removed hemp and hemp-derived CBD from the Controlled Substance Act. Also, since the Farm Bill has been in effect, the Food and Drug Administration…
Tracking Packaging Trends
As foodservice becomes a bigger focus for many c-store chains, more retailers are upgrading food packaging to better attract customers. Packaging plays a crucial role in influencing foodservice purchases, given its ability to help maintain the quality and integrity of the food, highlight the appearance of items, and assure customers that the food is fresh…
Dash In Looks to Deliver Better Experiences With DEI
The Wills Group, the parent company of Dash In convenience stores, is working toward making diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) a way of life for the chain, embedding DEI practices into the chain’s culture from the way it does business to how it serves communities. CStore Decisions caught up with Rayma Alexander, director of corporate…