7-Eleven Inc. is in negotiations to acquire most of the Open Pantry Food Marts of Wisconsin chain, a move that would give the c-store behemoth with 6,800 stores across the U.S. a foothold in Wisconsin, where it currently has no stores, the Milwaukee-Wisconsin Journal Sentinel reported. 7-Eleven has reportedly applied for licenses for Open Pantry locations…
Baked to Perfection
As c-stores enhance their coffee and foodservice programs, operators look to fresh bakery to complete the package. By Heather Henstock, Contributing Editor. Convenience stores are investing heavily in store remodels and an experienced staff to create a bigger, better fresh foods program for customers. Too often they fall short in the bakery category, but a…
AWMA’s Closing Super Session Panel Announced
AWMA’s 2012 Show Closing Super Session titled “What’s Driving the Changing Retail Landscape?” is set to be held Friday, Feb. 17., and will include insights from a panel of leading retailers that includes Tedeschi Food Shops President & CEO Peter Tedeschi, Open Pantry Food Marts of Wisconsin COO James F. Fiene, and CPD Energy CEO…
Renewed Optimism for Cigars
Amid the chaos of legislation and taxation, convenience store retailers remain optimistic they can retain OTP customers and even pick up some new ones trading down from cigarettes. By: Joe Bush, Contributing Editor. Not much been predictable about the tobacco category over the past 18 months. Huge taxes increases have renewed questions about just how…
Boosting Bakery Sales
With sales of packaged bakery snacks down, the allure of fresh- or par-baked items can generate revenue in the coming year if c-store operators handle things correctly. Jim Schutz, vice president of people assets for Open Pantry Food Marts of Wisconsin, said his chain has two different bakery offerings, muffins and doughnuts, which are supplied…
Turning a Foodservice Profit
With many c-stores moving into foodservice to compensate for lagging cigarette and gasoline sales, the roller grill is becoming more important than ever for driving sales. According to industry retailers, among the emerging trends worth noting is the growing popularity of breakfast sausages for the morning daypart, while spicy and ethnic flavors continue to attract…
Bottled Water Holds Strong
Proprietary Brands Prosper With consumers seeking less expensive options, private label sales are increasing across all channels, but struggling in c-stores, where they brought in $3 billion in sales, but were down 3.3% compared to last year, for the 52 weeks ended Feb. 21, 2009. In contrast, Wal-Mart’s private label sales were up by 10.8%,…
New Products Power the Roller Grill
Tough times call for creative measures. The stagnant economy and hefty cigarette taxes have more c-store chains expanding their foodservice segments and adding more roller grill items to provide a greater array of hot food options at a value price to sustain loyal customers. “Customers automatically associate c-stores and roller grills. It’s been a source…