New Market Force study anoints QT the top rated c-store chain for cleanliness, friendliness and food quality. By Erin Rigik, associate editor. QuikTrip, with 662 stores in 11 states, was voted the most popular convenience store chain, according to a new study by Market Force Information, beating out 7,600 study participants. Convenience store chains Wawa,…
Embracing Energy Efficient Solutions
Whether it’s installing LED lighting or partnering with a local utility, retailers have a wide assortment of new opportunities to maximize efficiencies for less. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor.Adding energy efficient features to convenience stores has numerous benefits from power bill and maintenance savings to the ability to market to today’s more eco-conscious consumer. If…
A Renewed Interest in Salty Snacks
Emphasizing snacks throughout the day as a meal replacement or an afternoon treat is driving sales across all age groups. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor. The past year was a strong one for nuts, seeds, crackers, pretzels, popcorn and trail mixes, according to convenience store sales data from SymphonyIRI. The largest of these subcategories, nuts,…
A Retail Oasis
Zarco 66 takes its convenience stores to the next level with technological advancements and a topnotch foodservice program. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. Zarco 66 Earth Friendly Fuels doesn’t consider itself just a typical convenience store chain. In today’s hypercompetitive retail environment, it has to be much more.“We’re not in the c-store business anymore, we’re…
Low-Calorie Crackers
The Check Stand Program has introduced Fiber Gourmet Thinables, the lowest calorie cracker on the market. Each snack box holds 168 grams of crackers. Serving size is only 60 calories with 11 grams of fiber. Thinables has an msrp of $3.99-$4.49. It recently launched into 850 stores through the Checkstand Program in stores through Alabama,…
Fortified E-Cigarettes
International Vapor Group (IVG), a manufacturer of top electronic cigarette brands recently launched NutriCigs, and is currently working with retailers and distributers. NutriCigs are a ground breaking new type of electronic cigarette: fortified e-cigarettes. They are disposable e-cigarettes, and each one is equal to about two packs of traditional cigarettes. NutriCigs were designed to meet…
Boneless Wings
Brakebush Brothers Chik’N Gone Wild Wings and Boneless Wings feature Bluegrass Bourbon Sauce. Created with real Kentucky bourbon and a proprietary blend of spices, the wings and boneless wings are sweet, yet smoky with just a hint of brown sugar and molasses. The Bluegrass Bourbon Sauce comes in a separate squeeze bottle, so preparation is…
Energy Drink Alternative
There’s no wonder why people seek out caffeine. It’s been proven to boost both mental and physical performance, and elevate your mood. The way caffeine is administered can offer a healthier solution— in the form of a chewing gum. The concept behind Java Gum, a new caffeinated gum on the market, isn’t new. The U.S.…
Brand Redesign
Boyd Coffee Co. has launched its comprehensive strategic rebrand featuring new brand identity, retail coffee packaging and foodservice merchandising for convenience stores. The grocery and foodservice launch is just the first development in a company-wide rebranding campaign undertaken by the 113-year old coffee company. The brand imagery connects Boyd’s rich history of innovation and passion…
All-Natural Chicken Sausages
Premium Meats & Cheeses brand Dietz & Watson has introduced a new line of seven All Natural Chicken Sausage varieties. Made from fresh, never frozen chicken and using old-world family recipes prepared in small batches, these fully-cooked sausages contain no fillers, extenders or MSG and are certified Gluten Free by the Celiac Sprue Association. They…