Annual awards program recognizes outstanding leadership and innovation in food safety; nomination deadline is Feb. 14. NSF International, an organization committed to protecting and improving public health, has announced its first call for nominations for the 2014 Food Safety Leadership Awards (FSLA) Program. Well-respected in the food industry, this program recognizes individuals that demonstrate outstanding…
Parker’s Hires Veteran Chef As Director of Food Service
Steven Stempel joins the Parker’s team. Parker’s, a nationally-recognized convenience store leader, recently hired veteran restaurant owner and accomplished chef Steven Stempel as director of food service. In his new position, Stempel is responsible for culinary creative, branding development and oversight of all food service for Parker’s. “Steve brings an insider’s knowledge of the restaurant…
Pilot Flying J Celebrates 55 Years
Customers enjoy 55-cent cups of coffee on the anniversary date. On Nov. 20, 2013, Pilot Flying J, the largest operator of travel centers and travel plazas in North America, marked its 55th anniversary. The Pilot journey began in 1958 when James A. “Jim” Haslam II opened the first Pilot in Gate City, Va., Pilot Store…
AWMA Announces Major Changes for Annual Convention
A redesigned Marketplace & Solutions Expo to greet attendees. The American Wholesale Marketers Association (AWMA) announced a new redesigned format for The AWMA Show, the annual convention and exposition, to be held Feb. 25-27, 2014, at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. Now known as the AWMA Marketplace & Solutions Expo, the convention will…
Preparing for Industry Challenges
Steve Loehr, vice president of operations support for Kwik Trip and the current NACS vice chairman and treasurer, shares his insights on the issues affecting convenience retailers. By John Lofstock, Editor. The convenience store industry continues to evolve, becoming a bigger part of the American consumers’ daily lives. In 2012, the industry achieved record sales…
Cool New Products Preview Room Wows Retailers
From electronic cigarettes to touchscreen beverage dispensers and healthier snacks—there was something new for everyone at the NACS Show in Atlanta last month. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. The convenience store industry has long been known for its retail innovations and this year’s NACS Show, held last month in Atlanta, didn’t disappoint in showcasing cutting-edge…
Maverik Celebrated as CSD’s 2013 Chain of the Year
The Utah marketer honored for its unique adventure culture, an ongoing commitment to employees and its service-first mantra for delivering a memorable shopping experience.By John Lofstock, Editor. There are many common characteristics that comprise Convenience Store Decisions’ Chain of the Year winners. They are retail leaders, innovative marketers, committed to employees and completely driven by…
Keeping Your Customers Connected with WiFi
With the proliferation of Smartphones, iPads and laptops, now more than ever your “always on” customers expect wireless Internet access where they go.By Pat Pape, Contributing Editor. In 1993 when Brett Stewart was speaking to top technology gurus at a conference in San Francisco, he predicted that the world would eventually enjoy the benefits of…
Global Partners Participates in ExxonMobil’s Educational Alliance Program
Alltown Convenience Stores and New England Mobil Gas Distributors help foster math and science education in Northeast schools. Global Partners announced that its retail gasoline dealers, Alltown Convenience Stores and New England Mobil Gasoline Distributors are participating in ExxonMobil’s Educational Alliance Program, a nationwide initiative to enhance math and science learning at K-12 institutions. More…
Next Cigarette List Price Increase Looms
Nearly 65% of respondents believe e-cig displacement of conventional cigs has accelerated. Wells Fargo Securities’ recent “Tobacco Talk” survey results predict cigarette net price realization will accelerate in FY13. Wells Fargo continues to forecast net price realization of at least 4% this year. “Our recent c-store retailer survey results indicate an expected ~$0.06-0.07 per pack…