One of the biggest opportunities for c-store growth is providing customers with a convenient and valuable digital experience through channels such as apps, websites or in-store kiosks. Doing so not only drives customer retention and loyalty, but can also fuel significant growth for the business. Oftentimes, however, it can seem like an impossible feat for…
Prasek’s Takes a Different Approach on C-Stores
Prasek’s Family Smokehouse, which operates two locations in Sealy, Texas, and El Campo, Texas, isn’t your average convenience store chain. This smokehouse not only provides traditional c-store products, but it also offers a home-inspired interior, daily lunch specials, a robust bakery offering and a variety of fresh, frozen and smoked meat options. Like most c-stores,…
ARKO’s M&A Journey
ARKO Corp., the parent company of c-store behemoth GPM Investments LLC, has been on a mergers and acquisitions (M&A) roll, aggressively growing its fleet of c-stores from 200 sites to nearly 1,550 locations over the past 10 years. At the end of June, the company closed on its 24th acquisition since 2013. In 2023 alone,…
5 Ways to Boost Coffee Sales in C-Stores
Coffee remains a hot commodity in convenience stores. Whether they’re buying a regular hot coffee, opting for their favorite seasonal flavor or selecting a cold-brew option, customers want their brew fresh, and they want it fast. To keep coffee sales rising, c-store retailers are finding new ways to update their coffee segments to keep customers…
Developing a Strategic Business Plan
I have been putting together business plans for over 30 years and it is clear to me that the strength of its core rests solely on being able to execute the plan. Each year I approach business planning as an opportunity, rather than a burden. I would rather invest the time up front mapping out…
RTDs Trend in Alcoholic Beverages
The last few years have shown a saturation of innovation and emerging brands in the alcoholic beverage category. The popularity of non-alcoholic beers and cocktails has been steadily rising, and growth in the ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktail segment has yet to taper off. Additionally, beer remains a stable seller for c-stores. “Hard seltzer has gone through…
Top Real Estate Tips When Buying or Selling a C-Store
When buying or selling a convenience store, considering the key steps to achieving a successful sale upfront can help prevent problems at closing. Remember that acquiring a convenience store isn’t as simple as going to a store and buying something off the shelf. And if you are divesting a convenience store, it is not like…
Snackers Opt for Healthy
Snacking is an American pastime; whether snacks are shared among family and friends or eaten solo, served as a filler in between meals, or are purchased impulsively, snacks are an everyday part of most people’s lives. So it’s no surprise that snack sales at c-stores continue to climb, driven by the salty snack segment. As…
Elevating Dispensed Beverage Options
Innovation, from new equipment to unique drink offerings, is helping c-stores elevate their cold and frozen dispensed beverage programs. “The fountain remains the king of cold and frozen beverages,” said Jamie King, vice president of deli and food operations for Pilot Travel Centers based in Knoxville, Tenn. “Our guests love the variety available at our…
Casey’s Resource Groups Create Connections for Team Members
Casey’s has been implementing resource groups to connect team members as part of its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiative. The chain’s “Casey’s CARES” culture has been created around the values of commitment, authenticity, respect, evolving and service. The Ankeny, Iowa-based company puts service first as it cares for its guests, communities and its more…