The Kroger Co. reached a deal yesterday to acquire regional grocer Harris Teeter Supermarkets Inc. in a $2.5 billion deal, the latest in a string of grocery industry consolidations. The deal, approved by the boards of both companies, is expected to boost Kroger’s presence in the U.S. southeast. Competitors there include Publix and Wal-Mart Stores…
Businesses Celebrate National Coffee Day
Freebies and deals abound. National Coffee Day is this Saturday, Sept. 29, and many businesses are kicking off the celebration early to maximize a chance to sample their brew to customers. While not all coffee chains have climbed on the National Coffee Day bandwagon—Starbucks, for example, has yet to announce its participation this year—many c-stores,…
The Economics of Energy Efficiency
Convenience stores and many other retail segments have been able to slash operating costs with LED lighting and other equipment upgrades. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. Convenience store chains big and small are finding ways to save money while improving the store experience for customers with energy efficient technologies. When Wawa Inc. was searching for…
Poultry Powers Prepared Food Sales
Whether it’s sandwiches, wraps or wings, chicken’s versatility is driving the foodservice category. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor. Chicken comes about as close as food can to a can’t-miss opportunity for convenience store operators. Chicken’s flexibility—and healthier perception—makes it one of the most popular products in the foodservice industry. And short of handling it unsafely,…
Wawa Adds Digital Signage
New digital signs powered by ADFLOW alert customers to daypart food options and new products at Wawa stores. Wawa Inc. is incorporating digital signage into its chain of over 600 stores across the U.S., including at new locations in central Florida. Following a successful 25-store pilot Wawa, last fall, selected ADFLOW to power its digital…
With Foodservice Equipment, Cheap Can Be Costly
There are few bargains when it comes to purchasing the right cooking equipment. Functionality and practicality must coincide with an affordable price tag. By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey, Associate Editor Just like the latest luxury car, a shiny, new piece of foodservice equipment can be hard to resist. But Brian Tucker, foodservice director for Lake, Fla.-based S…
Agree Realty Acquires Three Wawa Stores
Agree Realty “pleased” to make Wawa acquisition. Agree Realty Corp. announced that it acquired a portfolio of three Wawa c-stores and fuel stores that are master leased by Wawa for $14,200,000. The cost of the portfolio acquisition includes the assumption of $8,580,000 of non-recourse mortgage debt, which will mature in June 2016, carrying a 6.56%…
An Inside Look At Wawa’s Superior Distribution Center
To help keep its stores stocked with fresh products, the Pennsylvania chain’s high-volume distribution center sports an inventory accuracy rate exceeding 99.9%. By Patrick Roberts, Contributing Editor The name Wawa is well known throughout the mid-Atlantic states. Its convenience stores are seemingly on every major thoroughfare and, with 400 million customers annually, it presents a serious…
Wawa Celebrates Grand Opening of First Florida Store
Five Wawa stores are scheduled to open in five weeks in the Orlando area, with the chain forecasting 100 stores for the Orlando/Tampa markets in the next five years. Wawa Inc. today announced a milestone in its company’s history—the grand opening of its first store in the state of Florida. Located directly across from SeaWorld…
Take Your Deli to the Next Level
Sides, combo meals and even small equipment purchases can take your foodservice program from blah to booming. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. The International Dairy Deli Bakery Association’s (IDDBA) “What’s in Store 2012” report revealed consumers are buying more prepared meals at convenience stores that provide quality and variety to shoppers. Just being on top…