At Your Convenience: Recent Episodes
At Your Convenience
Twice a month, "At Your Convenience" brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.
In this episode of "At Your Convenience," Head of Petroleum Analysis at GasBuddy Patrick DeHaan talks to CSP Editor Rachel Gignac about the state of fuel prices, what determines increases and decreases and how the presidential election might affect prices. He also touches on what the outcome of the election could mean for the fuel industry, especially in regard to electric vehicle adoption.
In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Diane Adam talks with the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) Director Brian King.
King discusses CTP’s top priorities, including the creation of a federal multi-agency task force to combat the illegal distribution and sale of e-cigarettes. He also discusses how convenience-store operators can partner with CTP when it comes to regulation.
The two spoke at CSP's 2024 Tobacco Plus Forum in Schaumburg, Illinois, in September.
“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.
Nouria Energy Corp., based in Worcester, Massachusetts, took home first place in CSP's annual Mystery Shop audit done in partnership with Intouch Insight, an Ottawa, Ontario-based data analysis firm.
- Nouria is No. 48 on CSP’s 2023 Top 202 list.
CSP Editor Rachel Gignac spoke with Nouria's director of operations, John Pszeniczny at CSP's Outlook Leadership conference in August, where the Mystery Shop winner was announced.
Nouria stood out with a revealed audit score above 98% in seven categories, which counts for 60% of the overall score. In the Mystery Shop portion, 40% of the overall score, the chain also received above 98% in five areas, including appropriate noise levels and well stocked stores.
Pszeniczny talked about the chain's attention to cleanliness, investment in educating employees and raise and rebuild transformation.
At CSP's Outlook Leadership conference in August, CSP Editor Rachel Gignac talked to Nate Brazier, CEO; Billy Colemire, vice president of marketing and brand; and Jeff Pidlypchak, vice president of operations at Stinker Stores, about its performance in the annual Mystery Shop audit.
With a score of with a score of 96.18%, Boise, Idaho-based Stinker Stores took home second place in the Mystery Shop audit, after first-place winner Nouria. It was the chain's first year participating in the audit. The leaders from Stinker discuss cleanliness, its new loyalty program revamp, a people-first focus and more.
In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Chuck Ulie talks with Dawn Boulanger, vice president of marketing at Tri Star Energy, Nashville, which operates Twice Daily convenience stores and White Bison Coffee shops.
Boulanger discusses her company being a finalist in the 2024 CSP/Intouch Insight Mystery Shop audit, covering what they do on a daily basis to have scored so well—from the sandwich cooler to exterior, from coffee to restrooms.
The two spoke at CSP's 2024 Outlook Leadership conference in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, in August.
- Tri Star Energy/Twice Daily is No. 42 on CSP’s 2024 Top 202 ranking of U.S. c-store chains by store count.
“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.
CSP's Mystery Shop audit has tracked how convenience stores improve standards year-over-year in terms of pump island, exterior, interior, restrooms, dairy cooler, fountain drinks, coffee, sandwich cooler and employees.
There has been an increase in convenience-store shoppers that view a c-store as a competitor to quick service restaurants, said Cameron Watt, president and CEO of Intouch Insight, an Ottawa, Ontario-based data analysis firm that conducts the audits in partnership with CSP.
At CSP's Outlook Leadership conference, Watt talks to CSP Vice President of Content Strategy, Abbey Lewis, about what the data revealed as well as the top three finalists out of the ten participants: Nouria (No, 1), Stinker Stores (No.2) and Tri Star Energy (No. 3).
In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editors Rachel Gignac, Hannah Hammond and Chuck Ulie recorded from CSP’s Outlook Leadership conference in Rancho Palos Verdes, California.
Each shared highlights of the event, which featured general sessions and innovation forums with leading convenience-store retailers and suppliers on a variety of topics key to the industry.
Listen to find out what they learned.
“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.
In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Diane Adam talks with Alison Ritchie, the new president of the New York Association of Convenience Stores (NYACS), based in Albany, New York.
Ritchie discusses the challenges convenience-store operators must navigate when it comes to the tobacco category. She also gives an overview of how illegally smuggled tobacco products in New York means lost revenue for convenience stores.
“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.
In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Chuck Ulie talks with Steve Morris, president of St. Paul, Minnesota-based Retail Management Inc.
Morris discusses leveraging technology to handle today’s labor woes, the importance of maintaining menu consistency while sprinkling in limited-time offers and how getting customers inside a c-store starts with the moment they’re looking at the building.
Retail Management Inc. handles the operations, marketing and accounting functions for any small-format retailer including convenience stores and truckstops, vape shops and liquor stores. Operations include staffing and supervising, product replenishment and ordering and vendor negotiation.
“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.
In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP VP of Content Strategy, Abbey Lewis, talks to Restaurant Business’ Editor in Chief, Jonathan Maze, about the future of online delivery in both restaurants and convenience—and how consumers really feel about those wait times and fees.
Tune in to hear about what we’ve learned about the major delivery players, and some exciting news on a new delivery study that you can only find at Restaurant Business and CSP.
“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.
Vice president of retail operations support has been at the convenience-store chain for 25 years
In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Senior Editor Hannah Hammond interviews Rebecca Mott, vice president of operational accounting at EG America.
- EG America is No. 5 on CSP’s 2024 Top 202 U.S. c-store chains by store count.
Mott (pictured), who attended the Convenience-Store Women’s (CSW) event in November, shared tips on how companies can help match a mentor with the right mentee, and how she’s a better mentor today because of her past experiences.
In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Senior Editor Hannah Hammond interviews Rachell Bernhardt, human resources director at Quantum Services. The Columbus, Ohio-based company provides inventory audits for convenience-store brands across the country.
Bernhardt shares what it’s like to work on succession planning in a family-run business. She also gives an update on what her C-Store Women’s (CSW) power team has learned about handling competition and the negative stereotypes that may come with it.
“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.
In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Chuck Ulie talks to Dan Razowsky, the marketing operations manager at Northbrook, Illinois-based Rmarts convenience stores.
Razowsky (pictured) touches on looking to the future and building a foodservice program with love and attention, what effect electric vehicles might have on c-stores, and how handing out paper coupons at the pumps brings in business.
Rmarts is a family-owned and -operated Chicago-area c-store chain that started in 1951 in downtown Chicago. With 11 locations today, Rmarts has evolved to emphasize convenience and community, where open-faced coolers and bean-to-cup coffee machines have replaced the auto repair bays of yesterday.
In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Diane Adam talks with Mike Bloom, executive vice president and chief merchandising and marketing officer at GPM Investments, about the retailer’s latest enhanced food program rollout.
Bloom talks about the company’s pizza offering and the value it brings to its loyalty members. He also discusses the rollout of Nathan’s Famous hot dogs added to GPM Investments foodservice lineup.
- GPM Investments is No. 6 on CSP’s 2024 Top 40 Update to the 2023 Top 202 ranking of U.S. c-store chains by store count. Watch for the full 2024 Top 202 ranking in the June issue of CSP magazine and in CSP Daily News.
GPM’s family of brands includes Fas Mart, Shore Stop, Scotchman, BreadBox, Young’s, Li’l Cricket, Next Door Store, Village Pantry and Apple Market, among others c-store chains.
In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” Senior Editor Hannah Hammond talks to Chris Smith, president of McLane’s retail business.
Smith shares how he got to the role he’s in today by being placed in a stretch opportunity—one he was put in before he was ready to help him grow in new areas. They also talk about how their Convenience-Store Women’s (CSW) event power team is working on finding ways to reward and retain top performers in the industry.
“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.
In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Diane Adam talks with Damon Bail, vice president of Hop Shops and the retail division with Valor Oil, about the retailer’s marketing success in the least likely places—convenience-store bathrooms. Hop Shops stores in Kentucky have achieved unprecedented success thanks to the now viral disco bathrooms in six of its stores.
Bail talks about how the disco bathrooms has exceeded everyone’s expectations and how the concept has positively changed the relationship between the consumer and the cashier at the c-stores with the disco bathroom.
Valor Oil is a distributor of petroleum products in Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois, North Carolina and South Carolina. The Owensboro, Kentucky-based company also operates 10 Hop Shops in northern Kentucky.
“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.
Join Dover Fueling Solutions Amy Cearley and Kendra Keller as they discuss how women are innovating in the industry, what trends are hot right now and where the c-store and fuel industries are heading.
In this “At Your Convenience” podcast, in partnership with C-StoreTEC, guest host Art Sebastian dives into the dynamic world of digital commerce and online ordering in the convenience-store industry.
Sebastian, NexChapter CEO, is joined by Kristin Sword from Jacksons Food Stores, Meridian, Idaho, and Adit Gupta from Lula Convenience, Philadelphia, to discuss the accelerated shift to digital commerce, driven by COVID-19 and the evolving demands of convenience consumers. Together, they explore the strategic execution behind successful digital commerce, the importance of quality training and the future of Jackson’s digital initiatives. Plus, they offer valuable tips for retailers just beginning their digital commerce journey.
- Jacksons Food Stores is No. 26 on CSP’s2024 Top 40 Update to the 2023 Top 202 ranking of U.S. c-store chains by store count. Watch for the full 2024 Top 202 ranking in the June issue of CSP magazine and in CSP Daily News.
Tune in to learn about the power of partnership and how technology and strategy combine to drive growth in the convenience store sector, and don't miss out on future C-StoreTEC webinars, podcasts and the upcoming conference.
In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Chuck Ulie talks to Ryan Blevins, the director of food and beverage innovation at Powell, Tennessee-based Weigel's convenience stores.
Blevins also touches on getting customers to turn a gas trip into a foodservice-shopping trip, Weigel’s eight new sauces and more.
Weigel’s is a family-owned and -operated c-store chain that has been serving East Tennessee since 1931. With 70 locations, Weigel’s is dedicated to providing their customers with quality products and exceptional service.
“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.
In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” David Poulnot, vice president of fuel and c-store at Upside, shares findings from the technology company's C-Store Report released this month.
He talks about how despite sales growth headlines, convenience-store revenue has decreased when inflation is considered, dropping 19% between January 2021 and January 2024.
Shoppers are making fewer c-store trips and buying less because of cost concerns and replacing visits with grocery trips.
Poulnot said that digital personalization is the most effective way to face this issue because by connecting one-to-one, retailers can collect individual return on investment per transaction.
Upside is a marketplace that connects consumers with brick-and-mortar retailers through personalized offers. It uses artificial intelligence (AI)-driven personalization technology to enhance purchasing power.
“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.
In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Senior Editor Hannah Hammond talks to Patricia Coe, senior director of client leadership, for Advantage Solutions Convenience Division, and Doug Middlebrooks, senior vice president of channel sales, for Advantage Solutions.
The three talked about how convenience-store sales reached a new high in 2023, the time it takes for c-store customers to decide what to buy, how quickly food is consumed after it’s purchased and more.
Advantage Solutions, Clayton, Missouri, helps build brand value for manufacturers and retailers through insight-based sales, marketing and technology solutions.
In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” Scott Negley, senior director of product management at Dover Fueling Solutions, and Doug Haugh, chief commercial officer at Vertex Energy, talk about a broad-view perspective on the realities of converting the nation to use electric vehicles (EVs). The pair, who spoke in March at the Dover Fueling Solutions conference in Austin, advocate for “decarbonizing the grid” in order for the transportation industry to successfully reduce carbon emissions with EVs.
They also talk about how other alternative fuels are an important piece of the puzzle, and how their impact is not to be ignored. Negley describes the ideal transformation as “a balanced approach.”
In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” NexChapter CEO Art Sebastian talks with Mike Caldwell, manager of loyalty at Yesway, and Jake Kiser, general manager of Stuzo PAR.
In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Chuck Ulie talks to Farley Kaiser, senior director of culinary of innovation at McLane Fresh.
Kaiser (pictured) discusses the power of limited-time offers, breakfast still holding the title of king, and how lunch remains a strong focus of development—and opportunity.
McLane is one of the largest distributors in America and a partner to retail and restaurant brands nationwide. McLane offers customizable solutions for retail and restaurant customers from ordering and fulfillment to equipment and in-store merchandising.
In August 2023, McLane unveiled McLane Fresh, an expanded foodservice-at-retail program designed for convenience stores and intended to elevate the dining experience in c-stores.
In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Senior Editor Hannah Hammond talks to SunStop convenience store’s Michelle Weckstein, director of food and beverage brands, and Constance Rolfson, food and beverage brand manager.
Rolfson shared how Weckstein has helped her launch her career, and the two give advice on how others can be mentors. Weckstein (pictured second from the left with her power team) also gives an update on what her Convenience-Store Women’s event power team group is working on.
- Southwest Georgia Oil Co. Inc./SunStop is No. 86 on CSP’s 2023 Top 202 ranking of convenience-store chains by U.S. store count.
SunStop c-stores are owned by Southwest Georgia Oil Co. The Bainbridge, Georgia-based company has nearly 80 stores.
“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.
In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” Nick Triantafellou, director of marketing at Weigel’s, peels back the curtain on how the convenience-store chain created its name, image and likeness (NIL) partnerships with University of Tennessee athletes.
- Weigel’s Stores Inc. is No. 98 on CSP’s Top 202 list of convenience-store chains by store count.
The Knoxville, Tennessee-based c-store chain partnered with Christian Moore (baseball), Karlyn Pickens (softball), Zakai Zeigler (basketball) and Tess Darby (women’s basketball). Weigel’s customers can redeem a free 24-ounce Coca-Cola when Moore hits a home run or when Pickens strikes out six opposing hitters in a game. And when Zeigler or Darby hit three three-pointers in a game, customers can take 20 cents off a gallon of gas when buying Gatorade.
In this episode of At Your Convenience, Rachel Gignac, associate editor at CSP Daily News, talks with Rovertown's Tyler Cameron, head of strategy and analytics, and Bill Bustin, head of customer success, about their recent research on what kinds of coupons work best for convenience-store retailers.
When Majors Management LLC completed its transaction with Compañía de Petróleos de Chile S.A. (COPEC) for the acquisition of 192 MAPCO-branded convenience stores in Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Arkansas and Kentucky, at the end of last year, it represented yet another transition from one owner to another. For some, it might have felt like an insurmountable amount of change. But for Damian Wyatt and team, it became another opportunity.
There is no ‘I’ in Sheetz… At least that’s how Matt High, senior sales manager for Sheetz MTO, puts it.
In this episode of At Your Convenience, High, and Abbey Lewis, vice president of content strategy at Informa Connect, discuss the player-coach relationship he has with his team, his involvement in CSP’s Convenience Store Women’s conference and menu ideation at Sheetz. We even get him to give us a sneak peek at new menu items for spring.
This is the final podcast in a three-part series on the Path to Foodservice Profitability.
In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Senior Editor Hannah Hammond talks to Liza Salaria, senior principal consultant at Impact 21, about menu optimization. Salaria looks at examples from quick-service restaurants (QSRs) Chick-fil-A and Chipotle, as well as some c-stores, to see how retailers can build their “famous for” menu offering.
In part two of a three-part series on the Path to Foodservice Profitability, CSP Senior Editor Hannah Hammond interviews Impact 21 Senior Principal Consultant Liza Salaria and Beth Hoffer, vice president of operations and foodservice from Weigel’s convenience stores.
- Weigel’s Stores Inc., Powell, Tennessee, is No. 98 on CSP’s Top 202 ranking of U.S. convenience-store chains by store count.
Hoffer shares which areas of waste she sees an how Weigel’s is working to reduce waste.
Look for part three soon.
“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.
This is the first of a three-part series on the Path to Foodservice Profitability. In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Senior Editor Hannah Hammond talks to Liza Salaria, senior principal consultant at Impact 21, a consulting firm that enables specialty retail, convenience and energy clients to delivery seamless customer experiences.
Salaria shares how developing the right foodservice solutions starts with understanding what is driving key metrics such as margin and operating costs.
Look out for part two on managing waste in foodservice coming soon.
“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.
In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Senior Editor Hannah Hammond talks to Kristen Hjelm, regional account manager for Bunn and a C-Store Women’s (CSW) event power team member.
Hjelm shares what her team’s mission statement is and tips they’ve come up with to successfully network.
“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.
In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Senior Editor Hannah Hammond talks to Jessica Mente, director of training at convenience-store chain Royal Farms.
- Royal Farms is No. 30 on CSP’s2023 Top 202 ranking of top U.S. convenience-store chains by store count.
Mente recapped her experience at CSP’s inaugural C-Store Women’s Event, which took place in November in Napa, California, and shared how Baltimore, Maryland-based Royal Farms is taking steps to diversity the workforce in Maryland.
“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.
In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Senior Editor Hannah Hammond talks to Mandee Harvey-Smith, director of analytics, insights and media strategy at RaceTrac, about how an open mind led her to her job.
- RaceTrac, Atlanta, is No. 15 on CSP’s 2023 Top 202 ranking of convenience store chains by store count.
She also spoked to the importance of being open to feedback and what she thinks the future of retail media networks is.
“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.
Earlier this fall, CSP brought five convenience-store executives to the general session stage during our annual Outlook Leadership Conference in a session we titled C-Suite in the Hot Seat. During the session, CSP’s Mitch Morrison, vice president of retailer relations, and Editor-in-Chief Steve Holtz peppered each executive with a series of questions about themselves and what’s new in their businesses.
In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” Erin Graziosi talks with Morrison about her rise to president of Robinson Oil Corp., Santa Clara, California, and the challenges of operating in the most regulated state in the country.
In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” RaceTrac President Natalie Morhous gives a speech at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta as she accepts her 2023 Retail Leader of the Year award.
The third-generation leader of the Atlanta-based convenience-store chain gave thanks to her family, coworkers and industry partners.
Two years ago, the pandemic shook up the supply chain like never before. Today, distributor McLane Co. is re-establishing itself with new technology, foodservice and a revamped trade show.
CSP Editor-in-Chief Steve Holtz discusses the distributor’s culture of continuous improvement and the state of distribution with McLane Grocery President Chris Smith.
Are the Mystery Shop evaluation scores getting too close?
CSP Editor Rachel Gignac talks to Cameron Watt, president and CEO of evaluation firm Intouch Insight, in August at the Outlook Leadership Conference. This year, for the fourth time, Rutter's was presented Customer Experience Award for its success.
Watt told CSP about chains' strengths and weaknesses, plus, how the audit might change in the future.
- Rutter’s is No. 82 on CSP’s 2023 Top 202 ranking of U.S. convenience-store chains by store count.
“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.
In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Senior Editor Hannah Hammond talks to Glennie Bench, president and COO at Southwest Georgia Oil Co. Inc. The Bainbridge, Georgia-based company has about 80 convenience stores under the SunStop brand.
- Southwest Georgia Oil Co. In./SunStop is No. 86 on CSP’s2023 Top 202 ranking of top U.S. convenience-store chains by store count.
Bench has been in the industry for 32 years and shares how she joined the company and eventually became CFO and then COO. She’ll be one of the attendees at the inaugural C-Store Women’s Event this fall.
As the 2023 NACS Show approaches, CSP Editor-in-Chief Steve Holtz connects with the outgoing chairman of NACS, Don Rhoads, CEO of Convenience Group LLC, about the state of the industry and his year at the helm of the convenience-store association. “I think that once we get to October I’ll look back and [conclude this year] has been one of the top activities that I’ve been involved in,” he said.
“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.
In this special edition of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Senior Editor Hannah Hammond talks to leaders from the four founding sponsors of CSP’s C-Store Women’s Event.
Paula Weeks, of Atlanta-based The Coca-Cola Co.; Michelle Patterson of Temple, Texas-based McLane Co.; Danielle Holloway of Richmond, Virginia-based Altria Group Distribution Co.; and Kevin Martello of Burlington, Massachusetts-based Keurig Dr Pepper shared why they wanted to be sponsors and what they hope to come from this event.
The annual conference will take place Nov. 8-10 in Napa Valley, California.
“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.
In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Senior Editor Hannah Hammond talks to Choice Market Founder and CEO Mike Fogarty about what it’s like to operate an urban convenience store.
Fogarty shared how the COVID-19 pandemic made him rethink downtown Denver stores, his new Mini-Mart concept under development and more. His story is part of CSP’s September cover story on the risks and rewards of operating in metro markets.
“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.
This month, CSP brought five convenience-store executives to the general session stage during our annual Outlook Leadership Conference in a session we titled C-Suite in the Hot Seat. During the session, CSP’s Mitch Morrison, vice president of retailer relations, and Editor-in-Chief Steve Holtz got to pepper each executive with a series of questions about themselves and what’s new in their businesses.
“At Your Convenience” will present each retailer’s time in the hot seat in a series of podcasts, beginning today with Jim Rose, the vice president of operations for the Pilot Co, Knoxville, Tennessee.
In this special bonus episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Senior Editor Hannah Hammond talks to Julia Lazzara, president of Leading NOW on what it means to be a leader and how companies can help more female leaders succeed.
Leading NOW will combine career development, education, problem-solving and networking experiences to develop women in the convenience-store industry at the inaugural C-Store Women’s (CSW) event in November.
Lazzara gives a preview of what event attendees can expect, and why growing female leadership is important in this podcast.
“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.
The August cover story of CSPmagazine is all about labor and hiring. As a companion piece to that story, in this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSPEditor Chuck Ulie talks to Fady Bazzi, operations manager and co-owner of the 33-store Chillbox, owned by New Haven, Michigan-based Bazco Oil.
Bazzi discusses his convenience-store chain’s practices in attracting and retaining employees, including how and where they advertise to recruit employees, the increased frequency of performance reviews and the Chillbox incentive program, which includes health insurance, 401k plans and paid time off. Bazzi also talks about how to boost the odds of getting quality talent more likely to stay in the job.
“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.
Wegmans is set to open its second New York City supermarket. Buc-ee’s vows to take action on a new convenience store that resembles its name and mascot. And Shipt unveils a new rewards program.
Energy North’s Haffner’s chain added a new flagship store in Lawrence, Massachusetts in May, featuring convenience items, gasoline, a car wash and a unique take on foodservice.
In this "At Your Convenience" podcast, CSP Editor-in-Chief Steve Holtz talks with CEO Jeff Black about how the chain embraced community history and relationships to create a unique c-store model.
“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSPeditors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.
In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Senior Editor Hannah Hammond interviews Amanda Buehner, senior vice president of retail events and media for Winsight LLC, on the company’s new C-Store Women’s Event.
The two talk about what attendees can expect in November, why this event is being held and the challenges women face at work.
For more information on the event, visit cstorewomen.com or contact Buehner at abuehner@winsightmedia.com.
“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.
In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Senior Editor Hannah Hammond talks to Melissa Vonder Haar, freelance journalist and speaker who has worked on CSP magazine’s The Future of Behind the Counter issue for several years.
The two discuss pending Food and Drug Administration regulations, what challenges are top of mind for tobacco category managers, alternative products and more.
Click here to read The Future of Behind the Counter 2023 issue.
“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.
As the convenience-stores industry goes through a remarkable period of mergers and acquisitions, private label is having a moment—two issues creating opportunities for retailers.
In this "At Your Convenience" podcast, CSP Editor-in-Chief Steve Holtz talks with branding expert Todd Maute, a partner at CBX, about building a retail brand and expanding it to private-label products.
“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSPeditors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.
In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Rachel Gignac talks to Carly Schildhaus, senior manager of public affairs at the National Confectioners Association, about bold flavor and brand combinations, social media influence, pack sizes and more in snacks and candy.
The Sweets & Snacks Expo showcased these trends with innovative products. Schildhaus talks about what to expect going forward.
“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSPeditors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.
Retailers are remarkably optimistic about the opportunities for foodservice growth in convenience stores. CSP’s annual State of Foodservice survey shows 73% of retailers expect improvement this year.
In this At Your Convenience podcast, CSP Editor-in-Chief Steve Holtz talks through the survey results with Foodservice Editor Chuck Ulie.
“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSPeditors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.
Beverage brand SunnyD recently announced it is introducing a new drink that contains 4.5% alcohol geared toward adult consumers. This is the latest example of traditional non-alcohol beverage brands introducing new pre-packaged alcohol drinks.
In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Chuck Ulie talks to Marbet Lewis, founding attorney and team manager at Miami-based Spiritus Law, about this trend. Lewis represents alcohol manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers such as bars, hotels, restaurants, supermarkets and pharmacy chains. Lewis discusses the effects COVID-19 had on this trend and how the retail market, flooded with a variety of products, has traditional brands innovating to reach new customers.
The April issue of CSP magazine serves as the convenience-store industry’s Category Management Handbook, providing year-end sales data from IRI/Circana, Technomic, McLane Co. and others to paint a picture of what’s selling in c-stores today, and where the industry’s biggest product segments are heading.
In this At Your Convenience podcast, CSP Editor-in-Chief Steve Holtz talks through data collected for the issue with editors Hannah Hammond, Rachel Gignac and Chuck Ulie.
“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSPeditors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.
In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Chuck Ulie talks to Savannah Johnson, manager of the food category, at Knoxville, Tennessee-based Pilot Co., on trends she’s seeing, new products Pilot is offering, and more.
The discussion includes Johnson talking about a new product playing off Pilot’s large pizza business: cheesy breadsticks debuting in June that customers can customize with toppings. She also discusses the company’s New Horizons project, which include the strategy of improving the display of food and beverage products.
“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSPeditors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.
In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Chuck Ulie talk to Gary Hemphill, managing director and COO of research at New York-based Beverage Marketing Corp., on trends he’s seeing in packaged beverages.
The discussion covers bottled water, energy, sports drinks, carbonated soft drinks, milk, juice, alcohol—even CBD.
Hemphill says he’s seen nothing short of remarkable pricing increases recently, often in double digits depending on the category. It’s a historical high for beverage prices, both alcohol and particularly nonalcohol, in all categories, he says.
The future of fuels is far from certain, and each company contemplating which lane to choose--which new fuel or fuels to focus on to best serve their customers--will have its own answer based on demographics and geography.
In this episode of At Your Convenience, CSP Editor Greg Lindenberg speaks with Nathaniel Doddridge, vice president of fuels for Casey’s General Stores, Ankeny, Iowa, about the Midwestern chain's strategy for navigating which new fuels it is betting on and why.
It’s no secret driving customers from the gasoline pump into the store is one of the most studied challenges in operating a convenience store with fuel island. For 18 years, Gas Station TV (GSTV) has put brand stories on the pump to aid retailers in driving customers into the store and consumer brands in sharing a message where their products are readily available.
In this episode of At Your Convenience, CSP Editor-in-Chief Steve Holtz talks to GSTV CEO Sean McCaffrey about getting customers in the door and recent product promotions.
“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.
It was 45 years ago that Tom Hart was robbed at gunpoint while he manned the checkout at a convenience store. The experience, while frightening, set Hart on a career in convenience stores that, today, has him leading online training for convenience retailers and other businesses through a variety of skills, including dealing with armed robbery and store security, with Ready Training Online (RTO).
In this episode of "At Your Convenience," CSP Editor Greg Lindenberg talks with Hart about the encounter and how he hopes others can learn from it and his other experiences in the c-store industry.
“Please don’t call me a bean counter.”
With that statement, Don Bassell is ready to exit the convenience-store industry with plans to retire at the end of this year. After 42 years mostly on the financial side of the business and with companies as varied as Tenneco Oil, Amoco, Mid-Atlantic Convenience Stores and GPM Investments, Bassell has seen the industry evolve from a gasoline marketer to the food-focused retailer of today.
In this episode of At Your Convenience, CSP Editor-in-Chief Steve Holtz reviews career highlights and industry insights with Bassell.
Deb Moore calls them “sticky tools,” the hiring and retention policies and programs that allow Nouria Energy to “really hook [applicants] in and talk to them about our opportunities here, [to] think of our company as somewhere where they can grow.”
In this episode of At Your Convenience, CSP Editor in Chief Steve Holtz talks through how Moore, part of CSP’s 2023 Power 20, rebuilt the human-resource department with the Worcester, Massachusetts-based retailer and addressed store staffing.
- Nouria Energy isNo. 47onCSP’s 2022 Top 202ranking of U.S. c-store chains by number of company-owned retail outlets.
LAS VEGAS — In October, CSP honored Ken Parent as its 2022 Retail Leader of the Year (RLOY). Here, Parent, senior advisor and former president of Pilot Co., accepts his award and thanks the people who made it possible.
Click here to read more about the award and Parent’s accomplishments.
“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.
Click here to hear more “At Your Convenience” podcasts.
CHICAGO — In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor-in-Chief Steve Holtz talks through the results of the 2022 Outlook Survey and the future of convenience stores with Editor Chuck Ulie.
How are business conditions? What do retailers expect in 2023? Is the labor market improving? Retailers reveal talk through the best and the worst of the market.
“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.
CHICAGO — In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Jackson Lewis covers the state of c-store distribution with Sharan Kalva, president of Huntsville, Ala.-based C-Store Master.
What are the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic? What are today’s biggest challenges for distributors and what new disruption will tomorrow bring? CSP asks Kalva this and more.
“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.
CSP Senior Editor Hannah Hammond caught up with Cameron Watt, president and CEO of evaluation firm Intouch Insight, in August at the Outlook Leadership Conference, where Rutter's was presented Customer Experience Award for its success.
Watt spoke about the York, Pa.-based chain’s strengths, as well as what other convenience stores did well in 2022 and what needs to improve.
- Rutter’s is No. 84 onCSP’s2022 Top 202ranking of c-store chains by store count.
“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.
Mike Lawshe, president of Paragon Solutions, Fort Worth, Texas, talks with CSP Editor, Rachel Gignac about how to design a store for an easy customer flow and experience in this episode of "At Your Convenience."
It's about peaking the customers interest in features they didn't even know they wanted, according to Lawshe. He also explains ways that design can benefit customers from the moment they enter the parking lot.
“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSPeditors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.
In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editors Hannah Hammond and Greg Lindenberg talk to bp leaders about the oil company’s transition into convenience and its Reimagining Energy strategy.
Debi Boffa, vice president of convenience for the Americas at bp and president of Thorntons, and Greg Franks, senior vice president of mobility and convenience for the Americas with bp, spoke about the Houston-based company’s initiatives from the Thornton’s headquarters in Louisville, Ky.
CHICAGO —In this episode of "At Your Convenience," Carly Schildhaus, senior manager of public affairs at the National Confectioners Association (NCA), Washington, D.C., discusses trends in snacks and candy with CSP Editor Rachel Gignac.
Schildhaus talks about the intensity factor that is popular in snacks and candy as well as growth in shareable options. Additionally, Schildhaus sheds light on rumors regarding Halloween candy shortages.
She also discusses the benefits of participating in National Candy Month and offers suggestions on how retailers can get started.
CHICAGO — James Pogue, president and CEO of Dallas-based JP Enterprises, talks with CSP Editor Chuck Ulie about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) best practices retailers should keep in mind to broaden their pool of job candidates in this episode of “At Your Convenience.”
Pogue’s consulting firm specializes in DE&I solutions for companies and organizations.
In addition, Pogue offers suggestions on how to improve the odds of hiring staff, where to look to find the necessary talent and the hiring challenges facing businesses today.
“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSPeditors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.
DENVER — What better source for some of the biggest trends in mobile technology than a retail concept centered around the mobile experience?
In this episode of At Your Convenience, CSP technology and fuels editor Jackson Lewis checks in with Mike Fogarty, CEO and founder of Choice Market, whose Denver-based c-stores have been focused on mobile technology since well before the pandemic.
Tune in for an exclusive chat with Fogarty, covering Choice’s upcoming national expansion, what’s next for mobile technology in stores and advice for operators exploring omnichannel retail.
“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.
When independent retailer Numan Dharani opened Abbott’s Travel Center in Abbott, Texas, in September, he purposely aimed to offer “items not typically offered at convenience.”
The result is a large store that takes advantage of its location and a collection of products intended to keep customers engaged and interested in coming back.
In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Content Director Steve Holtz talks to Dharani, one of CSP’s 2022 Indie Influencers, about how he was drawn into convenience retailing, his experience opening his first store and what’s next.
“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.
Young workers are moving to smaller, more affordable urban centers in the South and West where potential jobs are in abundance, and retailers should take notice.
That’s according to Steve Dwyer, a CSP contributor and author of the 2022 “Where to Build Now” article in the 2022 Top 202 June issue of CSP magazine. Join Dwyer and Editor Jackson Lewis as they discuss which markets present development opportunities for retailers and how times have changed for brands looking to grow.
“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.
How will the rise of electric vehicles, the war in Ukraine and the rising cost of oil affect mergers and acquisitions in the year ahead? In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Jackson Lewis chats with Senior Editor Hannah Hammond, who spearheaded this year’s Top 202 list and cover story in the June issue of CSP magazine.
Hammond reflects on influential deals in 2021 and how buying and selling stores has changed for chains of different sizes and in various parts of the country.
“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.
In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP SeniorEditor Hannah Hammond talks to Tom Briant, executive director of the National Association of Tobacco Outlets (NATO), Minneapolis.
Briant discussed the latest in tobacco regulation, from where the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is at in its review of premarket tobacco product applications (PMTAs) to advice for tobacco category managers at c-stores to what to know about the FDA’s recently published proposed rules that could ban menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars.
Briant shared information on how retailers can share their opinions on the proposed rules. Anyone wishing to comment can visit www.regulations.gov and search for “FDA-2021-N-1349-0001” to comment on the menthol cigarette rule and “FDA-2021-N-1309-0001” for the flavored cigar rule.
“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.
CHICAGO — How do convenience-store retailers feel about foodservice in 2022 and beyond and where are they investing? CSP Content Director Steve Holtz talks with Chuck Ulie, CSP’s foodservice editor, about data from the annual State of the Foodservice retailer survey, in this episode of “At Your Convenience.”
The podcast also touches on segments where retailers expect growth, areas that might be losing their luster and the labor crisis.
“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.
Billy Colemire, director of marketing at Boise, Idaho-based Stinker Stores, talks with CSP Editor Chuck Ulie about trends in dispensed beverages, including supply-chain challenges and making contingency plans, in this episode of “At Your Convenience.”
Colemire, a finalist this year in CSP’s Category Manager of the Year Awards, also discusses how Stinker Stores has taken a more proactive approach to change instead of simply reacting when a new competitor comes along. He also discusses limited-time offers (LTOs), strategic signage, the chain's hot beverage program and how he increased Stinker Stores’ buying power.
In addition, Colemire talks about casting a wider net to attract customers (millennials, women, Gen Z) outside their core group through new, better-for-you messaging and by offering a larger assortment of products.
In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Hannah Hammond talks to Jamie Kennedy, category manager at Bosselman's Pump & Pantry, Inc., Grand Island, Neb., about the state of vapor in convenience stores.
In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Steve Holtz talks through the high and lows of 2021 sales and trends as the industry enters the second quarter of 2022.
In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Hannah Hammond talks to Gary Hemphill, managing director and COO of research at New York-based Beverage Marketing Corp., about how categories are blurring in packaged beverages.
Hemphill also gives his take on hard seltzers, which while not growing at the pace they used to, still show potential.
In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Chuck Ulie talks to Jessica Williams, founder and CEO of Food Forward Thinking, a consultancy for foodservice development and implementation, about her work in the launch of Curby’s, a new c-store in Lubbock, Texas.
The first Curby’s opened Feb. 1, and Williams discusses her work in bringing the menu to life, from creating recipes to sourcing every product and ingredient.
In this episode of “At You Convenience,” CSP Editor Chuck Ulie talks to Michael Tirey, a marketing manager at Circle K in New Port Richey, Fla., about trends in convenience-store CBD-product sales: what’s selling, and what’s not, and the trends in cannabidiol products in convenience stores.
Tirey sheds light on the industry, including why chocolate CBD hasn’t sold well, why he thinks the popularity of vape will soar, and where he thinks CBD beverages are headed.
The volatility of oil and gas prices in 2021 might be in the rearview mirror, but what does 2022 hold for fuel retailers?
Tune in for a conversation with Mark Truman, chief revenue officer for London-based EdgePetrol, about the oil and gas market today and what retailers can do to maximize profits in the forecourt.
With more than $56 billion in sales over the past year, cigarettes continue to be an important part of convenience-store product offers. The Behind the Counter Forum in November in Miami examined the tobacco category after a turbulent year of few in-person events.
Join Hannah Hammond, tobacco editor for CSP, as she talks through the major themes from the conference, including identifying the tobacco customer, top sales drivers and more.
From grappling with delivery to closing the largest deal in the history of U.S. convenience stores, 2021 was a momentous year.
Join CSP editors Steve Holtz, Greg Lindenberg, Jackson Lewis and Chuck Ulie in a review of the major category trends from 2021 and trends they predict in the year ahead.
The rules for foodservice have changed now that the world is living with COVID-19, and experts convened with retailers at CSP's recent Foodservice Forum in Chicago to share tips on how to navigate this new reality.
In this episode, Chuck Ulie, foodservice and center store editor for CSP, details some of the tips shared at the forum, including how menus can draw in consumers and best safety practices.
At Choice Market, customers can check out any way they like, be it online, at the checkout counter, at a kiosk or with their phone. How did Mike Fogarty, founder and CEO of Denver-based Choice Market, build this customer experience?
Listen in on a conversation with Fogarty about how he grew a small network of local stores packed with advanced checkout tech. Look for more on Fogarty’s Choice stores in the Power 20 January 2022 issue of CSP magazine.
From ranch water to hard seltzers, find out what alcohol products are trending and where the category is headed in 2021 and beyond.
Join Chris Long, director of category management, age verified, for Des Moines, Iowa-based Kum & Go, as he discusses why certain products are rising above and why he is bullish on the future of seltzers.
Find out the story behind how the self-described “clean freaks” at Lone Star Food Stores, based in McKinney, Texas, won the 2021 Mystery Shop award from CSP and Intouch Insight.
Join Cameron Watt, president and CEO of Intouch Insight, in an exclusive interview about this year’s process and how Lone Star came away with the prize.
No convenience store is “just a store” as far as Mike Lawshe is concerned.
Join Lawshe, president and CEO of Paragon Solutions, a store design firm based in Fort Worth, Texas, along with Steve Holtz, content director for CSP, as they discuss how retailers can differentiate their brands through modern design choices.
How will convenience retail change in the next few years as technology takes on more tasks?
Join Sharan Kalva, chief operating officer of distribution firm C-Store Master, and Jackson Lewis, technology editor for CSP, discuss the automated system in C-Store Master’s warehouse today and how similar technology could affect the future of the industry.
How did convenience-store chain Kwik Trip grow from a small grocer that sells gas to the c-store giant it has become today?
Join Steve Loehr, vice president of operations support for La Crosse, Wis.-based Kwik Trip, and Mitch Morrison, vice president of retailer relations for Winsight, as they talk through the brand’s history as part of the CRU Community “Talks From the Top” series.
Lonnie McQuirter’s store is located less than two miles away from where George Floyd was murdered in Minneapolis in May 2020. McQuirter, owner of 36 Lyn Refuel Station, faced challenging circumstances as a black retailer dealing with the aftermath of Floyd’s death amid looting and civil unrest.
Join McQuirter and Hannah Prokop, tobacco and beverage editor at CSP, for a chat about how to start the conversation around diversity, equity and inclusion in convenience retail.
Politics and convenience-store retail are both family businesses for Stephanie Stuckey, CEO of Stuckey’s Corp., and she used lessons from both fields to relaunch the roadside brand.
In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” Stuckey shares her secrets to success with Mitch Morrison, vice president of retailer relations as part of the CRU Community “Talks From the Top” speaker series.
KENOSHA, Wis. — Anthony Perrine was on vacation with his family when he learned about the police shooting of Jacob Blake and the imminent civil unrest. He raced back home to take care of his store and his community once he heard the news.
In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” Perrine breaks down what really happened in Kenosha, Wis., last year and what the future holds for Lou Perrine’s.
In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” Robert Byrne, director of consumer and industry insights for Technomic, peels apart findings in Technomic’s recent report, Return of the Morning Routine. Find out which category of consumers is frequenting c-stores the most and how operators can meet people with the meals they’re looking for today.
Mergers and acquisitions continued to hum along for convenience stores in the past year despite the COVID-19 pandemic. But what’s next?
Tune in for a conversation with Dennis Ruben, executive managing director of NRC Realty & Capital Advisors, about the state of M&A in the c-store space today and what to expect in the year ahead.
Learn how the snacks and candy category fared in 2020 and what lies ahead in 2021 in this episode of “At Your Convenience.”
Join Abbey Lewis, vice president of content for Winsight, and Steve Holtz, content director for CSP and snacks and candy subject matter expert, as they peel back and analyze scan data from IRI.
Electric vehicle (EV) charging has a bright future in convenience-store forecourts, according to Jeff Bush, president of Savannah, Ga.-based chain Parker’s.
Parker’s has partnered with Tesla to install EV chargers in a handful of locations and has plans to expand its charging network. Hear more about Bush’s vision for EV charging in c-stores and Parker’s plans to meet the future in this episode of “At Your Convenience.” The conversation follows up on topics addressed in the Future of Fuels 2021 May cover story.
Learn what consumers are saying about convenience-store foodservice with data from CSP’s sister data company Technomic.
In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” Aimee Harvey, senior managing editor of Technomic, talks about drink innovations that have caught consumers’ eyes and how an increase in food delivery options has changed how consumers order.
How is fuel pricing changing for gas stations today and what does the future hold for the category?
Join CSP Editor Jackson Lewis and Brian Renaud, director of retail fuel pricing and analytics for Altoona, Pa.-based Sheetz and winner of the forecourt and operations Category Manager of the Year award. The two discuss changes in Renaud’s category from personalization to the pandemic and electric vehicles.
The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown cold water on plenty of packaged beverage trends, so where does the category stand today?
Listen in for a conversation between CSP’s Hannah Prokop, packaged beverage editor, and Jackson Lewis, tech and fuels editor, as they break down how the packaged beverage has changed over the past year and what 2021 could mean for the category.
Through the many trials of the year 2020, Denver’s businesses saw everything from dwindling foot traffic to racial justice protests. Through it all, Raymond Huff, president of HJB Convenience, has done his best to keep his network of stores afloat, most of which are situated in office buildings in downtown Denver.
Join CSP Editor Jackson Lewis in an excerpt from his interview with Huff for the March cover story, Perseverance in a Pandemic.
When should retailers expect updated CBD regulations from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)? How is the pandemic and the severe winter weather affecting demand? Do dogs really need CBD treats?
Listen as host Jackson Lewis discusses these trends, questions and more with Chuck Ulie, foodservice and CBD editor for CSP.
Hear firsthand from Pilot Co. executives on how the Knoxville, Tenn.-based company is creating rewarding customer experiences around foodservice and technology. Listen as Steve Holtz, content director for CSP, peels back the layers of Pilot’s strategy.
Hear about the challenges and opportunities for convenience-store tobacco in 2021 from CSP’s Hannah Prokop, tobacco editor, who recounts what she’s been hearing from retailers, suppliers and government officials.
How did Simon Richards, president and CEO of Thorntons, handle managing a formerly family-owned business compounded by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic?
Hear about this and more in a special Power 20 episode with a conversation between Mitch Morrison, vice president of retailer relations for CSP, and Richards, one of the operators recognized in the 2021 Power 20.
In one year’s time, delivery from convenience stores has grown from a source of interest to a must-have for many retailers. But how did that trend build and what’s in store for the future of delivery in 2021?
CSP editor Jackson Lewis interviews John Nelson, CEO and founder of Vroom Delivery, to find the answers to these questions and more on this episode of At Your Convenience.
What is the biggest deal in the history of convenience retail? How will M&A look after the coronavirus? What does all of this consolidation mean for the industry?
CSP editors Jackson Lewis and Greg Lindenberg discuss these questions and more on this episode of At Your Convenience.
On this episode of At Your Convenience, CSP Editor Brett Dworski talks with Stephen Enfield and Angela Branca of POS Supply Solutions, Middleton, Mass., a producer of thermal and carbonless paper rolls, about their new COVID-friendly packaging solution for retailers.
Listen as they break down why safe food packaging during the pandemic is crucial, the development of their new solution, how long these safety trends will last for, and much more.
On this episode of "At Your Convenience," CSP editors Brett Dworski and Hannah Prokop discuss the highlights from CSP’s 2020 Outlook Survey, which aimed to uncover how convenience-store retailers are feeling about the state of their businesses and industry as 2021 approaches
On this episode of At Your Convenience, Jonathan Havens joins CSP Editor Brett Dworski to break down the state of the CBD industry and how retailers can maneuver its regulatory landscape.
On this episode of At Your Convenience, CSP editor Brett Dworski breaks down the state of c-stores and the economy with David Nelson, senior partner for convenience-store and foodservice consultancy Business Accelerator Team, Scottsdale, Ariz. Listen as they discuss why c-store operators have struggled to hire and retain employees admit the pandemic, fuel trends during the past few months, and much more.
CSP editors Hannah Prokop and Brett Dworski discuss how the tobacco category is faring during the coronavirus pandemic. Listen as Prokop—CSP’s tobacco expert—provides a rundown of what’s happening with premarket tobacco applications in the aftermath of the PMTA deadline, the consequences of flavored tobacco bans and much more.
CSP editors Jackson Lewis and Brett Dworski break down how c-store operators have boosted their c-store loyalty programs with personalization. Listen as Lewis and Dworski discuss the importance of personalized loyalty programs amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the role data will play in the future of loyalty, the challenges of a successful loyalty program, and much more.
On this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP editors Jackson Lewis and Brett Dworski break down what c-store operators must do consistently in the following months and years to rejuvenate their foodservice programs in a post-pandemic world.
CSP editor Brett Dworski is joined by Amanda Nichols, senior manager of industry marketing, retail, hospitality and foodservice for Kronos, Lowell, Mass., a workforce management and human capital management cloud provider, to talk about contact tracing.
Listen as Brett and Amanda discuss why contact tracing is important during the coronavirus pandemic, how c-store operators can use it, how retailers can remain agile during this crisis and more.
In early July, Alimentation Couche-Tard and Canadian cannabis retailer Fire & Flower opened two Fire & Flower shops adjacent to Circle K stores in Grande Prairie and Calgary, Alberta.
Now, CSP explores what went behind the partnership—and what this means for convenience retailers looking to invest in CBD and cannabis.
Fridays—also known now as Pizza Day—have become the busiest day of the week at Lakeport Market since the independent convenience store began providing free lunches in mid-March for COVID-19 relief.
On this episode of At Your Convenience, CSP editor Hannah Prokop talks with Nicole Roth about Lakeport Market’s COVID-19 relief initiatives and what the c-store means to its Chittenango, N.Y. community.
Convenience-store customers have generally had a positive experience during the coronavirus pandemic, but there’s still plenty of work to be done regarding safety and cleanliness, according to a new Intouch Insight’s benchmark mystery-shop program.
CSP editor Brett Dworski is joined by Cameron Watt, CEO of Intouch Insights, who breaks down this new mystery shop study and explains what c-store operators can take away from it.
Since acquiring Allsup’s convenience stores in November 2019, Yesway has jumped more than 20 spots in CSP’s annual Top 202 ranking of U.S. c-store chains by number of retail outlets. On this episode of At Your Convenience, CSP editor Brett Dworski chats with Tom Trkla, CEO of Yesway, on how the company has reached this growth and the strategies behind its acquisitions and store-development.
On this episode of At Your Convenience, CSP editors Brett Dworski and Jackson Lewis break down the technology that will transform the fueling experience by 2030. This podcast was recorded as part of CSP’s fourth annual Forecourt of the Future series. Listen as Brett and Jackson discuss how the customer experience at the pump will change in the next decade, the importance of personalization at the pump, how technology will affect fuel pricing in the next 10 years, and much more.
On this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP dives into the makings of the facility and how VERC completed this plan, which was first revealed at a CSP conference in November 2019. Listen as CSP editor Brett Dworski chats with Tyla Vercollone, CBD category manager for VERC, on the challenges of opening the facility, requirements for customers and employees, educational opportunities offered at the center and more.
On this episode of "At Your Convenience," CSP Managing Editor Samantha Oller chats with Charlie McIlvaine, CEO of Coen Markets and a member of the NACS research and technology committee, on the highlights of 2019's NACS State of the Industry statistics as well as how McIlvaine sees COVID-19 reshaping the outlook for the c-store industry. Listen as Samantha and Charlie cover how operators can balance foodservice evolution with high fuel margins, how Coen Markets has responded to the pandemic, c-store labor headaches and much more.
On this episode of "At Your Convenience," CSP editors Angel Abcede and Brett Dworski discuss how the tobacco category is faring during the coronavirus pandemic. Listen as Abcede—CSP’s tobacco expert—provides a rundown of how tobacco sales shifted before and after nationwide lockdowns, the latest updates on Altria’s facility shutdowns, how retailers can prepare for PMTA deadlines and more.
This special edition of "At Your Convenience" features CSP editors Hannah Prokop, Jackson Lewis and Brett Dworski as they discuss how convenience-store retailers can gain more traction during breakfast. This episode was recorded as a complement to CSP magazine’s new four-part series Conquering the Dayparts, in which the editors explore how to boost breakfast, lunch, snacking and dinner in c-stores.
This edition of "At Your Convenience" features Eric Slifka and Mark Cosenza, CEO and senior vice president of retail, respectively, of Global Partners LP, as they discuss how the coronavirus pandemic has altered their operations as well as the long-term consumer perceptions of the c-store industry. Listen as Slifka, Cosenza and CSP Editor Brett Dworski discuss how the c-store industry has responded to the pandemic overall, how Global Partners is prepping for the future, the potential positives c-stores may encounter from this experience and much more.
On this episode of "At Your Convenience," CSP Editor Hannah Prokop chats with Jackie Stalsberg of Kwik Trip Inc., La Crosse, Wis., this year’s Category Manager of the Year for the center-store category. Stalsberg won the award at CSP’s Convenience Retailing University event in February. Listen as Hannah and Jackie discuss how Jackie separates herself from other center-store category managers, as well as what her processes and outlooks are for the future of the category.
This episode of “At Your Convenience” features Danny Seals, product marketing manager of fuel dispensers for Gilbarco Veeder-Root, who discusses how c-stores are staying vigilant on gas pump sanitation during the pandemic. Listen as Seals and CSP Managing Editor and Fuels Editor Samantha Oller discuss the process of sanitizing pumps, what areas of the pumps should operators pay closest attention to, common mistakes made during this process and more.
This special edition of "At Your Convenience" features Donna Hood Crecca, principal with CSP’s sister research firm, Technomic, as she discusses the long-term implications of the coronavirus on the convenience-store industry. Listen as Donna and CSP Editor Brett Dworski cover how the pandemic has affected c-store foot traffic, fuel demand, foodservice programs and more, and what it means for the future of the channel.
The coronavirus has forced convenience-store retailers to adjust their operations in providing a safe environment for their customers and employees. And while most operators have introduced sanitation and employee wellness plans, Anthony Perrine, owner of independent c-store operator Lou Perrine’s Gas & Groceries, has approached the situation with a different strategy.
The foodservice industry is constantly evolving in the never-ending cycle to please consumer demands. But how will the industry look in three, five or even 10 years?
This special edition of "At Your Convenience" features six editors representing CSP and sister brands Restaurant Business, Winsight Grocery Business and Foodservice Director as they discuss what the foodservice industry will look like in a decade. Topics include technology, transportation, protein options, sustainable packaging and more.
Fuel retailers who have not switched their fuel dispensers to accept chip cards by October will be liable for fraudulent purchases made at their sites. Even so, an industry survey conducted last year by standards group Conexxus suggests less than half of the industry will be ready in time.
What does the liability shift mean for retailers who haven’t made the switch? Why is migrating to EMV so difficult, and what are the risks? Co-hosts Brett Dworski and Jackson Lewis discuss the liability shift today and looking forward on this episode of “At Your Convenience.”
For their February cover story, CSP editors examined the course of events, delving into the volatile politics behind vaping and how that momentum led to the new restrictions on menthol in Massachusetts. In this podcast, Angel Abcede, CSP’s tobacco editor, and Hannah Prokop, center-store editor, discuss the multiple dominoes that led to significant regulatory changes for tobacco.
Alan Adato, merchandising and procurement manager for Yesway, joins CSP’s Brett Dworski to discuss the lessons Yesway has learned regarding CBD in the past six months. Adato helps oversee the chain’s CBD portfolio, which was implemented in August 2019. Listen as they discuss how the chain plans to boost its CBD portfolio in 2020, where Adato sees the CBD regulatory landscape headed and more.
This episode was recorded as part of a CSP feature, "CBD: One Year Later," which will appear in the March issue of CSP magazine.
CSP’s Brett Dworski is joined by Steve Augustine, vice president of store development for Sheetz, to discuss the company’s growth plans for 2020 and beyond. Listen as Brett and Steve also cover what Sheetz looks for in new store builds, why the company prioritizes restrooms, how they work with Tesla to add more EV stations to their stores and much more.