Zhane Isom Associate EditorCStore Decisions Thought Leaders See More >
Zhane Isom Associate Editor
Today on CStore Decisions
C-Stores Elevate Chicken, Pizza, Roller Grill Menus
Chicken, pizza and roller grill items have been convenience store mainstays for years, but there is always room for innovation and experimentation among these core convenience store offerings. C-store retailers are finding new ways to elevate these foodservice staples as they look to attract new customers. Kwik Trip and Kwik Star stores in Minnesota, Wisconsin…
Loop Celebrates 10 Years in Business
Loop Neighborhood Market is celebrating a decade of neighborhood convenience with its “Cheers to 10 Years!” campaign during the month of June. Throughout the “Cheers to 10 Years!” campaign, Loop will be expressing its deep gratitude to its loyal customers, partners, the community and employees who have contributed to the success and growth of the…
MAPCO Partners with Huntsville City Football Club
MAPCO has announced a new partnership with Huntsville City Football Club (HCFC) through the 2025 season, naming the chain a founding partner of the club and its exclusive convenience store partner. Fans can anticipate ticket giveaways, signage featured in-stadium during club and local high school football games and more all season long. MAPCO and HCFC…
Six Solutions for the Tight Labor Market
We are told that the labor market has improved, but has it really? Brands often talk of having great cultures. But is that the leadership saying they have a great culture or the team that works for the leadership? Culture is defined as, “The shared values, belief systems, attitudes and the set of assumptions that…
Touchless Restroom Fixtures in Demand by 82% of Americans
Most Americans go out of their way to avoid surfaces and touch points in public bathrooms, revealed The Bradley Corp.’s Healthy Handwashing Survey. According to the survey, 62% of Americans use a paper towel as a barrier to avoid touching flushers, faucets and doors. Women are even more likely to use the “paper towel as…
Parker’s Opens New South Carolina Site
Parker’s has presented a $5,000 Fueling the Community donation to Georgetown County School District Superintendent Keith Price to support local teachers and students during the ceremonial ribbon cutting for its first Parker’s Kitchen in Georgetown, S.C., located at 1347 N. Fraser St. Local dignitaries in attendance included Georgetown County Council members Lillie Johnson, Tamika Obeng and Hobson Henry…
Loyalty Programs Prove Effective for Foodservice
Higher food prices and inflation caused many consumers to prioritize deals at restaurants and retail foodservice outlets. As a result, customer visits that took advantage of deals and loyalty promotions rose by 8% in the quarter ending March compared to a year ago, Circana — formerly IRI and The NPD Group — reported. The increase…
7-Eleven Kicks off Summer With New Wings
7-Eleven has started the summer season off by offering customers piping hot wing deals and a brand-new flavor. Glazed BBQ Classic Wings: Classic bone-in wings just got a new barbecue flavor. Featuring a smoky-sweet glaze with notes of garlic, paprika, pepper and tomato, these wings are seasoned, coated and glazed twice. And for a limited…
FTC Bans Mastercard From Blocking Use of Competing Debit Payment Networks
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) finalized a consent order that Mastercard will have to start providing competing networks with customer account information that these networks need to process debit payments. This reverses a tactic Mastercard allegedly had been using to prevent merchants from using competing networks to process certain e-commerce debit payments. The FTC alleged…
Should Convenience Store Operators Sell Canned Wine in Their Stores?
Should convenience store operators sell canned wines in their stores? The wine-drinking public has spoken on the question of cans, and their answer is yes. After almost two decades on the market, canned wine is no longer a new phenomenon, but has gained widespread consumer acceptance. Research and development among winemakers has honed processes to…
Beverages & Cold Vault See More >
Seasonal Summer-Themed Beer
Embracing the positive feedback of last year’s release, Allagash will re-release the summer seasonal Seconds to Summer in a 12-pack format with 12-ounce cans, rolling out between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The beer is brewed with traditional hops from the Czech Republic and fermented with Belgian yeast for a crisp, refreshingly hoppy flavor. The […]
Sponsored Content See More >
On-demand labeling delivers more than convenience
By Dan Lydigsen, Director, Retail & Hospitality Sales For competitive retailers, digital tools like POS, ERP, and EDI software systems are integral for automation, real-time visibility, and an improved customer experience. However, the technology needed to execute these systems—like labeling and printing tools—are just as necessary when it comes to improving ROI and operational efficiency.…
Tobacco See More >
FDA Deals Warning Letters to 30 Retailers
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has sent 30 retailers and one supplier warning letters for illegally selling various types of Puff and Hyde brand disposable e-cigarettes, which were two of the most commonly reported brands used by youth e-cigarette users in 2022. The Puff products include Puff Bar. “Protecting our nation’s youth from tobacco…
Videos See More >
Spicy & Sweet: Snack and Beverage Taste TestErin Del Conte, editor-in-chief of CStore Decisions, taste tests Chipoys rolled tortilla chips in Spicy Ranch, Original, Fire Red Hot…
Summertime BeveragesCStore Decisions’ Senior Editor Emmy Boes tries three different beverages that customers may find appealing during the warmer months. These…
May Taste TestZhane Isom, associate editor of CStore Decisions, tries Old Trapper peppered beef jerky, Vizzy Orange Cream Pop hard seltzer and…
April Snacks and Beverage ReviewAssociate Editor of CStore Decisions Zhane Isom reviews Hostess Chocolate Drizzle Baby Bundts, RITZ Everything Toasted Chips and Rockstar Recovery…
Snacks, Energy and Hydration Taste TestErin Del Conte, editor-in-chief of CStore Decisions, reviews Takis Intense Nacho Non-Spicy Tortilla Chips, as well as Takis Waves Potato…
Snacks for the Packed LunchEmmy Boes, senior editor of CStore Decisions, tries snacks that would be great additions to a packed lunch. These include…
2023 NAG Conference HighlightsHere’s a recap of the 2023 National Advisory Group (NAG) Conference, which was held at the JW Marriott in Austin,…
Candy and Beverage ReviewZhane Isom, associate editor for CStore Decisions, reviews Hershey’s Kisses Milklicious candies, smartwater alkaline with antioxidant and Zing Zang Blazing…
March Candy & Beverage Taste TestErin Del Conte, executive editor of CStore Decisions, reviews Hi-Chew bites, two new vitaminwater flavors and Monster Energy Ultra Strawberry…
Springtime Snacks and Beverage ReviewAssociate Editor of CStore Decisions Emmy Boes tries King Size Chex Mix Bars in the Peanut Butter Chocolate flavor, HARD…
February Snack & Beverage RoundupCStore Decisions Executive Editor Erin Del Conte taste tests new products including Boxed Water’s new Jurassic World-Inspired six pack, Fulfil…
Snacks and Spiked PunchAssociate Editor of CStore Decisions Emmy Boes tries A.M. RXBAR Honey Cinnamon Peanut Butter, Supreme Beef Jerky Western Teriyaki and…
C-Store Resources See More >
Overcoming Challenges in Hiring and RetentionThe COVID-19 pandemic may no longer be a primary concern in 2023, but its impact on the economy and the…
The 2023 Social Media AwardsFor the 11th consecutive year, CStore Decisions is celebrating convenience store chains standing out on social media for their creativity…
CStore Decisions’ 2022 40 Under 40 Leaders to WatchC-store retailers have faced several challenges in 2022, from labor shortages, continued supply chain issues, a lingering pandemic, mounting inflation,…
Navigating Staffing Challenges in Today’s Labor MarketAfter two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, supply challenges and labor shortages, c-store retailers are evaluating labor management practices in…
The 2022 Social Media AwardsCStore Decisions, for the 10th consecutive year, is recognizing convenience store chains standing out on social media. For the second…
CStore Decisions’ 2021 40 Under 40 Leaders to WatchThroughout 2021, c-store retailers have grappled with ongoing challenges due to the lingering COVID-19 pandemic, including supply chain issues, labor…
Labor Management in the Age of COVID-19CStore Decisions and Humetrics, for the 13th consecutive year, have collaborated on the annual Human Resources (HR) Benchmarking Survey, which…
The 2021 Social Media AwardsCStore Decisions, for the ninth consecutive year, is recognizing convenience store chains standing out on social media. If there was…
CStore Decisions’ 2020 40 Under 40 C-Store Leaders to Watch2020 has brought challenges to the c-store industry like no other. The COVID-19 pandemic arrived in spring, changing the way…
C-Stores Conquer New HR ChallengesCStore Decisions’ and Humetrics’ 12th annual Human Resources (HR) Benchmarking Survey polled c-store retailers — between Jan. 5 and March…
The 2020 Social Media AwardsCStore Decisions, for the eighth consecutive year, is recognizing convenience store chains leading the way on social media and mobile…
2019 40 Under 40Today’s retail environment is changing faster than ever before as technological disruption pushes c-stores to adapt for the future while…
New Products! See More >
Cereal-Flavored Soft-Baked CookiesGeneral Mills Convenience has introduced its new Lucky Charms-flavored Pillsbury Mini Soft-Baked cookies. The cookies deliver a soft-baked texture from…
Seasonal Summer-Themed BeerEmbracing the positive feedback of last year’s release, Allagash will re-release the summer seasonal Seconds to Summer in a 12-pack…
Spicy & Sweet: Snack and Beverage Taste TestErin Del Conte, editor-in-chief of CStore Decisions, taste tests Chipoys rolled tortilla chips in Spicy Ranch, Original, Fire Red Hot…
Summertime BeveragesCStore Decisions’ Senior Editor Emmy Boes tries three different beverages that customers may find appealing during the warmer months. These…
May Taste TestZhane Isom, associate editor of CStore Decisions, tries Old Trapper peppered beef jerky, Vizzy Orange Cream Pop hard seltzer and…
White Cheddar Veggie SnackCalbee’s Harvest Snaps has introduced a cheesy addition to its lineup of veggie snacks: White Cheddar. These snappy new crisps match…
Lime and Watermelon-Flavored RTD MargaritasMonaco Cocktails announced a new line of ready-to-drink Margaritas. Expanding upon the brand’s popular tequila portfolio, the line includes two…
Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate Protein BarRXBAR is adding its new peanut butter dark chocolate protein bar to its lineup. The new RXBAR A.M. peanut butter…
Plant-Based, Sustainable StrawsEarthwise straws are made using plant-based proprietary technology, through which plant starches are converted to a strong material that performs…
Breakfast Waffle SandwichNordic Waffles has unveiled its latest addition, the Berries and Cream Waffle Sandwich. This mouthwatering combination of Nordic Waffles soft,…
Bite-Sized Meat SticksCountry Archer Provisions Mini Sticks are a wildly popular line of bite-sized, mini meat sticks that are available in three…
Low-Calorie Light BeerModelo has announced the launch of its latest product innovation, Modelo Oro. Modelo Oro is a time-crafted beer that seals…
Independent Operators See More >
How To Launch an Independent C-Store BusinessStarting an independent convenience store or grocery business can be both exciting and challenging. Aspiring entrepreneurs in the retail industry…
Road Ranger Commits to Everyday ConsumersRoad Ranger has partnered with retail technology company Upside to attract more customers to its stations and provide them with…
How to Expand into Mult-Unit OperationsEvery retail operator starts with that first single store. The management hones their operational skills; develops a “how-to-go-to-market” strategy; and…
Neighborhood C-Stores Deemed Important to ConsumersSurgePays recently conducted a survey focusing on the underbanked and underserved communities looking at consumers’ perspectives and attitudes toward independent…
How Can C-Stores Cope With Supply Chain Issues?How can convenience stores cope with lingering supply chain issues? The answer is to take several commonsense steps that can…
Restaurants Add Thanksgiving Items to MenuRestaurants have been welcoming customers this holiday season by adding Thanksgiving items to their menus. SpotOn, a restaurant software and…
Restroom Sanitation Rises in SignificanceWINNER: High’s of Baltimore High’s continues to upgrade its restroom features and value the importance of sanitation as an influence…
Fast Break Promotes Outdoor RecreationIn a distinctive twist on the typical convenience store, Fast Break Bait & Tackle houses a fisherman’s paradise, ideally situated…
Corner Store Cements Its Place in the Seminole, Texas AreaIn an area where business is still done with a handshake, c-store chain Corner Store brings customer service to a…
Independent Operators PersevereSmall independent convenience store retailers are not only grappling with the same inflation, supply chain issues and labor shortages as…
Fuel City Adds Chester’s ChickenFuel City has announced the opening of a Chester’s Chicken in its Haltom City location in the Dallas Fort-Worth region.…
How to Freshen Up Your Business to Increase RevenueMany small businesses, old and new, find themselves wondering how to stay up-to-date in a market that is constantly evolving.…