While the vape segment still faces a vexing regulatory environment, sales are delivering for c-stores. By September 2021, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) claimed to have received 8.9 million pre-market tobacco applications (PMTAs), mostly for e-cigarettes, vape products and e-liquids. Although the agency has decided on 96% of the submissions, an estimated 329,000 remain…

CITGO’s Lemont Refinery hosted its 12th annual MDA Shamrock Bowl, raising $144,560 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), making it the most successful Shamrock Bowl to date. The event, held at Bowlero in Romeoville, Ill., included a total of 288 bowlers from 63 companies. “CITGO has a long history of supporting MDA and our team…

RATIONAL has been given the award for “Factory of the Year 2023” by a jury of renowned experts from the industry. The decision was made based on the fact that the production facility in Landsberg successfully faced diverse challenges and showed a resilient supply chain, increased sustainability and recruitment of skilled workers. In recent years,…

Dash In has announced the opening of a completely redesigned store in Loudoun County, Va. The all-new Dash In location features a reimagined store experience and new menu that uses simple, fresh ingredients. The first-of-its-kind Dash In invites guests to linger by offering both indoor dining and outdoor patio seating. The 5,600 square-foot store features…

The NAG 2023 Conference continued Tuesday afternoon on March 28 in Austin, Texas, with c-store retailers discussing how they are incorporating different payment systems in their stores while helping young leaders learn how to build political relationships. Next-Generation Technology For the third session of the day, speakers included Abigail Cerra, senior innovation and brand marketing…

At the National Advisory Group (NAG) Conference on March 28, Peter Tamburro received the 2023 NAG Lifetime Award for Convenience Retailing. Tamburro, general manager of Clifford Fuel in Utica, N.Y., operator of 20 Cliff’s Local Markets, has been active in NAG for almost 30 years. The award ceremony took place at Cooper’s BBQ in Austin,…

Wild Brands LLC launched STEP cigarettes — a novel non-tobacco cigarette incorporating a layered tobacco-style flavor system, available in Full Flavor and Green (Menthol) variants. These cigarettes are an alternative to traditional cigarettes in the U.S. market. STEP offers trade partners a low-price, high-margin cigarette, free of Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) payments and excise taxes. […]

RITZ Crackers just revealed a new flavor joining the current lineup of Toasted Chips flavors — RITZ Everything Toasted Chips. Available for purchase at retailers nationwide for a suggested retail price of $3.95, RITZ Everything Toasted Chips is joining Sour Cream & Onion, Cheddar, Ranch and more. These never-fried, toasted chips offer the same buttery […]

The Tuesday morning of the National Advisory Group (NAG) Conference kicked off with a presentation on some exclusive research, “The Convenience Experience Report.” NAG partnered with Bluedot to learn what Americans think about c-stores and quick-service restaurants (QSRs). Some 3,300 customers across the U.S. responded to the survey. Judy Chan, vice president of marketing for…

QuikTrip (QT) opened a new Remote Store Network location in Clinton, Miss., the first QT location in Mississippi. Additionally, QT plans to open more Mississippi locations in Flowood, Jackson, Byram, Olive Branch and Gulfport by the end of this year. The opening day of business was March 23. The Travel Center features a larger designed…