Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized final deeming rules that pertain to other tobacco products—most which are important contributors to convenience store sales. Thomas Briant, executive director of the National Association of Tobacco Outlets (NATO), answered questions about specifics that c-stores should be aware of. By Dave Bennett, Senior Editor Convenience Store Decisions…

In the past 10 years, Nouria Energy Corp. has put together a savvy organization, which is taking the necessary steps to grow its retail brand in New England. By David Bennett, Senior Editor There comes a point in every successful convenience store company’s existence wherein it’s time to broaden the customer base, introduce new products…

Rainbo Oil Co., which operates the Kwik Stop convenience chain, is exploring various opportunities in 2016. With new store locations and a dynamic foodservice plan, the company has developed an enviable gem in its marketplace. By David Bennett, Senior Editor In the convenience store industry, there are plenty of chains that fly under the national…

While some c-stores might celebrate their 50th anniversary with a party and cake, OnCue Express is celebrating its Golden Jubilee with eight new stores in the pipeline and a growing reputation as one of Oklahoma’s premiere convenience retailers. By David Bennett, Senior In the last decade, Stillwater, Okla.-based OnCue Marketing LLC has taken incremental steps…

Kim Lubel, president and CEO of CST Brands recently outlined the long-term benefits of some high-profile company moves, including the acquisition of Flash Foods. By David Bennett, Senior Editor In business circles, the term “inside baseball” connotes something highly detailed—usually operational. It can be as detailed as the diameter of customized bolts included within a…

In 1958, the co-founder of QuikTrip set out to exercise his entrepreneurial spirit. A half-century later, he had helped convert the convenience store industry from a gas station culture to a trusted retail enterprise. By David Bennett, Senior Editor An entrepreneur who over his career gained much success putting forth a business ideology that focused…

By David Bennett, Senior Editor TravelCenters of America LLC expects to complete the acquisition of Quaker Steak & Lube chain in the next few days, said the national owner and operator of truck stops and convenience stores. Famous for its hot wings and burgers, the Sharon, Pa.-based Quaker Steak & Lube filed for bankruptcy in…

There’s more to developing a solid workforce than just hiring to fill a vacancy. By David Bennett, Senior Editor Hiring the right people for a c-store operation can be challenging. One expert at the M-PACT Show in Indianapolis, which concluded March 24, explained how to build a better mousetrap to capture capable candidates. Over time,…

Electric vehicles are becoming more popular, but won’t replace combustible engines anytime soon. By David Bennett, Senior Editor Though alternative fuels are gaining momentum nationwide, gasoline is still the primary fuel that Americans use, explained John Eichberger, the executive director of the Fuels Institute, a nonprofit think tank, at this year’s M-PACT Show, which is…

The northern California convenience retailer prepares to tackle the next phase of its future. By David Bennett, Senior Editor Arguably, California sports its own version of what may be perceived as the gold standard: the California Gold Rush, the state’s rich citrus industry, the Golden Gate Bridge, Beverly Hills and maybe even the Golden Warriors’…