Marilyn Odesser-Torpey

With pumpkin spice still a must-have in bean or creamer form for any fall coffee program, convenience stores are also looking at other hot beverages and ancillary items to build seasonal sales. At the 35 Cubby’s convenience stores in Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota, for example, more flavors of powdered cappuccino, mochas and lattes are…

One window is worth a thousand words. At least it is to Michelle Weckstein, director of foodservice for the 78 Sun Stop Convenience Stores and Sun Valley Market & Deli stores in Georgia, Florida and Alabama. Weckstein pointed out that producing attractive, tempting-looking foods for the stores’ Eats Deli is only part of her job.…

A generic cup of joe just won’t cut it with today’s coffee-savvy consumers. They’re looking for quality brews and programs that retailers are proud to put their name on. For the past year, northern Ohio-based FriendShip Food Stores’ locations have been undergoing “mini remodels” of coffee preparation and merchandising areas to upgrade their offerings and…

At Rutter’s, which has 75 locations in Pennsylvania, Maryland and West Virginia, burgers are so popular they have their own menu of more than two dozen variations. Customers can choose from a one-third-pound, 100% Angus beef patty, a one-fourth-pound chipotle black bean burger or a turkey burger, said Ryan Krebs, the York, Pa.-based chain’s director…

Given increasing customer excitement surrounding cold-brew coffee, many convenience store retailers across the U.S. have been getting in on the trend by adding the beverage to their cold vaults and/or dispensed areas.  While some retailers expressed encountering specific challenges with cold brew sales and, as a result, are carrying only a representative sampling of the…

At convenience stores, customers may expect to find hot dogs on the roller grill and pepperoni pizza in the warmer. But what if those hot dogs were foot-longs served on cheddar jalapeno buns and the pizza crowned with a signature fiery combination of pepperoni and hot sauce? While some retailers believe that bringing roller grill…

As Maverik Inc.’s human resources director for 14 years running, Ashley Ray has created a strong employee-oriented culture by improving employee retention, performance management and training. She’s also focused on new employee orientation, certifications and increasing awareness and understanding around benefits.  Convenience Store Decisions is recognizing Ray as part of our annual Human Resources (HR)…

Maverik bills its more than 330 convenience stores in 10 states as “Adventure’s First Stop,” and that applies to its foodservice offerings as well. At the chain’s condiment bar, customers can find numerous global-inspired toppings for sandwiches including spicy green salsa, roasted red pepper salsa, pico de gallo, jalapeño cream sauce in a squeeze bottle,…

In a SNAP Keynote Report, “Pizza Power,” earlier this year, Datassential research firm found that consumers enthusiastically order toppings beyond the traditional, especially those that featured regional-favorite ingredients and flavor combinations, when convenience stores and other foodservice operators introduce them on their menus. High-scoring variations offered in c-stores included the Philly Cheesesteak at Turkey Hill…

Whether it’s the product of a full, fried bone-in program, offered as tenders with sauces or featured in sandwiches, salads or as a pizza topping, chicken’s menu-spanning versatility and affinity for countless flavor profiles make it a natural for convenience stores. By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey, Associate Editor When it comes to mealtime proteins, chicken still gets…