CStore Decisions is proud to celebrate the chains and individuals standing out in the convenience store industry. Below are the awards and recognitions CStore Decisions highlights throughout the year and the most recent winners.
Most Recent Winner
2026 — Toot’n Totum
CHAIN RECOGNITION | NOVEMBER COVER STORY
The Chain of the Year Award celebrates a c-store, travel center or petroleum chain standing out in the industry for operational excellence, innovation and future-focused direction. The winner is decided by editors and celebrated at a special evening event during the NACS Show. The winner is featured as the cover story in the November issue of CStore Decisions magazine.
INDIVIDUAL RECOGNITION | DECEMBER FEATURE
40 Under 40 Leaders to Watch celebrates the individuals who are the future of the convenience retailing industry. These rising-leaders may have many years ahead of them in their career, yet they have already demonstrated the acumen, dedication, and drive it takes to truly make a difference at their retail chain. The nomination process for 40 Under 40 Leaders to Watch opens in the summer. Inductees are announced at a virtual gala in December and are featured in the December issue.
SKU LEVEL RECOGNITION | NOVEMBER FEATURE
The Hot New Products Contest recognizes new products that launched within the last year with Gold, Silver and Bronze winners for different product categories. Watch for a call for nominations in early spring. A panel of retailer judges determines the winners. The Hot New Products winners are announced ahead of the NACS Show and featured in the November issue.
Most Recent Winners
2026 – Spinx, GPM Investments
CHAIN RECOGNITION | FEBRUARY FEATURE
The Best Foodservice Launch Awards recognize c-store chains that have rolled out a new foodservice program within the last year — either a completely new program or a revamp of an existing program. The winners are featured in the February issue of CStore Decisions. CStore Decisions editors choose the winners in December.
Most Recent Winners
2025 – fireside MARKET, Sprint Mart
CHAIN RECOGNITION | FEBRUARY FEATURE
The Best Store Design Awards showcase c-store chains that have rolled out a new or revamped store design within the last year. The designs are typically unique, attention grabbing and lay out the store in such a way that draws the customer’s eye to the best the chain has to offer. The winners are featured in the February issue of the magazine and are chosen by CStore Decisions editors in December. Watch for a nomination call in November.
Category Management Awards
Most Recent Winners
Josh Campbell, Category Manager | Dash In
Eric Arnold, Category Manager | Road Ranger
INDIVIDUAL RECOGNITION | MARCH FEATURE
The Category Management Awards recognize category management leaders who go above and beyond in their roles. They keep their categories fresh, recognize trends, understand who their customers are and discover new ways to enhance their offerings. The winners are chosen by CStore Decisions editors in late January and are featured in the March issue of the magazine.
Human Resources Awards
Most Recent Winners
Nathan Graham Director of HR | TXB
Yasmin Dabboussi Director of HR | Yatco
INDIVIDUAL RECOGNITION | APRIL FEATURE
The Human Resources Awards showcases human resources leaders in the c-store industry who stand out in their field. They have been instrumental in the launch of new initiatives and projects and are vital to their company. Winners are chosen by CStore Decisions editors in February and are showcased in the April issue of the magazine.
Tech Innovation Awards
Most Recent Winners
2025 – Casey’s, Cubby’s
CHAIN RECOGNITION | MAY FEATURE
The Tech Innovation Awards celebrates c-store chains that are enhancing their stores with new tech achievements. This can include anything from installing self-checkout to launching mobile apps and loyalty programs to using artificial intelligence. Winners are chosen by CStore Decisions editors in March. They are revealed in the May issue of CStore Decisions.
Community Engagement / Philanthropy Awards
Most Recent Winners
2025 – Sapp Bros., Rutter’s
CHAIN RECOGNITION | JULY FEATURE
Convenience stores are continuously giving back to the communities they serve. Watch for a nomination call in March. Winners are selected by CStore Decisions editors and featured in the July issue.
Best Loyalty Program Awards
Most Recent Winners
2025 – Global Partners, bp
CHAIN RECOGNITION | NOVEMBER FEATURE
In conjunction with NexChapter, CStore Decisions recognizes stand out loyalty programs that either launched, relaunched or received an upgrade or enhancement in the past year. Winners are chosen by CStore Decisions and NexChapter and featured in the November issue of CStore Decisions.
New in 2025, there are separate Chains to Watch recognitions for chains above and below 70 units.
CHAIN RECOGNITION | AUGUST FEATURE
5 Up-and-Coming Chains to Watch
Under 70 Units
Featured in the August issue, these are smaller chains that are rising in the industry standing out in terms of growth, new initiatives and program launches. Watch for a call for nominations in early summer.
CHAIN RECOGNITION | OCTOBER FEATURE
5 Established and Growing Chains to Watch
70 Units or More
Featured in the October issue, these are larger established chains that are standing out in terms of growth, direction, new initiatives and program launches. Watch for a call for nominations in early summer.