Every retail operator starts with that first single store. The management hones their operational skills; develops a “how-to-go-to-market” strategy; and hopefully finds success for years to come. Then they wonder if they could replicate this success in a second location? A third? Or more? How do they make that happen and what are the key…

SurgePays recently conducted a survey focusing on the underbanked and underserved communities looking at consumers’ perspectives and attitudes toward independent local convenience stores. According to the survey, American consumers regard their local, independent convenience stores and bodegas in near unanimous high regard, with 94% of them calling the stores somewhat important (34%), very important (34%)…

How can convenience stores cope with lingering supply chain issues? The answer is to take several commonsense steps that can help to minimize — but sadly, probably not end any time soon — the disruption. Here are some strategies: Communicate: The first step is the simplest — talking with current suppliers, in person if need…

Restaurants have been welcoming customers this holiday season by adding Thanksgiving items to their menus. SpotOn, a restaurant software and payment provider, reported a list of Thanksgiving meal trends it is seeing from the independent and small chain restaurants it serves across the U.S. Some of the trends include: Thanksgiving Menu Items A majority of…

WINNER: High’s of Baltimore High’s continues to upgrade its restroom features and value the importance of sanitation as an influence on in-store sales. Although restroom cleanliness has always been a well-regarded aspect of convenience store operations, its importance has never been quite so touted as it was during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, post-pandemic and with…

In a distinctive twist on the typical convenience store, Fast Break Bait & Tackle houses a fisherman’s paradise, ideally situated in Okeechobee, Fla., on the north end of Lake Okeechobee, which has a vast surface area (730 square miles) and enormous habitat diversity. It is Florida’s largest freshwater lake and the second-largest natural freshwater lake…

In an area where business is still done with a handshake, c-store chain Corner Store brings customer service to a new level while offering a well-known, proprietary foodservice program to Seminole, Texas. With a brand-new loyalty program, customers can find deals and discounts on Corner Store products with a physical rewards card. Corner Store began…

Small independent convenience store retailers are not only grappling with the same inflation, supply chain issues and labor shortages as the rest of the industry, but they’re also having to compete against larger chains with fewer resources. Still, small family chains are the backbone of this industry and many independent c-stores are succeeding today despite…

Fuel City has announced the opening of a Chester’s Chicken in its Haltom City location in the Dallas Fort-Worth region. The new store opened on June 30, and is located at 1715 Haltom Road. With seven travel center locations in Texas, Fuel City is a fast growing chain that is known for its world-famous tacos.…

Many small businesses, old and new, find themselves wondering how to stay up-to-date in a market that is constantly evolving. It can be difficult and overwhelming to keep up with various trends in business. Being a small business owner comes with many responsibilities in order to maintain the success of your business. From appearance to…