Par Pacific Holdings announced recently that it has entered into a purchase agreement for 22 of its Hele convenience stores in Hawaii with a subsidiary of real estate investment trust Realty Income Corp., in a sale-leaseback transaction. The terms of the transaction contemplate that upon closing the company’s subsidiaries will sell the retail convenience store/fuel…
Cubby’s Welcomes New COO Aboard
Omaha, Neb.-based Cubby’s recently welcomed longtime convenience store executive Mike Wilson to its executive team as the convenience store chain’s new chief operating officer. Wilson, a graduate of the University of Kansas, has experience with the former Kangaroo/The Pantry Inc., CEFCO and most recently running Cruizers Convenience Stores for Holmes Oil Co., based in Chapel Hill,…
Coca-Cola Tests Insole Technology for Workers on Their Feet
As a preventative measure to support employee musculoskeletal health, the Coca-Cola Co. is considering incorporating a new insole technology by SelectFlex into its already robust ergonomic controls. Before rolling out the new program, the Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) lead performed due diligence by implementing a pilot study at Coca-Cola’s plants in Honolulu; Paw Paw,…
What Is the Difference Between Closed-Loop and Open-Loop Prepaid Cards?
Prepaid cards are increasingly popular with customers whether as a means of gift giving or budgeting. Most convenience stores offer a range of physical gift cards — and many are providing an option for digital gift cards as well. Customers can select between two main types of prepaid cards —closed loop or open loop. A…
Biden Administration to Extend, Expand Nutrition Assistance Programs
On Jan. 22, President Joseph Biden signed an executive order calling on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to expand and extend federal nutrition assistance programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Biden has indicated that addressing hunger and food insecurity will be a priority for his administration. The order comes just after Congress…
Zippin Opens Checkout-Free Hotel C-Store in Japan
San Francisco-based Zippin announced the launch of its latest retail format: a hotel convenience store. Zippin’s partner, Fujitsu, the leading systems integrator in Japan, has worked with Koyo Group to implement the world’s first checkout-free store within a hotel at the Yokohama Techno Tower Hotel. It is also the first store in Japan open to…
TA Travel Center in Oregon Adds Naughty Chile Taqueria
TravelCenters of America’s TA Travel Center in Huntington, Ore., now offers Naughty Chile Taqueria, an authentic Mexican food quick service restaurant (QSR) kiosk. “We knew that a superior foodservice program was going to be vital to our customer base and Naughty Chile Taqueria’s menu fit perfectly,” said Deep Singh, owner of the franchised TA location.…
Study Outlines Recent Market Shifts, Trends Coming In 2021
An end-of-year study by cannabidiol (CBD) and hemp industry market analyst Brightfield Group provided a snapshot of the industry and trends on the horizon for 2021 and beyond. The report, “Buying CBD During a Pandemic,” outlined the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on demand for CBD products and opportunities for brick-and-mortar retail outlets. The events…
Core-Mark Inks Exclusive Distribution Deal With Fresh & Ready Foods
Furthering its strategy to provide more fresh and accessible food options to its network of more than 41,000 retailers in North America, Core-Mark International has signed an exclusive distribution deal with Fresh & Ready Foods, a leading provider of delicious and convenient on-the-go meals. Under the terms of the exclusive agreement, Core-Mark will offer its…
CEFCO Opens First Small-Format ‘Express’ Store
Temple, Texas-based CEFCO Convenience Stores announced the grand reopening of its newest store in Little River-Academy, Texas. This is CEFCO’s first rebuild of 2021 and CEFCO’s first small-format ‘Express’ store. The store will offer hot and cold food items, including new CEFCO Kitchen tacos, kolaches, fried chicken, breakfast items and other CEFCO Kitchen food offerings.…