CStore Decisions honored Stinker Stores on Oct. 15 at Roof on theWit as its 36th Chain of the Year. Celebrated on the second night of the NACS Show in Chicago, convenience store industry members gathered to mingle, enjoy the views and mark the occasion.
“Over the past 36 years, CStore Decisions has consistently honored retailing excellence. While many organizations across our industry have focused awards on chain size and store count, CStore Decisions focuses simply on honoring operational excellence, a commitment to innovation and a future-focused direction,” said Erin Del Conte, editor-in-chief of CStore Decisions.
Stinker’s Success
Founded in 1936 by Farris Lind, the 104-store chain is based in Boise, Idaho, with locations in Idaho, Wyoming and Colorado. Charley Jones; his wife, Nancy Jones; and business partner, Shawn Davis, bought the chain in 2002. In 2024, Nate Brazier became CEO.
“What truly sets Stinker Stores apart is its unwavering commitment to continuous improvement and consistently upgrading and refining its systems and programs. Refusing to settle for ‘good enough,’ the chain remains focused on modernizing and adapting to meet the needs of tomorrow,” said Del Conte.
This past year, Stinker opened a 10,000-square-foot truck stop, and recently, the chain introduced a prototype store design with its proprietary Pete’s Eats food program at the front of the store, an open-kitchen concept and community seating.
Stinker also upgraded its brand identity, complete with a new logo and updated mascot image. Additionally, it launched a new app and enhanced loyalty program. Important elements include order-ahead, delivery and gamification. The chain is also dabbling in artificial intelligence, both with roller grills and a central fuel pricing system.
“We are so proud to honor Stinker Stores with the 2025 Chain of the Year Award,” Del Conte continued.
Presenting the Award
As per tradition, 2024’s Chain of the Year Award winner, Pilot Co., presented the award to Stinker Stores.
Derek Panfil, VP, chief merchant of Pilot, represented the chain for the passing of the torch.
“The stories that we hear out on the road about what our team members do, in terms of people who are breaking down and driving across the country or who are coming across hard times, I think that is something that is lost on people who are not in the industry but something that Stinker Stores certainly exemplifies. They are (part of the) fabric of the community, and they really care about their people, and they make a difference in people’s lives every day,” he said.
Celebrating Stinker
Stinker Stores CEO Nate Brazier and Owner/Chairman Nancy Jones accepted the award on behalf of the chain.
“As first-generation business owners, we have weathered and experienced the ups and downs of the American dream,” said Nancy Jones. She continued with a note of gratitude to those who have made the journey with her and Charley and a toast to her late husband, who passed away last year.
Brazier also said a few words in honor of the recognition.
“When we first received the news that Stinker was being named CStore Decisions’ 2025 Chain of the Year, I honestly had to take a few deep breaths,” he said. “Because it isn’t just a recognition of a company; it’s a celebration of people, of heart, of a lot of perseverance, of a stinkin’ awesome team that absolutely refused to stop believing in what we could do and build together.”
Like Jones, he mentioned thanks to those who have impacted the chain.
“This industry is the best. It is an industry full of some of the most resilient, some of the most creative and hard-working leaders that I have ever met,” he said.
“This award is not about being perfect. It’s about showing up every single day with grit, with heart and humility. It’s a reminder that culture isn’t a poster. It’s not a sign you can hang on a wall. It’s not something you write once a year and then forget what it is. It’s what you live in every store, every shift, every day,” Brazier continued.
Following the ceremony, guests continued to celebrate the chain while overlooking the Chicago skyline.
