When it comes to dispensed beverages, customers are still looking for new and unique products that provide them with instant gratification. By John Lofstock, Editor. Dispensed cold and frozen beverages are proving to be not just popular year-round products—sales are strong and getting stronger as summer approaches—but excellent tools for driving traffic through promotions and…
Half Century Man
By John Matthews, founder and president of Gray Cat Enterprises Inc. Feb. 11 was a milepost of sorts – I turned 50! As I enter the second half of my life [sic], I look back at the first 50 years with a great sense of pride and exuberance. I have been blessed with the opportunities…
The 2012 Convenience Store Foodservice Report
Top-quartile chains continue to post strong sales across all food segments, while retailers express confidence for healthy category growth throughout 2012. By David Bishop, Contributing Editor. We all know times are tough. The consumer is looking for greater value at a time when retailers are focusing on being competitive without losing their shirts. Retailers recognize…
Pilot Flying J To Acquire Western Petroleum
“The acquisition of Western Petroleum’s operations and employing Western Petroleum’s talented workforce is a significant complement to an important aspect of our growth strategy,” says Pilot Flying J CEO. Pilot Flying J is acquiring Western Petroleum LLC. Western Petroleum is a market leader in selling and transporting approximately 200 million gallons of fuel and lubricants…
Doug Reed Joins NACS
NACS welcomes vice president of marketing. Doug Reed joined NACS on Feb. 8 as its vice president of marketing. In this position, Reed will oversee the association’s marketing department and its related functions. Prior to joining NACS, Reed was the director of interactive technology at OTM Partners, and he was responsible for developing the plan,…
Delivering a Winning Pizza Program
In an effort to grow its foodservice business, Casey’s is expanding its menu to include pizza delivery. By Joe Bush, Contributing Editor. Casey’s General Stores has sold pizza for more than a quarter century making it one of the earliest convenience store chains to do so. Now, in an effort to expand its customer base,…
NACS CAFÉ is Calling
With foodservice taking on an expanded role in convenience stores, retailers can utilize NACS CAFÉ to learn about best practices, new ideas and emerging solutions. By John Lofstock, Editor. Foodservice now accounts for nearly one in every six dollars spent inside convenience stores. Getting foodservice right is no longer just a challenge, it is absolutely…
Heineken Appoints Senior Director of Regional Marketing
Johnson brings more than 20 years of marketing and business development experience to Heineken USA’s Regional Marketing team. Heineken USA has appointed Darrell Johnson as senior director, regional marketing. In his new role, Johnson will report to Kheri Tillman, vice president of trade marketing and sales strategy, and will be responsible for leading the regional…
McDonald’s Under Storm
An example of why addressing customer complaints in the age of social media is vital to your business. In today’s social media driven world, customer service is key to positive word-of-mouth, no matter the size of your chain or the scope of the complaint. If you doubt the seriousness of addressing customer complaints in a…
Cheerwine Partners With Pepsi Beverage Co.
Brand doubles its availability by expanding with the Pepsi Beverages Co. into Florida, Atlanta and Memphis. Legendary southern soft drink Cheerwine has taken a game changing leap forward in its quest to become available nationally, doubling its market size by partnering with Pepsi Beverages Co. (PBC) to expand distribution in Florida, Atlanta and Memphis. The…