McDonald’s is preparing an aggressive summer promotion targeting core c-store customers. Another month, another challenge for convenience store operators. Where is the legendary Charles Atlas when the big bad bully tries to kick sand in our collective faces? As I’m sure you’ve heard by now this summer’s bully is, once again, McDonald’s. The hamburger chain…
Become Energy Efficient
Emerson has recently introduced a new line of case controls that are capable of controlling compressors, defrosters, case fans and lighting, as well as optional communications with Emerson’s E2 Facility Management System. The new case controllers utilize the same compact design as many European-styled controls and feature localized programming capabilities and displays that make it…
Chicken’s Popularity Soars to New Heights
Americans want it, but lots of operators are nervous about it. That’s why working with distributors and training employees on how to handle chicken is so important. Consumers have very definitely stated preferences for chicken items, which is why chains like Wawa feature chicken prominently on their menus. For example, the Pennsylvania-based operator features chicken…
Aloha Acquires Shell’s Hawaii Assets
Aloha Petroleum Ltd. has entered an agreement to buy Shell Oil Products U.S.’s retail and terminal operations in Hawaii, BusinessWeek reported. Financial terms and details were not disclosed, and the exact number of stations Aloha will acquire is not yet known, as some of the locations are subject to first-right-of-refusal or options to purchase held by other…
The Benefits of Going Green
An Illinois CITGO fuel marketer became the first gas station owner in the nation to receive the Green Business League award for its efforts to reduce energy and minimize its environmental footprint. Dave Welch, president of Deerfield CITGO, began his journey toward achieving a green business in June 2009, when he and a consultant started…
PCI Compliance Requires a Full-Time Focus
The 12 Standards of PCI SSC Build and Maintain a Secure Network 1. Install and maintain a firewall configuration to protect data. 2. Do not use vendor-supplied defaults for system passwords and other security parameters. Protect Cardholder Data 3. Protect stored cardholder data. 4. Encrypt transmissions of cardholder data and sensitive information across open public…
Energy North To Buy Clipper Mart
Energy North placed a winning bid of $9.27 million, plus the value of the stores’ inventory to acquire M.W. Sewall’s 11 Clipper Mart stores, outbidding Cumberland Farms Inc.’s $8.5 million offer, The Times Record reported. Other qualified bidders at Tuesday’s auction included H.A. Mapes Inc., Mac’s Convenience Stores LLC and TD Bank. Two other qualified…
Budweiser Honors America’s Troops
With the help of nearly 3,000 soldiers stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, Budweiser announced a partnership with the USO (United Service Organizations) early this week to honor America’s Armed Forces through the “Proud to Serve Those Who Serve” program. As part of the program, Budweiser and its wholesalers will donate $250,000 in May and June…
New Software Monitors Gas Island Vending
Vendgogh LLC has announced the first release of its VendTrack network monitoring software, which enables c-stores to monitor the operations of Vendgogh’s integrated gas island vending systems. Vendgogh’s gas island vending solution helps convenience stores sell cold drinks to gas-only customers who typically stop for gas but don’t go into the store. Research has shown…
Quick Chek Awards Sweepstakes Winners
Quick Chek, which operates more than 120 food store locations throughout New Jersey and southern New York, has announced the winners of its third annual Devils Night Out Sweepstakes. The sweepstakes, which celebrate Quick Chek’s famed coffee as the official coffee of the New Jersey Devils, asked customers to submit an essay stating why they…