The convenience store industry was hit hard by Hurricane Katrina, and many retailers are still recovering from the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history. Hurricane Katrina caused nearly $1 million in damages to a dozen Danny & Clyde’s convenience stores owned by Donna Cyprowski and Chris Rittiner, who took the chain’s reins from their fathers.…
the cleanup continues
By John Lofstock When the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) released its State of the Industry report in April, we learned the state of the industry is good. Sales are up, profits are up and operating costs are down. But this hardly tells the whole story. Almost a year after hurricanes Katrina and Rita…
clutch player
By Kate Quackenbush, Managing Editor Mike Leake may have had eight years of experience servicing convenience stores while working for Frito Lay and then McLane Grocery Distribution as a DSD sales representative, but it wasn't until DesMoines, Wash.-based Emanuel Inc. recruited him that he found a truly unique operation. Leake met owner Sami Said while…
pitching in
Retailers, suppliers and distributors by the dozens stepped up to aid victims of Hurricane Katrina. Nearly 10 months later, many continue to help. By Ross Markman, Retail Relations Editor Hurricane Katrina may have struck New Orleans and the nearby Gulf Coast region, but there's no doubt that the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history rippled…
how to become a local hero
When disaster strikes, every one of us has the opportunity to act heroically. When disaster strikes, every one of us has the opportunity to act heroically. By Mel Kleiman, CSP Remember the old comedy/Western “Support Your Local Sheriff?” James Garner starred as Jason McCullough, a guy who runs out of money on his way to…
6 questions to ask yourself before your next hire
By Mel Kleiman, CSP Just as you should consistently ask applicants questions that get you all the information need, so should you question yourself every time you consider hiring a new employee. These six questions will help glean valuable company information and ultimately save time and money. 1. Can we do this job differently or…
cstores with no cashiers
The concept of tomorrow is being offered today. A CSD Staff Report For convenience store retailers, cashiers embody both the assets and the liabilities of running a cash-intensive business. Cashiers provide the face and the feel for store operations, but also the risk from cash and cash handling in the form of both internal and…
decisionmakers
RetailerSpotlightAndrea Jackson, president and COO of Jacksons Food Stores, was chosen by Idaho Business Review as one of Idaho's "Women of the Year." She was honored because of her professional accomplishments, willingness to serve in volunteer organizations and to mentor other women. Jackson has risen from clerk to president and COO of Jacksons Food Stores,…
better people bring bigger profits
When you first think about hiring employees for foodservice, do you assume that applicants with previous experience serving food would be preferable to those who've never made a sandwich? If so, you're looking for the wrong thing, says two important players in the convenience store foodservice arena. High energy, a love of multi-tasking and good…
globetrotter
Joe Lewis Global Supply Chain Manager Chevron It's as if Joe Lewis was preparing to be a global supply chain manager for a multinational oil company his entire life. Why wouldn't any red-blooded American kid salivate over the idea of working in key markets throughout North America, Asia and Africa? Lewis started working in grocery…