Open Pantry Food Marts has plans to grow and improve business for its eight c-store sites. Open Pantry wants to continue to operate eight core sites in Southeast Wisconsin, and plans to reposition the Open Pantry Brands for a 2013 roll out. Open Pantry sold 19 sites to 7-Eleven this summer, which allowed 7-Eleven to…
7-Eleven Closes Open Pantry Acquisition
A total of 18 Open Pantry stores—14 of which are fuel locations—acquired in Wisconsin. 7-Eleven Inc. has completed a transaction to acquire 18 Open Pantry convenience store locations in Wisconsin, primarily in the greater Milwaukee and Madison markets. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. All 18 stores are located approximately in the lower third…
Baked to Perfection
As c-stores enhance their coffee and foodservice programs, operators look to fresh bakery to complete the package. By Heather Henstock, Contributing Editor. Convenience stores are investing heavily in store remodels and an experienced staff to create a bigger, better fresh foods program for customers. Too often they fall short in the bakery category, but a…
No Repeal and No Deal for MotoMart
Despite MotoMart’s recent efforts, the city of Neenah, Wis., refused to repeal its ban on alcohol sales in convenience stores. The Neenah, Wis. Common Council turned down MotoMart’s request to repeal the city’s ban on c-store alcohol sales on Wednesday, Aug. 3. The Post Crescent Online reported that the Common Council voted 8-1 to deny…
MotoMart Challenges City Ban
One Wisconsin MotoMart store aims to change city regulations on alcohol sales. MotoMart is challenging alcohol laws in Neenah, Wis., that prohibit retailers that sell fuel from also offering customers alcohol, the PostCrescent Online reported. MotoMart argues that the current law is archaic, and that it puts the city’s convenience stores at a competitive disadvantage…
Milwaukee CITGO Stations Support Toys for Tots
Forty-four CITGO gas stations across southeastern Wisconsin are joining together this holiday season to light up the lives of children in need. In partnership with local radio station FM 106.1, participating CITGO stations will be collecting toys from Nov. 22 to Dec. 12 in support of Toys for Tots. Individuals from across the community are…
Express Convenience Centers Comes of Age
At A Glance: Express Convenience Centers Stores: 19 in the Fox Cities region of Wisconsin. Fuel: 17 proprietary-branded Excelerator stati ons and two BP stations. Leadership Team: • John Schmidt, President and CEO, U.S. Venture • Paul Sippl, Director of Branded Fuel Supply, U.S. Venture • Jim Anholzer, General Manager, Express Convenience Centers •…
Love’s Opens Five Chester’s
Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores is opening five new Chester’s locations at its stores. The fried chicken foodservice offering is set to appear at Love’s locations in Corning, Calif., Tacoma, Wash., Des Moines (Clive), Iowa, Oak Creek, Wis., and Gary, Ind. Following the merger of Flying J Inc. and Pilot Travel Centers LLC, the…
Brookwood Farms Appoints New Mid Regional Manager
Brookwood Farms BBQ has hired Chuck Mastruserio as its new regional manager for the Mid West region. “We are very excited to have Chuck join our team as we expand our sales and growth into the Midwest region of the country,” said Twig Wood, Brookwood Farms president. He will assume the responsibilities of managing sales…
Turning a Foodservice Profit
With many c-stores moving into foodservice to compensate for lagging cigarette and gasoline sales, the roller grill is becoming more important than ever for driving sales. According to industry retailers, among the emerging trends worth noting is the growing popularity of breakfast sausages for the morning daypart, while spicy and ethnic flavors continue to attract…