News Archives
Jan 20, 2026
OXXO Debuts Bakery QSR in Texas Store
German-style bakery Ditsch opened its first U.S. location in an El Paso, Texas, OXXO location.
Behind the Counter With a C-Store Corporate Chef
How Chef Jason Lord of Alltown Fresh found a home in the convenience industry.
Nittany MinitMart Donates $26,000 to Food Pantries
The Pennsylvania-based retailer raised the money during its ‘Fuel the Hungry’ round-up campaign.
Jan 19, 2026
Hemp THC Ban Could Kill a Burgeoning Category for C-Stores
With a federal intoxicating hemp ban on the horizon, NACS and CABA’s Diana Eberlein share why advocacy efforts in 2026 are critical.
Applications Are Open for the Lisa Dell’Alba Scholarship
The scholarship is a first-of-its-kind award established in memory of longtime industry leader Dell’Alba.
Hunt Brothers Pizza Brings Back Buffalo Chicken LTO
The LTO is available beginning January 19 and features ranch dressing and buffalo wing sauce.
Datassential: 10 ‘New Classic’ Menu Items Customers Want
The research company named food, flavors and techniques that are ‘must-haves’ for restaurants in 2026.
New Year, New Menus for QSRs
Chick-fil-A, Taco Bell, Dunkin’ and more launched new menus to kick off 2026.
Jan 16, 2026
Podcast: Behind the Battle for Swipe Fee Reform
NACS continues to advocate for the passage of the Credit Card Competition Act in Congress.
Now Is the Time to Act: Come to Day on the Hill 2026
Meet with your lawmakers and make your voice heard on CCCA and other issues critical to the industry.
Jan 15, 2026
Alltown Fresh Launches Heart Health Campaign
The retailer will donate a portion of proceeds from every Breakfast Power Bowl sold to a local children’s hospital.
GLP-1 Users Order More Main Dishes, Less Sides
Meanwhile, snack packaging with ‘GLP-1 Friendly’ labels are becoming more common.
Energy Drinks Double Down on Punch-Inspired Flavors
Circle K, Monster launch exclusive energy drink flavor; plus more from Phorm Energy, Celsius and Bodyarmor.
Alabama C-Store to Convert 20 Sites to ExtraMile
Moore Oil has committed to converting more than 20 Chevron Food Mart locations in Alabama.
Circle K Franchisees Add THC Beverages to Texas Stores
Dozens of locations are adding Varin THC beverages to shelves.
Jan 14, 2026
Congress Reintroduces Credit Card Competition Act
President Trump shared his support for the CCCA; Senator Durbin says 'let's get this done.'
Legislation to Delay Hemp Ban Is Introduced in Congress
The proposal would delay the THC ban to 2028.
Dutch Bros Acquires 20-Store Coffee Chain
The Carolina-area stores will be renovated and reopened as Dutch Bros Coffee locations.
Paytronix: AI Will Continue to Shape 2026 Trends
Paytronix’s 2026 Trends Predictions Report dives into how AI will impact convenience retail.
This C-Store Found the Winning Recipe
Pepperoni rolls and ‘Roundhill round steak’ help The Corner Market stay a step ahead of the competition.
BLS: Inflation Stalls in December
The consumer price index rose 2.7%, the same rate as in November.
Jan 13, 2026
President Trump Endorses Credit Card Competition Act
The legislation would finally make Visa, Mastercard and their largest issuers compete on credit card swipe fees.
Rutter’s Opens Another C-Store Bar Location
Plus, Refuel, Parker’s Kitchen and more are opening new stores.
Circle K Offers 40 Cents Off Per Gallon
The company is hosting an Inner Circle Fuel Day; loyalty members will receive an all-day deal.
TEI Partners With Paren for New EV Charging Program
The program will provide a ‘more complete view of EV charging performance across the market.’
NRF: Retail Spending Surged During Holidays
December retail sales were up 3.5% year over year.
Jan 12, 2026
Can Hemp THC Products Be the Next Big C-Store Category?
The rise of intoxicating hemp products offers opportunity, but a looming hemp ban raises questions.
Weigel’s Engagement Strategy Sees Strong Loyalty Adoption
The company added more than 113,000 new loyalty members in 2025, citing gamification as a differentiator.
Q3 2025: How Did Evolving Shopper Habits Shape Global C-Store Sales?
The NACS/NIQ Global Convenience Store Industry Report Q3 2025 takes a deep dive on c-stores performance across the world.
Ideas 2 Go: For This C-Store, It All Started With a Skunk
Idaho-based Stinker Stores leans into its branding and mascot, Polecat Pete.
PepsiCo Unveils Plans for AI Warehouse Design
The company partnered with Siemens and NVIDIA for the initiative.
Jan 9, 2026
Federal Reserve Announces Actions to Support Penny Circulation
The Reserve said it will resume accepting pennies from banks and credit unions at commercial coin distribution locations.
7-Eleven Launches Waffle Breakfast Items
The retailer added a new breakfast sandwich and side to its menu.
Stinker Stores Sells 12 Locations
The stores were located across Colorado and were bought by multiple operators.
Circle K Rolls Out Intelligent Management Platform
The company expanded its partnership with Quorso to the U.S. and Canada.
Lock In Early Bird Pricing for the 2026 Conexxus Annual Conference
Register by January 11 for discounts and hear NACS’ Frank Gleeson’s first keynote as NACS president and CEO.
Jan 8, 2026
Casey’s Debuts New Pizza From Annual Employee Competition
Judged by a panel including celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern, the Barn Burner Chicken pizza LTO now gets a spot on the menu.
NACS, NGA Urge USDA to Clarify SNAP Restriction Enforcement
Associations warn unclear guidance and harsh penalties could jeopardize SNAP food access.
Pilot Revamps App, Launches New Meal Deals
The app update ‘is the next phase in building a unified and consistent brand for Pilot.’
Refuel Reimagines Loyalty Program
The retailer’s new program focuses on fuel savings and personalization.
RaceTrac Partners With ONRAMP for Payments
The partnership will ‘offer secure, seamless and efficient payment experiences’ for professional drivers.
Weigel’s Introduces MyWeigel’s Pay
The new feature is an evolution of its former fuel card and is available in-app.
Alltown Fresh Launches Apparel Collection
The merch line features 23 custom-designed and printed pieces.
Jan 7, 2026
Seven & i CEO Outlines 4 Priorities for 2026
The company will strive to deliver value, strengthen digital convenience, advance food leadership and control costs.
Minimum Wage Rises Across the Country
A total of 19 states have raised their minimum wage this month, with many over $15 an hour.
DoorDash: Protein Shake Orders Grew 93% Year Over Year
Diners are increasingly looking for convenient, better-for-you meals from local spots.
Quality Mart Brings In Burritos
The c-store added a lineup of six Tres Picosos burritos to its hot foodservice stores.
Target Adds Non-Alcoholic and Functional Beverages to Shelves
The company rolled out Naked Life and Gorgie Protein Energy drinks nationwide.
EG America Donates $580,000 to Disabled American Veterans
The retailer raised the funds through its annual in-store campaign in November.
Jan 6, 2026
Weigel’s Unveils App Redesign
The retailer said the redesigned MyWeigel’s Rewards App delivers ‘a faster, more intuitive experience.’
Energy Drinks Enter 2026 With New Flavors
Phorm Energy introduced Silver Lightning, while Monster Energy unveiled Monster Energy Strawberry Shot.
SunStop Launches $7 Snack Pack
The offer features chicken tenders, a drink, chips and a candy bar.
WSJ: Pizza Chains See Slower Sales
With increased competition in delivery, pizza QSRs are lagging in the fast-food market.
Starbucks Adds Dubai Chocolate Drinks to New Menu
Dutch Bros and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf also launched their winter menus.
Jan 5, 2026
The Gas Spot Redefines Rural Midwest Retail With Bold Brand
Female-led c-store company InConvenience Inc is bringing foodservice and local gathering space to its rural Midwest communities.
Reliance Oil Buys 6 Pennsylvania C-Stores
Plus, Terrible’s, Royal Farms, Family Express and more open new locations.
Drive-Thru Coffee Chains Continue to Expand
Coffee QSR 7 Brew added over 500 new U.S. locations in the last three years.
Loop Neighborhood Markets Partners With The Grateful Garment Project
Plus, Terrible’s and QuickChek recently gave back to their communities.
NACS Community Remembers Steve Sheetz
Steve Sheetz, who served as 1990-91 NACS Chairman, helped revolutionize his company and the industry.
Jan 2, 2026
NACS Officially Welcomes Frank Gleeson
Gleeson became NACS President and CEO on January 1, 2026.
Weekly Jobless Claims Hit One-Month Low
Claims have been ‘volatile in recent weeks amid challenges adjusting the data for seasonal fluctuations.’
Dutch Bros to Target Stronger Breakfast Strategy
Meanwhile, Starbucks recently closed 12% of its locations in New York City.
Retailers Wrapped Up 2025 With Community Events
RaceTrac, Weigel’s and more closed out the year by volunteering in local communities.
Dec 31, 2025
Honoring Henry Armour
Celebrating 20 years as NACS president and CEO.
What Were the Top Trending Flavors of 2025?
From popular flavors to fun brand mash ups, here’s a look back at what was hot this year and what to keep your eye on in 2026.
Love’s Financial Acquires Three Freight Providers
The company acquired TBS Factoring Service, Saint John Capital and Financial Carrier Services.
FNS Releases SNAP Clarifications on Retailer Compliance
The new guidance outlines enforcement timelines and penalties for retailers as SNAP Food Restriction Waivers begin January 1, 2026.
Dec 30, 2025
NACS Daily’s Top 10 Stories of the Year
From upcoming Buc-ee’s openings to major industry mergers, these were the most-read stories of 2025.
Retailers Close Out 2025 With New Store Openings
The Spinx Company, Fresh Stop, Wawa and more recently celebrated grand openings.
Turn Your Compensation and Benefits Metrics Into an HR Strategy
The NACS Talent Insights Dashboard delivers industry-specific benchmarking data on turnover, salaries, benefits and more.
How C-Stores Can Fight Human Trafficking
January is National Human Trafficking Prevention month.
Rutter’s Donates $55,000 to Local Police
The proceeds will go to the York County Safety Collaborative’s Honor Their Service Fund.
Dec 29, 2025
Treasury Issues Guidance for Penny Shortage
Plus, the House Committee presses the Fed to increase penny recirculation.
NACS Community Remembers Carl Bolch, Jr.
RaceTrac’s Bolch, Jr. was an industry icon, influential leader and the 2000-2001 NACS Chairman.
5 C-Store Podcasts That Resonated in 2025
A behind-the-scenes look at what made five Convenience Matters podcasts from this year so compelling.