News Archives


Apr 19, 2024

New QSR Menu Items Focus on Spice
McDonald’s, Subway and Taco Bell announce new items.

Anheuser-Busch Adds U.S. Farmed Certification Seal
The beer maker is the first to carry the seal that promotes domestically-made products.

House Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Privacy Proposal
NACS is part of a coalition that outlined concerns with the American Privacy Rights Act draft.

World-Class Learning Opportunities for C-Store Leaders
NACS Executive Education Programs are tailored specifically for our industry.

Younger Consumers Drive Surge in Live Event Travel
About three in five Gen Z and Millennials plan to travel for events in the next 12 months.

Google Adds New EV Features to Google Maps
The company announced a number of new tools to help drivers find chargers.

EPA Grants Emergency Waiver for Summer Sales of E15


Apr 18, 2024

Virginia C-Stores Protest Skill Game Bill Amendments
Operators refused to sell lottery tickets on Monday and closed for an hour on Tuesday.

Two Brands of Convenience Coming to North Carolina
Royal Farms and Arko unveil plans for new locations in Lumberton and Newport.

UK House Passes Bill Banning Tobacco Sales for Anyone Born After 2009
Other countries have also implemented strict smoking bans in recent years.

Global Coffee Consumption Rises and Shows Momentum
Circana data shows 5% year-over-year growth worldwide, outpacing 3% in the United States.


Apr 17, 2024

Amazon Becomes the Largest Private EV Charging Operator in the U.S.
The company has installed more than 17,000 chargers at 120 warehouses.

Tech Companies Announce Partnerships With RaceTrac, Sheetz
Blue Yonder will work with RaceTrac while Gravitate partners with Sheetz.

7-Eleven Highlights Sustainability and Social Impact Accomplishments
Plus, the retailer completed the acquisition of 204 Stripes stores.

QSRs Are Staying Ahead of the Curve
Placer.AI reports on how QSRs are outperforming the full-dining experience.

Gen Z, Millennials Splurge on Food as Confidence Increases
Younger shoppers are feeling good about spending more on groceries.

Valor Oil's HOP Shops Raise $25,000 for Asthma Research
The retailer donated the funds to the Jovante Woods Foundation.


Apr 16, 2024

Yelp Names Wawa as One of the ‘Fastest Growing Brands’
Customers gravitated towards the c-store’s grab-and-go food offerings.

7-Eleven Brings on Zoa Energy
The energy drink’s arrival includes an exclusive Mango Splash flavor and a chance to win a Ford Raptor.

Asahi Zeros in on Zero-Proof
The Japanese brewer looks to expand its lineup of alcohol-free beverages in the United States.

Alberta, Canada, Convenience Stores Might Soon Sell Liquor
The initiative follows Ontario’s 2023 decision to sell liquor at grocery and convenience stores.

Starbucks Gets ‘Swicy’ With New Chili-Spiced Beverages
The company announced its spicy lemonade refreshers and spicy cream cold foam.

Sheeva.AI Partners With Citroën
Virginia-based Sheeva.AI’s payment tech is now being used in vehicles in India.


Apr 15, 2024

Former NACS Chair Bill Douglass Honored By Congress
The industry icon received the Congressional Patriot Award in a special ceremony on Capitol Hill.

Giant Eagle Opens New Corporate Headquarters
The new facility brings back 400 employees on a hybrid schedule.

Cool New Products: Where to Source the Latest Innovations
The NACS Cool New Products Discovery Center curates the latest convenience industry products.

Discover Home-Cooked Cajun at This Louisiana Travel Center
Gas Station Gourmet introduces Henry’s Travel Plaza, a “full-on family operation.”

Why Grocers Are Opening ‘Convenience-Style’ Stores
Placer.ai says small format stores offer retailers three unique advantages.

Parker’s Kitchen Donates $5,000 to Aiken County Public Schools
Meanwhile, Casey’s and QuikCheck help their local communities fight hunger.


Apr 12, 2024

BP Touts Its Advances in ‘Freshly Prepared Food Options’
The company is expanding its foodservice options across its lineup of retail brands.

Don’t Miss the NACS Swipe Fee Settlement Webinar on April 16
Participants will hear more details on what the latest settlement means for the convenience retail industry.

Retailers Celebrate New Sites Across the Country
Thorntons breaks ground in Illinois, Wawa enters North Carolina and other operators open stores.

Privacy Takes Priority in House and Senate Committees
Bipartisan bicameral draft privacy legislation released and hearings announced.

Pilot Offers Free Cold Brew at 500 Locations
Loyalty members can get a free cup of Pilot’s new flavor on National Cold Brew Day.

Murphy USA Kicks Off ‘Great Futures Fueled Here’ Fundraiser
In its fourth year, the roundup campaign takes place at all Murphy USA, Murphy Express and QuickChek sites.


Apr 11, 2024

NACS Board Members Impact Washington Policy Discussions
Retailers represented the industry on tax policy and labor laws this week.

Clearing Up Misperceptions About Fourth-Tier Cigarettes
The deep discount subcategory boasts sales growth.

Love's Selects PAR Technology for Food and Inventory Management
The retailer aims to level up its backend operations and manage food costs.

Senate Rejects NLRB’s Joint Employer Rule
However, President Biden is expected to veto the Senate measure.

TravelCenters of America and NATSO Improve Roadside Work Conditions
A digital alert can now warn oncoming drivers when safety vehicles are at work.

U.S. Appeals Court Upholds California’s Clean Air Act Waiver
The ruling allows the state to set zero-emission vehicle sales requirements.


Apr 10, 2024

7-Eleven Parent Company Set for M&A Growth in North America
Seven & i Holdings announces plans for ‘globally integrated’ management structure.

Boosting Revenue, The Fun Way
Pace-O-Matic skill games draw customers into stores and keep them there.

NACS SOI Summit: Routine Shifts Cause Daypart Disruption
Consumers have changed their daily eating habits, affecting c-store traffic.

Reuters: Food and Drink Makers Target Low-Income Americans
Americans are cutting spending and prompting food makers to use new strategies.

Casey’s Honors Veterans with Rolling Remembrance
The company partnered with PepsiCo for its annual relay for children of fallen soldiers.

The Future of Fast Food? Cashiers Take Orders from 8,000 Miles Away
A Manhattan location uses cashiers who live in the Philippines.


Apr 9, 2024

Vote Now: USA TODAY Opens Top Gas Station, Best Gas Station Food Polling
The annual poll has 20 brands to choose from on each list.

Rethinking the Backbar?
Deep-discount cigarettes are trending up.

GPM Investments Kicks Off Months of Pizza Celebration
The deals are available until May 14.

Enmarket Charity Classic Raises $270,000
This year’s charity golf tournament brought together 271 golfers and 115 companies.

CNBC Looks at Gatorade’s Strategy for Entering New Categories
NACS SOI data shows the packaged beverages category continues to grow.

Krispy Krunchy Announces ‘Core Four’ Growth Strategy
The company plans to open 700 stores by the end of the calendar year.


Apr 8, 2024

SOI Summit: Back to the Future
This moment in convenience retail calls for a focus on basic execution and fast evolution.

Happy Solar Eclipse Day
Millions of people are on the road to witness the eclipse, which takes place this afternoon.

7-Eleven Celebrates 60 years of Coffee To-Go
Wawa celebrates its 60th anniversary with free coffee.

FDA Issues Warning Letters and Civil Money Complaints Against Retailers
The agency sent 119 letters and filed 41 civil money complaints citing sale of unauthorized products.

360Fuel Approved for First Automated Fueling System with Customer Recognition
Three of the company’s models received the NTEP Weights and Measures Certificate of Conformance.

Love Family Women’s Center Opens Its Doors
The company helped raise more than $30 million for the center during the pandemic.


Apr 5, 2024

NACS SOI Summit: The Phygital Space Is Here
C-store customers aren’t looking for physical retail over digital—they want a blend of both.

Subway Announces All-New Lineup of Wraps on Lavash-Style Flatbread
The QSR introduces four on-the-go options inspired by Middle Eastern cuisine.

Love’s Opens 5 New Speedco Locations
The investment adds 23 service bays and 10 service trucks to its network.

Chick-fil-A New Seasonal Menu Adds Cherry Berry Beverages
Chick-fil-A will also test a new limited-time sandwich at participating locations in North Carolina.

Parker’s Kitchen to Celebrate New Store in Charleston, South Carolina
The retailer will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 8.

New York City Mayor Announces Lawsuit for Illegal Distribution of E-Cigarettes
Eleven wholesalers are named.


Apr 4, 2024

U.S. Convenience Store Sales Hit $860 Billion
Real growth in sales despite inflation and an increase in DSOE.

Dash In to Open New Location in Maryland
The Wills Group will celebrate its newest next-generation concept store on April 4 and 5.

Mirabito Supports Children’s Charity Easter Egg Hunt
The egg hunt included various other festivities, including a visit from the Easter bunny.

Krispy Krunchy Chicken Launches 'Your Choice' Meal Deals
The limited time $5.99 meal deal has a choice of three chicken items.

TXB Announces Three New Spring LTO’s
Rutter’s also brings back three fan favorites for a limited time.

Onvo Celebrates the Launch of Its Food on the Fly Program
To celebrate, the company will give away 100 Craveritos on National Burrito Day.


Apr 3, 2024

Maverik Completes 30 Rebrands Across Utah and in the Colorado Springs Area
The rebrands will continue into Denver as Kum & Go stores in overlapping markets reopen as Maverik.

Lawsuit Seeks to Force Ban on Menthol Cigarettes
The move comes after a delay by Biden administration.

Yesway Celebrates National Burrito Day With BOGO Offer
The offer is exclusive to Yesway and Allsup's rewards members.

Podcast: NACS General Counsel Talks Credit Card Settlement
Doug Kantor sat down with the Working Lunch podcast.

Amazon Fresh to Walk Away From Just Walk Out Checkout System
Convenience-style Amazon Go stores will still use the technology.

Casey’s Donates $100,000 to Local Trucker Program
The money will go toward a new building and concourse, doubling student capacity.


Apr 2, 2024

Maverik and Kum & Go Offer Discount Deal for National Burrito Day
Loyalty members can get 50% off a burrito purchase at either banner.

7-Eleven Kicks Off ‘Slurpee Season’
The retailer announced the return of its Bring Your Own Cup Day.

Buc-ee’s to Send Solar Eclipse Kits to Texas Schools
The retailer funded an initiative to send kits to 1,200 school districts.

Gotcha! The Convenience Industry Has Fun on April Fool’s Day
The c-store industry shows its sense of humor.

Paytronix Report Says First-Party Online Ordering Results in Bigger Baskets
Guest buying directly from a retailer ordered 35% more.

RaceTrac’s ‘Coffee for a Cause’ Week Will Raise Money for Parkinson’s
The retailer will hold the 13th annual fundraiser in April, as well as a 5K race in September.


Apr 1, 2024

Consumers Focus on Flavor When Choosing Salty Snacks
Chew on these tangy findings from T. Hasegawa’s Salty Snack 2024 report.

An Inside Look at How an Eclipse Affects C-Stores
Don Rhoads, former NACS Chairman, talks about his 2017 experience.

John Cena Challenges NACS’ Henry Armour to Bout
Wrestling superstar announces he’s back in the ring… and against a retail superstar.

KFC Introduces Saucy Nuggets
The restaurant also announced a new dessert item.


Mar 29, 2024

FDA Launches Searchable Database for Tobacco Products
The database lists products, including e-cigarettes, that may be legally marketed. However, it’s incomplete.

Maverik Revamps Rewards Program for Kum & Go Customers
Adds more fuel savings, digital punch cards and Freebie Fridays.

7-Eleven Gears Up for Solar Eclipse
The retailer will sell solar glasses and offer a pizza deal on April 8.

Consumers are Increasingly Eating at C-Stores, Study Finds
C-stores' visit share of dining categories has increased 3% over the past five years.

Spike in Cocoa Prices Might Make Chocolate More Expensive
Candy makers expect to increase prices to combat a global supply shortage of cocoa beans.

Alimentation Couche-Tard Wins Exceptional Workplace Award for Third Year
The Wills Group and Global Partners were also recognized with workplace achievements.


Mar 28, 2024

Looking for Ways to Save on Cash?
Cash recycling offers multiple benefits, including significant reductions in the costs of provisional credit.

Royal Farms Announces Exclusive Gas Discount for Rewards Members
The exclusive promotion includes 15 cents off per gallon at all locations for a limited time.

Upcoming Design Trends in 2024
How c-stores can apply the seven mentioned design principles.

FDA Warns 61 Retailers for the Sale of Unauthorized E-Cigarettes
Failure to correct violations puts retailers at risk of further action, including civil money penalties.

7-Eleven Announces Hot Dog Sparkling Water?
The company partnered with Miracle Seltzer to create a 7-Select lineup of sparkling water.

Parkland to Sell 157 Convenience Stores in Canada
The assets will be sold with long-term Parkland fuel supply agreements.


Mar 27, 2024

NACS: Swipe Fee Settlement a Bad Deal
NACS adds more context to what the announced $30 billion settlement does—and mainly what it doesn’t do.

Know Before You Go: NACS 2024 State of the Industry
Join the NACS webinar tomorrow to get ready for the Summit on April 3-5, 2024.

McDonald’s to Roll Out Krispy Kreme Nationwide
The doughnuts will be available across the country at participating restaurants by the end of 2026.

Parker’s Kitchen Opens New Store in South Carolina
The retailer plans to double the number of its stores in Georgia and South Carolina in the next four years.

Pilot Introduces New Coffee Flavors In-Store and on the Track
NASCAR Driver Sammy Smith will feature a coffee-themed car in three races this spring.

A Closer Look at Transportation Equity
The Transportation Energy Institute dives in on transportation in underserved communities.


Mar 26, 2024

Yesway Expands Allsup’s Brand in Oklahoma and Texas
The retailer will grow its Oklahoma portfolio from five to 15 stores by the end of 2024.

The Hidden Costs of Cash Management
At a typical c-store, team members spend 15-20 hours a week just counting cash.

Maverik Debuts First Location in Montana
Maverik enters its 13th state of operation with a site in Helena.

Twice Daily Awards Customer Trip to Italy
The prize was part of a sweepstakes celebrating the launch of made-to-order options in all locations.

Wegmans Will Close 48 Stores for April 8 Solar Eclipse
The supermarket chain is closing so its employees can witness the phenomenon.

California QSRs Cut Jobs Ahead of April Wage Increase
The minimum wage increase has restaurants searching for ways to offset costs.


Mar 25, 2024

Gas Price Resources Take the Mystery Out of Fill-ups
NACS has resources to help you explain current market conditions.

Are You Eligible for the Payment Card Settlement?
Learn and take action before the claim period ends on May 31.

A Pizza Snapshot
Hormel, Datassential and General Mills share pizza predictions.

Candy Sales Are Up as Consumers Treat Themselves
The 2024 ‘State of Treating’ Report includes tips for reinforcing permissibility.

The Future of Foodservice at Weigel’s
“One thing we’ve done in terms of the menu itself is to go after Gen Z and Millennial customers more.”

QuikTrip Highlights Employee Efforts During National Safe Place Week
The company facilitated nearly 400 Safe Place calls over the last year.


Mar 22, 2024

What Happened With the McDonald’s Tech Outage?
The QSR noted the challenges of relying on technology platforms in a recent filing.

Resolution to Block DOL Gig Worker Rule Passes Panel
The movement to block now heads to the House floor, where it is expected to pass.

Weigel's Celebrates NIL Partnership Success
Partnering with the local community has significantly boosted the retailer's social media presence.

Finding Success When Transactions Are Down
Discover the latest industry data at the upcoming NACS State of the Industry Summit.

Sheetz, GPM Investments to Hire Thousands
The companies announce major hiring moves for the summer season.

BP Unveils Its First Gigahub in U.S.
Located at its Houston headquarters, the site features 24 EV DC fast-charging points.


Mar 21, 2024

New Tailpipe Emissions Rule Finalized
The EPA made hybrid-friendly modifications to the original rule.

Sandri Energy Feels the Added Benefits of Modern Software
Software implementation brings expected—and—unexpected benefits.

NACS Responds to EPA Final Rule
The modified rule ‘functions as an effective mandate for a single technology.’

Candy Sales to Hit $5 Billion This Easter, per NCA
C-stores continue to eye the seasonal sales opportunity.

RECAP: A First Look at NACS 2023 Convenience Compensation Data
The NACS State of the Industry Talent Insights Dashboard highlights key categories of compensation, benefits, recruitment and turnover.

BuzzBallz Maker Acquired by Sazerac
The merger will expand BuzzBallz reach domestically and internationally.