Renovating without shutting down: The unique challenges of open-store convenience store remodels

The Latest

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  3 c-stores named new CEOs in July

  7-Eleven, Warrenton Oil and Iowa 80 appointed top execs while Applegreen, CrossAmerica and Casey’s were among those adding new C-suite members or presidents.

  Operations

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  Alimentation Couche-Tard plans to acquire Polish c-store chain Żabka for $8.6B

  The deal, which involves more than 13,000 stores in Poland and Romania, would be the largest in the Canadian retailer’s history.

  M&A

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  2 regional c-store chains launch rewards apps

  The Hub Convenience Stores in North Dakota and Buy Two in Oregon partnered with Liquid barcodes to make their loyalty programs more interactive.

  Technology

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  Altria Group expands On! Plus distribution

  The nicotine pouch brand, which received marketing approval from the FDA for multiple varieties in late 2025, expanded to 120,000 stores nationwide.

  Category Trends

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  Smoker Friendly takes equity stake in Mexican cigar brand

  The investment in Casa 1910 comes as the c-store and tobacco retailer looks to capitalize on growing U.S. interest in premium cigars.

  Operations

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  BP to cut 700 office roles after unveiling new structure

  The reductions affect BP’s legacy production and operations business. The company said convenience retail positions are not impacted.

  Operations

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  Column

  3 Big Numbers: A deeper look into c-store M&A in 2026

  Acquisitions in the convenience retail space are on pace to match last year’s total count of 44, with a particular focus on midsize companies, according to a new report from Corner Capital Market.

  M&A

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  A peek inside Dolly Parton’s travel center

  An established site along Interstate 65 got a makeover in partnership with the famed musician, emphasizing comfort for drivers with a dash of glitz.

  Operations

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  Who is Mauricio Leyva, 7-Eleven’s next CEO?

  The former Keurig Dr Pepper executive will lead the c-store giant as it prepares for an IPO and works to improve its U.S. business. Here’s a brief history of his work experience to this point.

  Operations

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  Circle K redesigns loyalty program with visit-based model

  The updated Inner Circle platform gives members a different way to earn rewards through qualifying fuel purchases and in-store transactions.

  Technology

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  Iowa 80 Group names new CEO

  The travel center company promoted Delia Moon Meier after Will Moon, its former top executive and Meier’s brother, passed away.

  Operations

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  Spinx names chief of staff and EVP of store development

  Troy Hulehan, who has been with the South Carolina-based retailer for 20 years, was promoted from executive vice president of real estate development. 

  Operations

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  How 3 c-store retailers are growing their EV charging footprints

  While electric vehicle sales in the U.S. are expected to slow this year, some retailers have continued building out their infrastructure as the need for chargers steadily increases.

  Operations

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  The 7 biggest c-store M&A deals of 2026 so far

  Cumberland Farms’ purchase of Coen Markets tops the list, with other retailers like 7-Eleven and Sunoco also making moves.

  M&A

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  Spam maker Hormel Foods elevates insider to CEO

  CPG veteran John Ghingo will assume the top role on Oct. 26 and says he plans to “accelerate” investments in critical areas such as data and artificial intelligence.

  Operations

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  GPM hires VP of real estate development

  In the newly created role, Circle K veteran Suzy Peel will help GPM scale and execute its store development strategy, which centers around food-focused NTIs and remodels.

  Operations

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  7-Eleven names new CEO

  Former beverage industry executive Mauricio Leyva will assume leadership of the country’s largest convenience retailer on Aug. 1.

  Updated July 24, 2026

  Operations

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  Column

  3 Big Numbers: What do c-store diners want? Here’s what the data shows.

  Two reports look at what shoppers say makes a c-store foodservice program stand out from the crowd.

  Foodservice

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  VenHub faces pressure over troubled financials

  Investigations recently launched by two law offices highlight the significant net loss the autonomous c-store developer incurred last year.

  Operations

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  Seven & i decides against investment in Poland’s largest c-store

  The Japanese retailer did not identify the company it was eyeing, but Zabka was Poland’s largest convenience operator as of late 2025.

  Operations

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  Gas price moderation won’t end restaurant consumer woes

  Falling gas prices may not mean a return to consumer health as wages fall and savings deplete.

  Operations

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  Gaskins joins Hotel Chocolat US as head of retail

  After more than two decades in c-stores, the former BP executive is stepping outside the industry to lead the Mars-owned chocolatier’s expansion in the states.

  Operations

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  Column

  Fueling Up: Cumberland Farms wants a national brand. It has a long way to go.

  The convenience retailer has ambitious plans to bring its U.S. store network under its namesake banner, but its rebranding effort has fallen behind schedule since beginning in 2022.

  Operations

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  Warrenton Oil names new CEO

  Dana Moloney succeeds her aunt, Mary Banmiller, who became the retailer’s chief executive in January 2024.

  Operations

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  RaceTrac to remodel 30 c-stores in Dallas-Fort Worth

  The nearly $20 million project adds pizza bars, revamped coffee stations and new layouts as the retailer expands its food-first strategy.

  Operations

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