4 c-store chains that are investing in new formats

Some of the industry’s fastest-growing companies are rolling out updated store designs that are more spacious and focused on foodservice.

C-stores losing snacking dollars to grocers

While dollar and drug stores also ceded ground to grocery stores, convenience retailers gave up the most ground in treat sales, according to NielsenIQ.

Urban Value reveals automated micro-markets

The AI-powered coolers contain grab-and-go items and are targeted at smaller residential communities where the population can’t support a manned store.

3 packaged beverage trends for the back half of 2025

Energy drinks seek the right balance of flavors while consumer sentiment may not prevent beer price increases, according to a Goldman Sachs survey.

Poppy Markets buys 11 c-stores

The deal for National Petroleum will more than triple Poppy’s footprint and bring it into the fuel business.

Fueling Up: What will Sunoco do with Parkland’s c-stores?

If the $9 billion deal gets approved, Sunoco will find itself with thousands more c-stores. Some experts think it should keep them, while others see an acquisition opportunity.

BP Pulse is bringing EV chargers to Waffle House

Chosen sites in the Southeast and the Sunbelt will get six electric vehicle charging bays, with the first locations coming online next year.

LTOs and value are key to fresh food success

With consumers bracing for tariff impacts, diners are still tuned in to "craveable" items and attractive deals, according to Technomic.

7-Eleven hires former GetGo president Terri Micklin as SVP of store development

Micklin left GetGo in March, ahead of Alimentation Couche-Tard’s pending acquisition of the 270-store banner from Giant Eagle.

Buc-ee’s begins building first Arizona site

The 74,000-square-foot travel center will feature 120 fuel pumps and is expected to open next summer.

Circle K launches fleet payment mobile app

The program, developed alongside Car IQ, is designed to help drivers avoid credit card skimmers at the pump.

Coca-Cola launches Sprite + Tea appealing to TikTok-steeped Gen Z

The lemon-lime soda’s R&D team developed its latest limited-time flavor by mimicking a social media creation.

8 notable c-store foodservice launches this past month

Beverages were the star of the show as 7-Eleven added a Slurpee variety, Rutter’s unveiled a new seasonal beer and QuickChek and Wawa debuted multiple drink flavors.

Yesway appears to be axing its Allsup’s Express concept

A spokesperson confirmed the retailer recently shuttered its first-ever small-format store, while a source familiar with the situation said Yesway is ending the concept entirely.

7-Eleven names new marketing agency of record

UM will develop the c-store retailer’s cross-channel media strategy and handle digital media activation.

3 Big Numbers: Taking a closer look at new store designs

Arko has begun work on the first of its new food-focused stores, while Kent Kwik and Murphy already have sites up and running.

Phillips 66 to sell 970 European retail sites for $1.6B

About 840 of the sites operate under Phillips 66’s Jet fueling brand. The deal is expected to close in the second half of 2025.

7-Eleven names new VP of center store operations

Sembe Cole will oversee categories including snacks, candy and packaged foods across over 12,500 of the chain's locations.

Smokeless tobacco is key to reinvigorating backbars

While cigarettes continue their long, slow decline, nicotine pouches are a bright spot for c-stores and heated tobacco is on the horizon, experts say.

Walmart CEO: ‘Higher tariffs will result in higher prices’

The big-box retailer vows to keep those prices as low as possible and is leaning into relationships with vendors to respond to a fluctuating market.

Small New York c-store chain plans Virginia debut

Millwood Market is opening its third overall location in Manassas, nearly 300 miles from its first two sites.

Kent Companies rolling out food-focused c-store format

Locations feature a made-to-order kitchen, a drive-thru, a beer and ice cave, two-bay car washes and a dog wash.

How c-stores can mitigate food price hikes

As economic uncertainty lingers, retailers need to make smart choices about where to trim costs and how to raise prices without alienating customers, experts say.

Global Partners eyeing an acquisition after strong Q1

The retailer hasn’t made a c-store-focused purchase since early 2023, but intends to make a deal as a means to stay competitive, its CEO said last week.

Anheuser-Busch invests $300M in US manufacturing amid beer optimism

The company is funding technology and workforce development at its plants as it sees some recovery in alcohol consumption among older Gen Zers and younger millennials.