8 c-store companies we’re watching in 2026

From upcoming IPOs to ambitious expansion plans, 7-Eleven, EG America, Anabi Oil and others are poised to make big moves this year.

By Jessica Loder • Jan. 12, 2026

How RaceTrac is gearing up for more growth

Over the past year, the retailer has been improving its technology, building its supply chain and making acquisitions as it continues expanding.

By Jessica Loder • Jan. 12, 2026

8 trends that will define convenience retailing in 2026

Operators will once again endure tough economic conditions while continuing to stretch the boundaries of what’s possible in c-stores.

By Jessica Loder , Brett Dworski • Jan. 6, 2026

6 burning questions for the c-store industry in 2026

As the new year gets underway, several key storylines that impact retailers remain unresolved. Here are the ones we’re thinking about.

By Brett Dworski , Jessica Loder • Jan. 5, 2026

FDA authorizes 6 more nicotine pouches

Granting marketing approval of several varieties of Altria’s On! Plus products is the first decision the agency has made using a new pilot program to boost review efficiency.

By Jessica Loder • Dec. 22, 2025

3 Big Numbers: C-stores and QSRs are better together

While proprietary foodservice launches have garnered a lot of attention, c-stores are still expanding their partnerships and getting creative with QSRs.

By Jessica Loder • Dec. 19, 2025

How accurate were our 2025 c-store predictions? Here are our honest grades.

We expected new technology, loyalty strategies and an incoming presidential administration to make waves in the industry. While our overall grades were good, a few estimations were off base.

By Jessica Loder • Dec. 17, 2025

3 Big Numbers: Consumer spending shifts

A good rewards program and store experience are increasingly not enough to attract and retain shoppers, according to an Upside report.

By Jessica Loder • Dec. 12, 2025

The Road Ahead: What if c-stores don’t need to become QSRs?

The success of Japan’s convenience stores demonstrates the opportunity in selling food designed for everyday living, not just indulgent moments.

By Frank Beard • Dec. 11, 2025

Anheuser-Busch acquires majority stake in BeatBox for $490M

The deal for the party punch maker, which is popular among young drinkers for its high alcohol content, gives the beer giant a path to complete ownership.

By Laurel Deppen , Sarah Zimmerman • Dec. 9, 2025

Texas-based burger chain opens first c-store-adjacent site

Mooyah expects its Michigan location to be the first of many to run alongside gas stations.

By Jessica Loder • Dec. 5, 2025

GLP-1 users to make up 35% of food and beverage sales by 2030: report

As more consumers take weight loss medications like Ozempic or Wegovy, companies will need to act fast if they want to adapt, according to Circana.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Dec. 5, 2025

3 Big Numbers: Retailers testing new waters

We look at a Tennessee company taking on a new identity, RaceTrac’s latest expansion and 7-Eleven’s newest and most wanted sandwich.

By Jessica Loder • Dec. 5, 2025

C-stores share top tactics to cut costs, increase profits

Making better use of data can cut waste while foodservice is a key driver of growth for many retailers, according to a survey from Dover Fueling Solutions and NACS.

By Jessica Loder • Dec. 4, 2025

TravelCenters of America adds new cardless payment

Fleets can use Relay Payments’ digital platform to buy fuel, diesel exhaust fluid and in-store items.

By Jessica Loder • Dec. 3, 2025

Value, comfort will define 2026 menu trends

Operators looking to take advantage of buzzy food items, like protein add-ons or smash burgers, will have to balance operational complexity with demand, says the National Restaurant Association.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Dec. 1, 2025

Kwik Trip debuts in North Dakota

A Kwik Star in Fargo is the first of at least five locations planned for the state through the end of 2026.

By Jessica Loder • Nov. 24, 2025

4 c-stores turning up the heat on breakfast

From Kwik Trip’s in-house bakeries to Wawa’s LTOs, convenience stores nationwide are capitalizing on the buoyant breakfast market.

By Michael Brady • Nov. 24, 2025

Circle K to anchor series of mini travel centers

The Briad Group, a franchisee in New York, plans to open sites that combine a c-store with various QSR concepts.

By Jessica Loder • Nov. 19, 2025

How 3 retailers are upgrading meal bundles

Love’s, EG America and Rutter’s have all developed complex strategies for tying their in-house food with other products. Here are a few of their tips.

By Christine Blank • Nov. 17, 2025

US cracks down on hemp-derived THC drinks, upending buzzy beverage market

Lawmakers to close a legal loophole allowing companies to sell the products in a potentially critical blow to the budding industry.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Nov. 13, 2025

3 Big Numbers: What’s going on in Iowa?

Two banners are entering the Hawkeye state for the first time as the Kum & Go brand makes way for new owner Maverik.

By Jessica Loder • Nov. 7, 2025

Making food in house: The business case for c-store commissaries

Retailers like EG America, Weigel’s and Kwik Trip have built their own facilities to control the quality and consistency of their foodservice programs — and the payoffs are compelling.

By Amanda Baltazar • Oct. 29, 2025

Why ‘crossover’ alcoholic beverages could be a hit for c-stores

Products like Monster Beast and Topo Chico Spiked are capitalizing on brand affinity but come with unique merchandising challenges.

By Jeff Wells • Oct. 27, 2025

Wawa increases coffee program customization

Customers can use ordering touchscreens in stores to control how much milk, sweeteners and flavors they add to their beverages.

By Jessica Loder • Oct. 23, 2025