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

Couche-Tard bringing new THC beverage to Circle K in Carolinas and Florida

The rollout features Viola’s new cannabis craft soda, Iverson, produced in partnership with wellness company Horticulture. 

By Brett Dworski • Oct. 22, 2025

Rutter’s debuts in Virginia

This is the first of two new states that are part of the retailer’s ambitious growth plan.

By Jessica Loder • Oct. 22, 2025

What we learned from the NACS Show 2025

From bold flavors to improving operations to encroaching competition, retailers discussed the pressures and trends shaping the industry.

By Brett Dworski , Jessica Loder • Oct. 20, 2025

Penny shortage poses compliance woes for retailers, industry groups warn

SNAP-authorized stores risk violating federal law when they round to the nearest nickel for cash-paying consumers, industry groups including NACS and NATSO told the USDA.

By Catherine Douglas Moran • Oct. 20, 2025