Category Trends
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Retrieved from King Retail Solutions.
ExtraMile joins growing list of c-store retailers debuting alcohol rebates
Value offers have become increasingly common in convenience stores in recent years as operators large and small have seen their profits dip.
By Brett Dworski • Jan. 23, 2026 -
Deep Dive
Drink up: Restaurants will spend more on beverage innovation in 2026
Mocktails, energy drinks and premium caffeine options are set to sweep through menus this year.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Jan. 23, 2026 -
Buc-ee’s next stop? Nebraska.
The supersized c-store chain is looking to build its first location in the state as it continues its growth across the continental U.S.
By Jessica Loder • Jan. 22, 2026 -
Retrieved from Parker's.
Parker’s becomes the latest c-store to up its beverage game
A new location in Georgia is the first to offer the retailer’s made-to-order beverage program, and marks the debut of its larger PK2 store prototype.
By Jessica Loder • Jan. 20, 2026 -
Retrieved from Varin on January 14, 2026
Circle K franchisee ups cannabinoid focus with new THC drink partnership
Despite an uncertain regulatory environment around the beverages, DFW Oil & Energy has now added Varin to its product lineup in Texas.
By Jessica Loder • Jan. 15, 2026 -
Energy drinks’ fortunes are still rising. Here’s how to ride the wave.
While the category is gaining market share with fresh flavors and ideas, competition from other beverages is cutting into sales.
By Christine Blank • Jan. 14, 2026 -
Moore Oil converting 20 sites to ExtraMile
This is a significant expansion for the Chevron and Jacksons Food Stores joint venture in Birmingham, Alabama, where it only has one location.
By Jessica Loder • Jan. 14, 2026 -
Pilot redesigns app
The update aims to make the mobile interface easier for users to navigate and switch between personal and professional accounts.
By Jessica Loder • Jan. 13, 2026 -
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 -
Deep Dive
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 -
Retrieved from GetGo.
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 -
Retrieved from Snus Direct on December 22, 2025
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 -
Retrieved from Love's.
Column3 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 -
Retrieved from Couche-Tard.
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 -
Column
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 -
Column
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 -
Column
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 -
Retrieved from pwrmarket.com.
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 -
Retrieved from TravelCenters of America press release.
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 -
Retrieved from Kwik Trip website.
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