McLane names new VP of retail foodservice

Farley Kaiser will oversee the distributor’s retail foodservice initiatives three years after joining McLane as senior director of culinary innovation.

By Brett Dworski • July 13, 2026

Kentucky c-store chain to introduce PJ’s Coffee

Estepp Energy plans to add the New Orleans java brand’s beverages to seven stores through a combination of full cafés with drive-thrus, end-cap locations and in-store counters.

By Brett Dworski • June 23, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from C-Store Dive

Top 5 stories from C-Store Dive 2023/2024

By C-Store Dive staff

Why Whataburger is betting on c-stores for growth

While it has operated in c-stores for 26 years, the QSR chain is ramping up its convenience retail presence as part of a broader growth strategy.

By Brett Dworski • June 23, 2026

QSRs are gaining ground in dispensed beverages

While c-stores are still leading innovators in the segment, restaurant chains like McDonald’s and Whataburger have stepped up their new releases of refreshers, craft-style drinks and more.

By Christine Blank • June 15, 2026

How 3 major food and beverage execs view the state of c-stores

Leaders from brands like PepsiCo and Athletic Brewing discussed growth opportunities and key challenges in convenience retail at the Wall Street Journal’s Global Food Forum.

By Brett Dworski • June 4, 2026

C-stores freshen up menus with CPG, professional sports partnerships

Wawa and UDF revealed new cold creations, while Casey’s, Sheetz and Dandy brought back or expanded popular past offerings.

By Jessica Loder • June 3, 2026

7-Eleven launches Slurpee happy hour as QSR competition heats up

Rewards members can claim the signature drink for $1 on weekdays as the chain works to drive traffic.

By Jeff Wells • May 12, 2026

Refuel to open its first Whataburger

The South Carolina-based retailer will debut the burger QSR adjacent to an upcoming c-store in Kenedy, Texas, later this year.

By Brett Dworski • April 30, 2026

7-Eleven launches kids’ meals as food focus ramps up

The meals, available at Laredo Taco, Raise the Roost Chicken & Biscuits and Speedy Café locations, all include an entree, side, drink and small toy.

By Jessica Loder • April 28, 2026

Couche-Tard names head of QSRs and made-to-order foodservice

Grant Morris’ promotion is one of several changes the retailer has made this year as it looks to grow food revenues to record heights.

By Brett Dworski • April 28, 2026

More than a rough patch: Recent restaurant closures signal market correction

Persistent traffic declines, rising costs and an oversaturated market are forcing brands to make tough decisions, and robust chains are taking advantage of the moment, experts say.

By Michael Brady • April 27, 2026

International flavors on the rise at Rutter’s, 7-Eleven and QuickChek

Also in product launches, Coen Markets expanded its pizza roll lineup and Stewart’s revealed a new ice cream flavor named after its founders.

By Jessica Loder • April 27, 2026

You don’t need a franchise to win in foodservice. But you do need this.

The franchise vs. DIY debate misses the point. What really drives foodservice growth is the partner.

By Lori Kimbrough • April 27, 2026

7-Eleven adding catering to restaurant locations

The company has partnered with ezCater on bulk ordering at Speedy Café and Laredo Taco locations, further supporting its foodservice ambitions.

By Jessica Loder • Updated April 22, 2026

Love’s nears opening of first Whataburger

The QSR partnership, which the travel center company revealed early in 2025, will finally come to fruition on May 4 at a site in San Antonio.

By Jessica Loder • Updated April 17, 2026

5 c-stores boosting foodservice with QSR partnerships

From Oxxo’s first Doña Tota to BrakeTime’s deal with Little Caesar’s, retailers are looking to make their stores more food-focused destinations.

By Brett Dworski • April 15, 2026

Rutter’s new menu has 35 — you read that right — taco creations

The South of the Border lineup includes dozens of new or revamped tacos for the regular menu, along with eight LTOs and more customization options.

By Jessica Loder • April 7, 2026

Frozen drinks and fresh flavors emerge as c-store retailers prep for spring

Pilot also added two new food programs, Stinker rolled out pizza rolls and Love’s debuted pesto-forward items as part of a rotating menu.

By Jessica Loder • March 31, 2026

Chestnut Market taps Ben Lucky as first foodservice director

The former 7-Eleven leader will focus on menu development, kitchen design, training and vendor partnerships across Chestnut’s roughly 80 East Coast convenience stores.

By Brett Dworski • March 24, 2026

Couche-Tard hires Family Dollar exec to lead US food merchandising

Dan Larmondra said he’s “immediately looking to fill several director and category management roles” to support Circle K’s “aggressive growth plans” as part of his new role.

By Brett Dworski • March 24, 2026

Wetzel’s Pretzels plans to double c-store presence

After opening a company record 20 QSRs in nontraditional locations in 2025, the chain set its sights on convenience retail growth over the next two years.

By Jessica Loder • March 18, 2026

Global foods - A growth opportunity for convenience

There is a developing trend in grocery retail that translates well into convenience. Global foods, when offered strategically, are a clear cut winner.

By IDDBA • March 16, 2026

Casey’s built its brand on pizza. Now it’s chasing chicken wings.

The Iowa retailer plans to roll out the wing line to all 2,900-plus stores over the next two years as it diversifies its fast-growing food business.

By Brett Dworski • March 11, 2026

Tri Star launches private label snack line

“Daily Favorites,” which includes chips, jerky and candy bars, will be available in Twice Daily, White Bison Coffee, Sudden Service and Little General stores.

By Jessica Loder • March 6, 2026

Loop adds Krispy Krunchy Chicken to 12 locations

In addition to the new partnership, the retailer also offers Crunchy Munchy chicken in several locations.

By Jessica Loder • March 3, 2026