Arko adding Italian restaurant chain to 3 stores as it zeroes in on foodservice

The c-store operator is adding Villa Italian Kitchen restaurants to locations in Virginia, Indiana and Arizona, with the first one opening today.

By Jessica Loder • May 26, 2023

Panera Brands shuffles execs as it prepares to go public

The company appointed Niren Chaudhary, current Panera Brands CEO, as chairman of the board and José Alberto Dueñas, current CEO at Einstein Bros. Bagels, as Panera Brands’ chief executive. 

By Julie Littman • May 24, 2023

Spinx looking to build food-focused ‘alternative format’ store

The retailer plans to occupy a 25,000-square-foot building in Greenville, South Carolina, where it will prioritize grocery items in addition to standard c-store products.

By Brett Dworski • May 19, 2023

Amazon Go boosts made-to-order menu

After closing eight stores in March, the brand is expanding its foodservice offerings with new sandwiches and quesadillas. 

By Jessica Loder • May 18, 2023

Wawa expanding its corporate catering business

The foodservice-focused retailer now offers breakfast, coffee and lunch items to business clients across its 1,000-store footprint via the ezCater marketplace.

By Brett Dworski • May 16, 2023

Murphy USA set on low-cost strategy despite shrinking margins

The retailer has “intentionally lagged” broader QSR price increases by 10% over the past two years, while its foodservice operating costs grew 6% this past quarter.

By Brett Dworski • May 4, 2023

Couche-Tard sued by Polar beverage maker

Court documents say the retailer is breaking a 16-year-old agreement between the two companies that prohibits certain branding and advertising actions related to Polar Pop.

By Brett Dworski • May 1, 2023

Sunshine Gasoline Distributors adds combined Quiznos, Taco Del Mar restaurants

A dual-branded restaurant recently opened at a company store in Florida— the first of at least 13 planned locations for Sunshine.

By Jessica Loder • April 28, 2023

Yatco leans into healthier, locally sourced snacking

The 18-store retailer has partnered with wholesale outlet Mable to bring plant-based, gluten-free products to its shelves.

By Brett Dworski • April 28, 2023

7-Eleven VP departs for Wingstop

Raj Kapoor will oversee the chicken chain’s growth and development strategy for international markets.

By Brett Dworski • April 27, 2023

How simplifying your menu can increase your profits

By paring back on foodservice offerings, many c-stores can accommodate labor and operational challenges while still delivering the hits, writes foodservice consultant Tom Cook.

By Tom Cook • April 18, 2023

GetGo to offer loyalty members free coffee on Mondays

The deal comes about two months after the retailer completed a company-wide coffee program upgrade, which includes new blends and brewing machines.

By Brett Dworski • March 31, 2023

Rutter’s launches rotating foodservice menu

Starting with three items, including a peanut butter burger, the c-store chain’s new options will change out regularly throughout the year.

By Jessica Loder • March 31, 2023

Major 7-Eleven supplier plans Ohio-area plant

Warabeya Nichiyo’s third U.S. facility will serve 2,500 Midwestern stores, including 1,000 Speedways, with plans to open in late 2024.

By Jessica Loder • March 29, 2023

Inside Dash In’s new food-focused store format

The company’s updated design and made-to-order menu recently greeted shoppers in Loudoun County, Virginia, and will eventually roll out across the 54-store chain.

By Jessica Loder • March 27, 2023

How Rutter’s large c-stores aim to future-proof the business

As the chain expands, it’s building locations that are notably bigger than its current sites. That should leave plenty of space to take advantage of new opportunities in foodservice, gaming and more.

By Jessica Loder • March 21, 2023

Tyson to close two plants, laying off nearly 1,700 workers

The company said shuttering two of its processing facilities will help it optimize its chicken supply chain. It offered assistance to employees impacted by the decision.

By Chris Casey • March 17, 2023

Couche-Tard says foodservice promotions hurt Q3 gross profits

Noting challenges it’s faced with quickly expanding a number of initiatives, CEO Brian Hannasch said scaling its fresh food program is like “building a plane while we’re flying it.”

By Brett Dworski • March 17, 2023

TravelCenters of America aims to level up its restaurant menu with new executive chef

Maira Isabel has trained in multiple countries and will look to add more flavorful and better-for-you options to Iron Skillet and Country Pride. 

By Jessica Loder • March 15, 2023

The uncomfortable truth about dollar stores

With tens of thousands of locations offering highly discounted products, dollar stores are “absolutely a competitive threat” to c-stores, experts say. And combating them starts in the kitchen.

By Brett Dworski • March 15, 2023

Rutter’s debuts online ordering platform

The retailer’s new system is part of Paytronix’s Order & Delivery program, which lets c-stores design, build and deploy e-commerce capabilities.

By Brett Dworski • March 14, 2023

Seven & i to prioritize c-store business amid investor pressure

The North American arm of 7-Eleven’s parent company has four key strategic areas to target, including boosting food, drinks and private label to 34% of sales.

By Jessica Loder • March 10, 2023

S. Abraham & Sons’ COO retires

Jim Leonard is stepping down after 35 years with the c-store distributor.

By Brett Dworski • March 3, 2023

TravelCenters of America debuts new proprietary restaurant

The Fork & Compass full-service concept opened last month, after the retailer said it was in the works in November.

By Brett Dworski • Feb. 24, 2023

The Road Ahead: Why c-stores can be an oasis to America’s food deserts

In areas where fresh foods are few and far between, retailers can step up for their communities and provide healthy alternatives, writes columnist Frank Beard.

By Frank Beard • Feb. 23, 2023