4 labor-saving foodservice tech solutions from the NRA Show

From a hand scanner that detects contaminates to a robot arm that can fry, salt and package food, technology is transforming the back of house.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • May 26, 2023

Stinker Stores to enhance loyalty program through customization and AI

Through a partnership with PAR Technology, the retailer will dig deeper into analytics and personalize offers to customers, the chain’s marketing director said in an interview.

By Jessica Loder • May 25, 2023

Yesway outlines new store formats as part of ‘aggressive’ growth plans

The company is “tinkering” with alternative store models like a superette and a frictionless nano store, CMO Derek Gaskins said at the Sweets & Snacks Expo.

By Brett Dworski • May 24, 2023

Thorntons adds fuel discount to rewards program

The program offers 5 cents off each gallon of gasoline when users fill up and weekly Flash Fuel offers of up to 20 cents off, with a cap of 35 gallons.

By Jessica Loder • May 19, 2023

What can retailers learn from Casey’s loyalty refresh?

An analyst who has worked on the retailer’s rewards program discusses its latest platform upgrade and where he sees c-store loyalty heading.

By Brett Dworski , Jessica Loder • May 18, 2023

The Road Ahead: Is computer vision being applied to the wrong problem?

The best way to take advantage of innovation may not be with flashy checkout tech, but revolutionizing inventory, reordering and other data-heavy tasks, writes columnist Frank Beard.

By Frank Beard • May 18, 2023

Casey’s revamps loyalty app

The refreshed platform makes it easier for members to track points, redeem rewards and check their lifetime savings totals.

By Brett Dworski • May 17, 2023

Road Ranger seeks to boost visits through cash-back app

The travel center company joins a number of other c-store chains that have partnered with Upside, including Casey’s, Circle K and Stinker Stores. 

By Jessica Loder • May 17, 2023

Stinker Stores pilots customer feedback technology

The platform collects input through smiley boxes, multiple choice buttons and QR codes placed around the four stores included in the test.

By Brett Dworski • May 15, 2023

Casey’s hires retail planning firm to improve supply chain, store layout

Relex, which has experience working with Circle K and Kwik Trip, uses AI to automate replenishment of items, reduce waste and improve usage of space.

By Jessica Loder • May 15, 2023

C-stores face the demographic cliff

C-store operators are facing an upcoming “demographic cliff” expected in 2030, but new technology can help.

May 15, 2023

Energy Mart adds Amazon One contactless payments

This is the second c-store chain to feature the palm-scanning technology, which has also rolled out to sports arenas and Amazon’s own brick-and-mortar retail locations.

By Jessica Loder • May 11, 2023

Back to Basics: How to build a sparkling car wash business

C-stores with enough space and a high-traffic location can add a fresh revenue stream — but handling maintenance and steep upfront costs can be tricky, experts say.

By Danielle McLean • May 10, 2023

Pilot launches new employee engagement program

Workers can earn points to redeem for concert tickets, electronics and more through the travel center chain’s new Fueling Recognition initiative.

By Jessica Loder • May 9, 2023

Sunoco bringing Upside’s platform to 150 locations

The convenience and fuel retailer will offer the personalized cash-back promotional technology at various stores in and around Pittsburgh. 

By Brett Dworski • May 9, 2023

3 tips to keep loyalty members coming back

In a recent webinar, experts from Paytronix broke down how retailers can get the most out of their programs and keep customers returning for the long haul.

By Jessica Loder • May 8, 2023

3 key ways you can reduce c-store operating costs by leaning into remote device management

Fewer trips into the field and less reliance on your in-store employees to deal with technical issues.

May 8, 2023

Gulf Oil adds Stuzo’s Wallet Steering tech

The platform aims to give the fueling company a greater share of the money customers are spending on gasoline.

By Jessica Loder • May 5, 2023

Convenience and quality of rewards hamper loyalty app adoption, survey says

Only half of those who have rewards apps actually use them at the pump, and only 6% use them to pay for gas, according to data from PayByCar.

By Jessica Loder • May 3, 2023

Casey’s partners with tech firm to improve in-store testing

The retailer joins the likes of Maverik and Kum & Go in using MarketDial’s test-and-learn software and data analytics. 

By Jessica Loder • May 2, 2023

Will frictionless checkout ever take off in retail?

Standard AI CEO Jordan Fisher acknowledged that the technology has “been a really hard market to start growing,” but believes it will expand alongside other AI-driven innovations.

By Sam Silverstein • April 28, 2023

Kum & Go discusses its EV charging journey

After entering the space in 2017, the c-store chain has learned a lot about costs, customers and how to improve the experience.

By Jessica Loder • April 26, 2023

Enerbase pilots Amazon One technology at 3 c-stores

The technology allows contactless payments using a customer’s palm to identify them.

By Jessica Loder • April 24, 2023

Punchh loyalty partners with Vroom Delivery

The agreement adds another major rewards vendor to the c-store-focused e-commerce platform. 

By Jessica Loder • April 21, 2023

Italian energy company to reportedly bring 10,000 EV chargers to North America

Enel X Way, a subsidiary of Enel, would join big players like Tesla and Walmart, along with c-store chains like Pilot, in the increasingly busy electric vehicle space.

By Jessica Loder • April 18, 2023