Complexity is the enemy: Why 2026 is about integration, not disruption, in c-store tech

After years spent managing disparate systems, retailers will soon transition to connected technologies that help them run more efficiently, writes Gilbarco Veeder-Root’s Austin Lieb.

By Austin Lieb • Feb. 25, 2026

Huck’s rolls out AI-native POS system

The Midwestern retailer plans to roll out Tote.ai’s point-of-sale system across all 135 locations by the end of the year.

By Jessica Loder • Feb. 24, 2026

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Top 5 stories from C-Store Dive

Top 5 stories from C-Store Dive 2023/2024

By C-Store Dive staff

VenHub is betting big on robotic c-stores. Is the industry ready to buy in?

The unmanned, AI-driven c-store chain’s CEO wants to sell and open hundreds of locations by early next year. But will retailers trust a format that’s so far failed to gain traction?

By Brett Dworski • Feb. 24, 2026

VenHub unveils new inventory vision system

The automated retail technology company, which went public earlier this year, says the new capabilities will instantly generate planograms.

By Jessica Loder • Feb. 23, 2026

8 c-stores that have updated loyalty apps

BP adding a new type of coupon and RaceTrac incorporating loyalty tiers were among the updates since the start of the year.

By Jessica Loder • Feb. 20, 2026

Tiger Fuel connects car wash customers with c-store rewards

An integration between Paytronix and car wash CRM vendor Rinsed will clear the way for more cross promotions between Tiger’s car wash and retail businesses.

By Jessica Loder • Feb. 12, 2026

Independent c-store group to deploy AI at 5,200 locations

InStore.ai’s AI-powered voice insights will be available to all Strategic Alliance for Affiliated Store Owners of America members beginning this month.

By Jessica Loder • Feb. 10, 2026

RaceTrac joins wave of loyalty updates

The retailer is revamping its existing tiered rewards setup through a partnership with AI-powered loyalty solutions company Capillary Technologies.

By Jessica Loder • Feb. 6, 2026

Sprint Mart launches professional driver loyalty program

The platform lets members earn points when they buy fuel, which can be redeemed for free showers or drinks, or select in-store discounts.

By Jessica Loder • Feb. 5, 2026

VenHub goes public, taps Amazon alum to drive growth

Stakeholders began trading shares of the automated convenience store company on the Nasdaq through a direct listing in January.

By Jessica Loder • Feb. 3, 2026

Spinx to update all stores with new AI tech

A partnership with Tote AI will update multiple areas of the store, including foodservice technology and point-of-sale touchpoints.

By Jessica Loder • Feb. 3, 2026

Amazon to halt palm payments

Some c-store locations had tested the technology, but it never achieved wide adoption in the industry. The retailer said all Amazon One palm readers will be removed from stores by June 3.

By Patrick Cooley • Jan. 30, 2026

Pilot expands electric semi-truck charging plans

The travel center company plans to add Tesla chargers at around 20 locations across California, Georgia, Nevada, New Mexico and Texas.

By Jessica Loder • Jan. 29, 2026

Stinker updates loyalty program

The new program does away with login passwords and shoppers can sign up at point-of-sale touchpoints in store and at the pump.

By Jessica Loder • Jan. 28, 2026

Trump administration must release EV charger funds, court rules

The Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration “yanked the NEVI Formula Program’s cord out of the outlet,” said U.S. District Judge Tana Lin. “It is simply not how things are lawfully done.”

By Diana DiGangi • Jan. 28, 2026

Parker’s Rewards shifts to points-based system

The updated offering also lets customers use their phone number instead of a loyalty card, among other updates.

By Jessica Loder • Jan. 27, 2026

3 c-stores pushing the envelope in loyalty innovation

Gas N’ Wash, Weigel’s and 7-Eleven are taking the traditional tools of a loyalty program and creating something bigger.

By Jessica Loder • Jan. 27, 2026

BP adds manufacturer-funded digital coupons to Earnify app

This update, powered by tech company Inmar Intelligence and retail media company Axonet, brings savings more commonly found at grocers to c-stores for the first time.

By Jessica Loder • Jan. 26, 2026

Playing Moneyball with AI in C-Store foodservice—even if you’re just getting started

Convenience stores used AI to predict demand, cut waste and standardize foodservice. Like Moneyball, they found hidden value and won quietly.

By Mike Weber - Chief Growth Officer at Upshop • Jan. 20, 2026

Yesway hires former Jacksons exec as chief tech officer

Tapping Robert Hampton signals that Yesway is preparing to boost its technology infrastructure, which hasn’t been a priority for the company in recent years.

By Brett Dworski • Jan. 16, 2026

3 Big Numbers: Refuel, Weigel’s and Stinker recap growth in 2025

All three retailers shared updates on their operations last year, from a loyalty boom to worker retention improvements.

By Jessica Loder • Jan. 16, 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

Circle K expands store management tech partnership

After rolling out Quorso at thousands of European stores, the Alimentation Couche-Tard banner is now bringing the collaboration to North America.

By Jessica Loder • Jan. 13, 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

Refuel refreshes loyalty program

The South Carolina-based retailer’s updated rewards platform includes increased fuel discounts and more personalized offers for customers.

By Jessica Loder • Jan. 7, 2026