The Latest

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  RaceTrac nears North Carolina debut

  The expansion, first revealed in early 2024, will start with a more than 6,000-square-foot location in Monroe, about 25 miles from Charlotte.

  Category Trends

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  Kwik Trip to begin extensive remodels at 17 c-stores this fall

  The projects, which will add space to existing locations in Wisconsin and Minnesota, are expected to be complete mid-summer 2026.

  Operations

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  BP partners with Wex on new fleet card

  Drivers will be able to use the Earnify card at more than 8,000 gas stations across the U.S., including TravelCenters of America and Amoco locations.

  Fuels

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  Hershey to raise candy prices by double digits amid elevated cocoa costs

  The Reese’s maker said the “unprecedented cost” of the commodity is impacting many of its top sweet brands.

  Category Trends

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  Column

  3 Big Numbers: Digging into Casey’s annual report

  The Midwest chain is growing rapidly, with plans to open 80 locations over the next year. We’ve picked out a few key stats from its latest fiscal update.

  Operations

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  7-Eleven chief of staff departs

  Kristen Cook joined the company 15 years ago as senior counsel and had been CEO Joe DePinto’s strategic advisor since 2023.

  Labor

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  Global Partners files ethics complaint, requests investigation into Applegreen project win

  The retailer said it has “serious concerns about the conduct” of the state official who helped oversee the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s decision-making process in June.

  Operations

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  Is 7-Eleven’s US IPO on the ropes following failed Couche-Tard buyout?

  Japanese analysts and investors told Bloomberg last week that there’s now little reason for Seven & i to take 7-Eleven public because it no longer needs to fend off an unsolicited offer.

  Operations

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  The key moments in Couche-Tard’s failed pursuit of Seven & i

  As retailers try to wrap their heads around the unsuccessful megamerger, here’s a recap of some of the defining events that led to this point.

  Operations

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  Stewart’s sells 6 locations across 2 deals

  The transactions to Mirabito and Prestige Petroleum included five locations the FTC required Stewart’s to divest as part of its 2024 Jolley acquisition.

  M&A

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  McLane launches new chicken program

  HiBird includes items like chicken strips and sandwiches as well as potato wedges, mac and cheese and a signature sauce.

  Foodservice

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  Fried pickle dogs, Sour Patch Kids frozen drinks: Bold flavors top c-stores’ summer menus.

  Additionally, Arko rolled out its Fas Craves food program, Stinker named two breakfast partners and EG America augmented its grab-and-go program.

  Foodservice

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  Wawa’s Kentucky opening marks sixth new state since 2022

  After debuting in three states last year and two more earlier this year, the retailer just has West Virginia and Tennessee left on its list.

  Operations

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  Liquid Death to launch energy drinks, entering $23B category

  With the release of Sparkling Energy, the edgy brand known for its tagline “Murder your thirst" will join its fourth beverage segment.

  Foodservice

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  Refuel continues c-suite shuffle

  The 240-store operator has named a chief technology officer and chief financial officer just a month after it appointed new co-CEOs.

  Operations

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  Column

  Fueling Up: Was Seven & i ever interested in Couche-Tard’s buyout offer?

  Couche-Tard says Seven & i wasn’t willing to play ball, while Seven & i claims it was ready to swing at the right pitch. Who are we supposed to believe?

  Operations

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  BP appoints new board chair

  Albert Manifold will take over leadership of the retail and energy giant’s board on Oct. 1, replacing Helge Lund.

  Operations

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  Column

  3 Big Numbers: An elegy for Couche-Tard’s attempted Seven & i buyout

  While we won’t see a new “world’s biggest c-store company,” it’s worth taking a closer look at how this massive M&A proposal fell through.

  M&A

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  Juul granted FDA marketing approval

  After initially being denied in 2022, the vaping products have been waiting in limbo while the government reconsidered the case.

  Category Trends

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  Pilot COO appointed president of retail

  Brad Anderson’s promotion comes as the travel center chain moves its brand, marketing and consumer insights team under its retail division.

  Operations

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  Wawa expands EV charging

  A new partnership with Ionna will bring “Rechargeries” to an undisclosed number of sites.

  Technology

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  Couche-Tard ends takeover bid for Seven & i

  Nearly a year after its original offer, Circle K’s parent company said a lack of engagement from Seven & i was a major roadblock to the deal materializing.

  M&A

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  Maverik beginning Kum & Go rebrands in Iowa and Nebraska

  The change in Iowa is significant since the Hawkeye State has been Kum & Go’s headquarters and largest market since the company was founded in 1959.

  Operations

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  What’s behind Buc-ee’s brand-building masterclass?

  The supersized c-store brand spent years honing its appeal before expanding nationwide. A trip to a newly opened store in Virginia showcases its wide-ranging allure.

  Operations

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  McLane debuts c-store foodservice commissary

  The new program is part of the distributor’s Central Eats program, which features pre-packaged, grab-and-go cold items like subs, sliders, salads and fruit cups.

  Foodservice

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