At Your Convenience

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Chuck Ulie talks with Kathy Williams, senior category leader at Minuteman Food Mart, Elizabethtown, North Carolina, owned by Campbell Oil Co., from CSP's Cold Vault Forum in Lombard, Illinois, in May.Williams, a CSP 2025 Category Manager of the Year winner for center store, small chain, talks about the importance of watching trends, Minuteman's love of innovation, the importance of leveraging vendors to get insight on consumers and more.

The tobacco industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by scientific research and innovation in non-combustible alternatives. With more than 1 billion adult smokers globally and nearly 30 million in the United States alone, understanding the principles of Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) has become increasingly important for both industry stakeholders and consumers. In a recent "At Your Convenience" podcast, we explore the science behind potentially reduced-risk tobacco products and their role in public health.Joining us was Tim Nestor, Executive Vice President of Scientific Research & Development at the Reynolds American Organization. He shared insights from his extensive experience leading cutting-edge research in tobacco harm reduction. Nestor breaks down the scientific framework known as the "risk continuum," and explains the rigorous research behind non-combustible alternatives."At Your Convenience" brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.

There has been an explosion in THC beverages in the past six months, and Melissa Vonder Haar, managing director of TradeWorks for St. Louis-based display solutions firm iSEE Store Innovations, said convenience retailers must capitalize on this emerging segment so they don't get left behind. But, to do that, retailers must educate themselves and their consumers about cannabis, while also lobbying for clearer regulations within the industry, Vonder Haar said during the latest episode of CSP podcast “At Your Convenience.”Vonder Haar is assisting CSP with its efforts to bring convenience retailers up to speed in the cannabis space through the launch of the CSP C-Store Cannabis Board. Vonder Haar will serve as the board's inaugural chairwoman. Retailers and suppliers interested in participating in the board should fill out this form. CSP will launch the C-Store Cannabis Forum in 2026

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Diane Adam talks with Peter Rasmussen, who is an industry advocate, convenience and energy veteran, and CEO and founder of Convenience and Energy Advisors.The two spoke in May during CSP's Cold Vault Forum in Lombard, Illinois.Rasmussen shares how retailers can unlock digital's potential to drive packaged beverage profit. He also discusses the importance of in-store signage and how c-store shoppers notice promotions.“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Rachel Gignac talks to Whitney Johnson, senior vice president of marketing at EG America, Westborough, Massachusetts, about her involvement in launching both a retail media network and a new loyalty program in the first few months of the year.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Chuck Ulie talks with Josh Campbell, dispensed beverage category manager at La Plata, Maryland-based Dash In, owned by the Wills Group.The two spoke in April during CSP's Dispensed Beverages Forum in Lombard, Illinois.Campbell, a CSP 2025 Category Manager of the Year winner for dispensed beverages, small chain, talks about finding a way to have a dispensed beverage not only work as a complement to a food program but be able to stand on its own, processes, trends, inflation and his go-to dispensed beverage.

In this special edition episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Rachel Gignac talks to Helena Yasmine, director of sales for convenience and retail at coffee equipment company SEB Professional, and Joy Landis, senior customer business manager at snacks and candy manufacturer Mars Wrigley. Yasmine and Landis are on a Convenience-Store Women (CSW) power team, an ongoing initiative of the CSW event where groups of convenience-store industry women meet throughout the year to address root causes of issues and help create paths forward.The pair's power team is focused on mental health this year, and they share results of a survey they conducted. One notable stat: 68% of respondents said they did not receive any mental health training or education over the last year.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Diane Adam talks with Taylor Bromley (pictured third from right), senior manager third party implementation at Altria, and Christine Loukota, director of emerging technologies at Alimentation Couche-Tard/Circle K, regarding the annual 2025 Women's Leadership Summit. Navigating the evolving landscape of leadership in today's business climate was the topic of discussion Feb. 28 at the annual 2025 Women's Leadership Summit hosted by Richmond, Virginia-based tobacco company Altria and the Trulaske Business School's Career Services Department at the University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri.Bromley and Loukota discussed the challenges of navigating the evolving landscape of leadership in today's business climate, the strengths of Gen Z and finding the right work method that aligns with individual preferences and career goals.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Executive Editor Hannah Hammond talks to Todd Fangman, senior food and dispensed beverage manager at the Dash In convenience-store chain. The Wills Group Inc., La Plata, Maryland, owns the c-store chain, which has about 60 stores. The Wills Group is No. 120 on CSP's 2024 Top 202 ranking of U.S. convenience-store chains by store count.Fangman shares his strategy behind Dash In's menu and how he's focusing on nailing core items this year, rather than adding more innovation. 

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Rachel Gignac talks to Paul Singh, vice president of operations at Grab-N-Geaux, a convenience-store chain based in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and Safi Modi, head of growth at Modisoft, a technology software provider based in Sugar Land, Texas.They talk about Grab-N-Geaux's integration of Modisoft services throughout its stores. The chain uses the tech inside the store, in the forecourt and for its restaurant.“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Chuck Ulie talks with Rachel Toner, owner of Taste Strategy, Chalfont, Pennsylvania, at CSP's Dispensed Beverages Forum, which took place in April in Lombard, Illinois.Toner talks about the trendy dirty soda, which is a carbonated soft drink with added flavor syrups or creamers. Toner discusses the catchy name, the history of the beverage and its resurgence today. The majority of retailers already have the ingredients needed to make these drinks, she says, making it a wealth of opportunity for c-stores. 

With consumers expecting everything on-demand, digital commerce has become table stakes. But scaling delivery while maintaining margins isn't easy—especially in a business built for speed and efficiency. On a recent episode of the CSP "At Your Convenience" podcast, CSP's Vice President of Content Strategy Abbey Lewis sat down with Justin Jackson, president and chief revenue officer at Lula Commerce, to talk about what works, what doesn't, and how to build a digital strategy that drives results.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Diane Adam talks with Deena Doyle (second from right), the executive director of Women in Energy, during the M-Pact 2025 tradeshow in Indianapolis, April 1-3. Doyle talks about her excitement of the Women in Energy organization whose goal is to create a community for energy professionals focused on education, mentorship and growth. She also touches on advancement tools for women currently working in the energy industry.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Rachel Gignac talks to Fidaa Mohrez, senior director of operational systems at H&S Energy, Orange, California, and Mehdi Mahmoodi, co-founder of LottoShield, San Ramon, California.They talked about H&S Energy's experience with LottoShield during CSP's Convenience Retailing University (CRU) event in February in Nashville. 

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Senior Editor Hannah Hammond talks to Mark Buonomo, senior category manager for beer, wine and liquor at Global Partners.Buonomo was a finalist for CSP's 2025 Category Manager of the Year awards. Click here to see the 2025 CMOY winners.The two talked about trends in packaged beverages and alcohol during CSP's Convenience Retailing University (CRU) event in February in Nashville, Tennessee. Global Partners LP, Waltham, Massachusetts, operates 364 convenience stores under brands including Alltown Fresh, Convenience Plus, Fast Freddie's and Honey Farms. 

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” Fidaa Mohrez, senior director of operational systems at H&S Energy Group; Kumeil Hosain, founder and CEO of Xenia; and Abbey Lewis, vice president of content strategy, discuss what the partnership means for H&S Energy.With beer caves, car washes and various formats across different regions, H&S needed a platform with store hierarchy capabilities and customizability across its portfolio of locations.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Diane Adam talks with Damian Wyatt, vice president of retail, purchasing and merchandising for Greenfield, Indiana-based Leo's Market & Eatery. The podcast was recorded inside the retailer's new c-store location in Lafayette, Indiana. Other Leo's are located in Greenfield, Noblesville, McCordsville and Indianapolis, Indiana. Wyatt talks about the new store's features, including chef-prepared meals, a drive thru and Leo's signature kolaches. An industry veteran, Wyatt previously worked with convenience-store retailer MAPCO for nearly 20 years.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Chuck Ulie talks with Mary Ruiz, center store category manager at Global Partners, Waltham, Massachusetts, which owns the Alltown Fresh convenience-store chain.Ruiz talks about excitement in the category with the influx of new items—and, in this role for just seven months, discusses what has surprised her so far.Ruiz also touches on trends she's watching. “I see in a lot of global cuisines, people going after new flavors, frozen foods,” she said of the grocery category, adding that she wants to bring more innovation to the category.There's also more awareness around healthier and less-processed foods, she said.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP editors Hannah Hammond, Heather Lalley, Rachel Gignac, Diane Adam and Chuck Ulie share highlights from CSP's Convenience Retailing University (CRU) conference.The event took place Feb. 24-26 in Nashville, Tennessee, and was filled with educational content in all convenience-store categories, from tobacco to center store to packaged beverages and more. Also, Hammond interviews five of the 2025 Category Manager of the Year winners: Foodservice, large chain, winner Kevin Dixon of Circle K and small-chain winner Jamie Kennedy of Weigel'sAlcohol, large chain, winner Jackie Pfeiffer of Circle K and small-chain winner Nick Triantafellou of Weigel'sLoyalty + Tech/Operations, small chain, winner Jessica Starnes of Weigel'sThey talked about what they love about their categories, what challenges they face and more. Circle K owner Alimentation Couche-Tard is No. 2 on CSP's 2024 Top 202 ranking of U.S. c-store chains by store count. Weigel's Stores Inc. is No. 79.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Chuck Ulie talks with Ali Beydoun, foodservice director at Chillbox, owned by New Haven, Michigan-based Bazco Oil.Beydoun talks about the launch of the first quick-service restaurant, BirdBox, launched in November by Chillbox in one of its Warren, Michigan, locations.“It was definitely one of those, ‘Let's make it happen,' Beydoun said on the podcast. “We were all hands on deck and were able to do it in about a month and a half. It's been launched for a couple of months now, and we're very happy with the trajectory so far.”BirdBox sells bone-in fried chicken pieces along with four chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, four sides, a house salad, two appetizers (fried corn ribs and tater tachos) and a burger. There also are strawberry, vanilla and chocolate milkshakes and six sauces.“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience”, guest host Art Sebastian sits down with Renee Caceres, head of retail media at StackAdapt, for a discussion on the evolution of retail media networks.Sebastian is the founder of NexChapter, host of CSP's Retail Media Network Forum and C-StoreTEC advisory board chairman.The two talk about the evolution of retail media networks and dive into how StackAdapt's programmatic advertising platform empowers convenience retailers to unlock new opportunities in retail media.CSP's 2025 Retail Media Network Forum will take place April 28-30 in Dallas. Request an invitation to the event by clicking here. “At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Diane Adam talks to Olivia Parker, outreach and communications manager at Parker's Kitchen, Savannah, Georgia. They discuss  the success of the second-annual Convenience-Store Women (CSW) Event held Nov. 4-6 in Charleston, South Carolina. They also talk about working in the family business. Parker shared her career path on stage at CSW. Parker now serves as the outreach and communications manager for the retailer overseeing planning and implementing charitable programs that support Parker's nonprofit partners, engaging company associates in community initiatives, and ensuring that philanthropic efforts align with Parker's core values. “This is a good fit for me,” Parker said. “I am doing everything I can to continue to learn about the family business.”

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Rachel Gignac talks to three convenience-store retailers from Midwest Petroleum, Southwest Georgia Oil Co. and Loop Neighborhood Market, along with the managing director of Conexxus.First, Kristina Anderson, chief services officer at Midwest Petroleum talks about how the company is striving to make better use of artificial intelligence (AI).Then, Glennie Bench, president and COO of Southwest Georgia Oil Co., shares her perspective on women in leadership roles, especially in the technology category. Varish Goyal, CEO of Loop Neighborhood Market, discusses the convenience-store chain's goals with inventory management, retail media and more.Lastly, Linda Toth, managing director of Conexxus, talks about takeaways from the conference.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Chuck Ulie talks with Richard Poye, founder of Nashville-based Fresh Foods Think Tank. Poye talks about the importance of execution and maintaining trust with one's convenience-store customers—and ensuring messages are clear, concise and translatable. Poye also discusses flavor trends, from the early stages to proliferation to going mainstream. Finally, he dives into the importance of food photography—lighting, angles and more—and how a customer's first sensorial experience of a product is “probably on their phone or on a billboard.”

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Senior Editor Hannah Hammond talks to Mike Lawshe, the former president and CEO of Paragon Solutions, and Paragon's new president and CEO Austin Burns.  The father and son-in-law talk about their leadership transition and how the Fort Worth, Texas-based retail design firm helps convenience stores boost their brand and sales.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP's Vice President of Content Strategy Abbey Lewis talks to Terri Micklin, president of GetGo Café + Markets convenience stores, Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania. They discuss the keys to her success and her strategic priorities, as a mother and businesswoman, that propelled her in her career. “I started building plans. And no, it was not my day job,” Micklin said. “It wasn't really fully thought out, either. ... This is fundamentally about being prepared and ready for the moment that you need to personally demonstrate that you know exactly how to deliver extraordinary outcomes.”

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Rachel Gignac talks to Mike LaVitola, the original founder of Chicago-based Foxtrot, about his decision to return to the company to reopen certain locations of the convenience-store chain. LaVitola talked about how the reopenings are going, what the team is focused on and aspects of operations that have changed. Since Foxtrot's parent company, Outfox Hospitality, closed all of its stores in April, the chain sold its assets to Further Point Enterprises. Days later, Foxtrot filed for bankruptcy. Then, Further Point invited LaVitola to return and help lead a revival. Since September, Foxtrot has reopened five locations in Chicago in the Gold Coast, Old Town, Wicker Park, Fulton Market and River North neighborhoods. It is continuing its path of reopening about one of its previous locations every month, with a total of 10 of its original 33—mostly in Chicago and a couple in Dallas. For a full timeline on Foxtrot's operations, click here. Foxtrot was founded in 2014 as a delivery company selling snacks, beer and wine, and grew into a corner store-restaurant hybrid that featured high-end package goods, prepared foods, coffee bars and wine bars. The chain, once billed as the “convenience store of the future,” raised more than $160 million to fuel its growth over its lifetime.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Rachel Gignac talks to Lisa N'Chonon, chief financial officer and treasurer of EG America, Westborough, Massachusetts. N'Chonon joined Cumberland Farms in 2017 and transitioned with the company when EG America acquired the chain. She has held roles such as chief accounting officer and vice president of accounting operations. After serving in the CFO role on an interim basis for 11 months, she will continue to lead all aspects of the finance organization, including accounting, financial planning and analysis, tax and treasury and risk management.  N'Chonon talks about her career, EG's acquisition of Cumberland Farms, the recent leadership changes at EG and what it means to be a mentor.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Senior Editor Hannah Hammond talks to Jillian Fusco (pictured center), human resources business partner at Global Partners, and Ashley Gockstetter (pictured left), vice president, customer experience at Love's Travel Stops, at the C-Store Women's Event, held in November in Charleston. The three talk about their learnings from the CSW power teams, which were groups of CSW attendees who worked throughout 2024 to solve a problem that women in leadership face. Fusco and Gockstetter shared how their companies invest in leadership development and how they've taken CSW learnings back to their convenience-store chains. 

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Chuck Ulie talks with Rachel Toner, founder and technical director of Taste Strategy, Chalfont, Pennsylvania. The theme of this episode is seasonal classics in foodservice, and Toner talks about what defines such offerings and how convenience stores can leverage seasonality to drive foodservice innovation. Toner also explains how a foodservice offering can capture the sensory components of what makes a seasonal classic—and discusses a few memorable c-store items. “At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Diane Adam talks with Hayley Thrift, director of public relations at Spinx. The podcast was recorded inside the retailer's new c-store concept Spinx Market & Eatery in downtown Greenville, South Carolina. Topics include the new store's features, including made-to-order gourmet food items, bakery items and Spinx's fried chicken.  Spinx is No. 77 on CSP's 2024 Top 202 ranking of U.S. c-store chains by store count.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Chuck Ulie talks with Ken Rash, senior category manager of packaged beverages at Stinker Stores, and Scott Johnson, executive vice president at beverage partnership consulting firm Enliven and former senior vice president of Keurig Dr Pepper. Stinker Stores is No. 66 on CSP's 2024 Top 202 ranking of convenience-store chains by size. Topics include challenges and trends for convenience stores in the world of packaged beverages. The two also talk about the stiffest competition that c-stores face today in this category—and more.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Senior Editor Hannah Hammond and CSP Editors Diane Adam and Rachel Gignac have a conversation about their highlights from the Convenience-Store Women's Event. CSW took place from Nov. 4-6 in Charleston, South Carolina. Industry experts and c-store retailers spoke on topics including work-life balance, how they overcame challenges in their careers, why women get passed up for c-suite jobs and more. Listen here. 

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Diane Adam talks with Brad Helmer, executive vice president of business and corporate brand development for specialty and fresh product distributor KeHE Distributors, Naperville, Illinois. Helmer talks about the increased interest in better-for-you products, especially from the younger generation. He also unpacks how consumers who care about what they put in their body and where the products come from are becoming big drivers in trends in convenience. He also discusses how convenience-store retailers are now more open to bringing a better-for-you assortment into their stores.

Darren Rebelez, CEO of Casey's and CSP's 2024 Retail Leader of the Year, accepted the award in October at the RLOY dinner in Las Vegas. In his acceptance speech, he thanked and honored the entire Casey's team. “I'm just one person up here representing the achievements of the 45,000 team members we have across our 2,700 stores; many of whom are working as we speak to take care of our guests in our communities. We're here to celebrate them,” he said. Listen to his acceptance speech here.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” in partnership with C-StoreTEC, Mike Templeton, vice president of digital strategy at NexChapter, talks to convenience leaders about opportunities for c-stores in the mobile gaming space. Templeton speaks with Abigail Cerra, loyalty marketing manager at Chestnut Market, New Paltz, New York, and Kim Carlson, chief revenue officer and chief operating officer at Mobivity, a Chandler, Arizona-based company that connects mobile game and marketers with restaurant, convenience and fuel brands. Mobile games are the No. 1 activity on mobile devices, Carlson said, and it actually ranks ahead of social media and texting. “Gaming and impulse purchases go hand in hand,” said Cerra. “Gaming is a billion-dollar industry, so knowing that we could capture the attention of consumers that are already conditioned to micro purchases, AKA impulse buying, we knew we can make them our most valuable customer.” Chestnut Market is No. 93 on CSP's 2024 Top 202 ranking of U.S. convenience-store chains by total number of company-owned retail outlets. Tune in to learn about the power of partnership and how technology and strategy combine to drive growth in the convenience store sector, and don't miss out on future C-StoreTEC webinars, podcasts and the upcoming conference.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Chuck Ulie talks with Kyle Drenon, co-owner of the Springfield, Missouri-based ad agency Supper Co. Drenon, whose business partner is Kesha Alexander, talks about why convenience stores shouldn't try to do everything great—and why it's a better strategy to focus on one or two items or areas to be excellent. Menu strategy, including limited-time offers, also is a subject, as is the “amazing results” he's seen growing loyalty programs with paid social media. Finally, the importance of innovation—trying new things—also is part of the discussion. “At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Senior Editor Hannah Hammond talks to Melissa Weaver, senior operations manager at Metroplex Energy, which is a division of the RaceTrac convenience-store chain. Metroplex Energy is a wholesale fuel supplier that secures bulk fuel to supply companies by rail, pipeline, truck, barge and vessel.  Weaver talks about Atlanta-based RaceTrac's employee-led business resource group called LEAD, which aims to create community, belonging and opportunity for women at work.  RaceTrac is No. 17 on CSP's 2024 Top 202 ranking of convenience-store chains by store count. “At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.

In this episode of "At Your Convenience," Head of Petroleum Analysis at GasBuddy Patrick DeHaan talks to CSP Editor Rachel Gignac about the state of fuel prices, what determines increases and decreases and how the presidential election might affect prices. He also touches on what the outcome of the election could mean for the fuel industry, especially in regard to electric vehicle adoption.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Diane Adam talks with the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) Director Brian King. King discusses CTP's top priorities, including the creation of a federal multi-agency task force to combat the illegal distribution and sale of e-cigarettes. He also discusses how convenience-store operators can partner with CTP when it comes to regulation. The two spoke at CSP's 2024 Tobacco Plus Forum in Schaumburg, Illinois, in September. “At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.

Nouria Energy Corp., based in Worcester, Massachusetts, took home first place in CSP's annual Mystery Shop audit done in partnership with Intouch Insight, an Ottawa, Ontario-based data analysis firm. Nouria is No. 48 on CSP's 2023 Top 202 list.  CSP Editor Rachel Gignac spoke with Nouria's director of operations, John Pszeniczny at CSP's Outlook Leadership conference in August, where the Mystery Shop winner was announced. Nouria stood out with a revealed audit score above 98% in seven categories, which counts for 60% of the overall score. In the Mystery Shop portion, 40% of the overall score, the chain also received above 98% in five areas, including appropriate noise levels and well stocked stores. Pszeniczny talked about the chain's attention to cleanliness, investment in educating employees and raise and rebuild transformation.

At CSP's Outlook Leadership conference in August, CSP Editor Rachel Gignac talked to Nate Brazier, CEO; Billy Colemire, vice president of marketing and brand; and Jeff Pidlypchak, vice president of operations at Stinker Stores, about its performance in the annual Mystery Shop audit. With a score of with a score of 96.18%, Boise, Idaho-based Stinker Stores took home second place in the Mystery Shop audit, after first-place winner Nouria. It was the chain's first year participating in the audit. The leaders from Stinker discuss cleanliness, its new loyalty program revamp, a people-first focus and more.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Chuck Ulie talks with Dawn Boulanger, vice president of marketing at Tri Star Energy, Nashville, which operates Twice Daily convenience stores and White Bison Coffee shops. Boulanger discusses her company being a finalist in the 2024 CSP/Intouch Insight Mystery Shop audit, covering what they do on a daily basis to have scored so well—from the sandwich cooler to exterior, from coffee to restrooms. The two spoke at CSP's 2024 Outlook Leadership conference in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, in August. Tri Star Energy/Twice Daily is No. 42 on CSP's 2024 Top 202 ranking of U.S. c-store chains by store count. “At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.

CSP's Mystery Shop audit has tracked how convenience stores improve standards year-over-year in terms of pump island, exterior, interior, restrooms, dairy cooler, fountain drinks, coffee, sandwich cooler and employees. There has been an increase in convenience-store shoppers that view a c-store as a competitor to quick service restaurants, said Cameron Watt, president and CEO of Intouch Insight, an Ottawa, Ontario-based data analysis firm that conducts the audits in partnership with CSP. At CSP's Outlook Leadership conference, Watt talks to CSP Vice President of Content Strategy, Abbey Lewis, about what the data revealed as well as the top three finalists out of the ten participants: Nouria (No, 1), Stinker Stores (No.2) and Tri Star Energy (No. 3).

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editors Rachel Gignac, Hannah Hammond and Chuck Ulie recorded from CSP's Outlook Leadership conference in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. Each shared highlights of the event, which featured general sessions and innovation forums with leading convenience-store retailers and suppliers on a variety of topics key to the industry. Listen to find out what they learned.   “At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Diane Adam talks with Alison Ritchie, the new president of the New York Association of Convenience Stores (NYACS), based in Albany, New York. Ritchie discusses the challenges convenience-store operators must navigate when it comes to the tobacco category. She also gives an overview of how illegally smuggled tobacco products in New York means lost revenue for convenience stores. “At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Chuck Ulie talks with Steve Morris, president of St. Paul, Minnesota-based Retail Management Inc. Morris discusses leveraging technology to handle today's labor woes, the importance of maintaining menu consistency while sprinkling in limited-time offers and how getting customers inside a c-store starts with the moment they're looking at the building. Retail Management Inc. handles the operations, marketing and accounting functions for any small-format retailer including convenience stores and truckstops, vape shops and liquor stores. Operations include staffing and supervising, product replenishment and ordering and vendor negotiation. “At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP VP of Content Strategy, Abbey Lewis, talks to Restaurant Business' Editor in Chief, Jonathan Maze, about the future of online delivery in both restaurants and convenience—and how consumers really feel about those wait times and fees. Tune in to hear about what we've learned about the major delivery players, and some exciting news on a new delivery study that you can only find at Restaurant Business and CSP. “At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.

Vice president of retail operations support has been at the convenience-store chain for 25 years

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Senior Editor Hannah Hammond interviews Rebecca Mott, vice president of operational accounting at EG America. EG America is No. 5 on CSP's 2024 Top 202 U.S. c-store chains by store count. Mott (pictured), who attended the Convenience-Store Women's (CSW) event in November, shared tips on how companies can help match a mentor with the right mentee, and how she's a better mentor today because of her past experiences.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Senior Editor Hannah Hammond interviews Rachell Bernhardt, human resources director at Quantum Services. The Columbus, Ohio-based company provides inventory audits for convenience-store brands across the country. Bernhardt shares what it's like to work on succession planning in a family-run business. She also gives an update on what her C-Store Women's (CSW) power team has learned about handling competition and the negative stereotypes that may come with it.  “At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.