At Your Convenience

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” Melissa Vonder Haar, managing director of TradeWorks for iSee Store Innovations and chair of CSP's C-Store Cannabis Board, talks to Diana Eberlein at the inaugural CSP Cannabis Forum. Eberlein is the chair of the Coalition for Adult Beverage Alternatives and chief communications officer for emulsion supplier Vertosa. The two discussed the urgent threat facing hemp-derived THC products due to a Nov. 12 federal deadline that could effectively ban most products on the market. They also emphasized the need for convenience retailers to educate consumers and legislators about the category's legitimacy and the industry's desire for proper regulation.The Cannabis Forum took place March 23-25 in Lombard, Illinois. For more information, visit informaconnect.com/c-store-cannabis-forum/.

In a recent edition of CSP's "At Your Convenience" podcast, our team talked to industry experts Dan Razowsky from R-Marts and Rick Schepp from GTI and Rhythm, discussing the current trends, challenges and opportunities for hemp beverages in the Chicago market.As the hemp beverage market continues to grow in Chicago, the podcast highlights both the challenges and opportunities of this emerging category. Retailers must remain adaptable to changing regulations and consumer preferences while leveraging partnerships to enhance brand visibility. For consumers, the increasing availability of hemp beverages in familiar retail spaces offers a welcome introduction to the world of THC products. Here are the brand assets to share about the campaign to save hemp beverages: https://brandfolder.com/wswa/save-hemp-bevsLink to take action: https://wswa.quorum.us/campaign/SaveHempBevs/

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Diane Adam talks to Matt Van Gilder, vice president of omnichannel at NexChapter. On this podcast, recorded June 24 at the CSP Center Store Forum by Informa, the two discussed digital shelf and other technology strategies c-store retailers can use to drive growth in the center store.They also discussed what trends are reshaping consumer buying behavior, retail media networks and artificial intelligence. Van Gilder also shared different strategies when it comes to digital merchandising.

In a recent episode of CSP's “At Your Convenience” podcast, Drew Walls, sales director for retail media at Broadsign, discussed the challenges retailers face when building retail media networks. Walls said retailers often focus on deploying screens first without considering monetization strategy, leading to missed revenue opportunities."We are still pricing the screen and not necessarily the moment," Walls said, noting that a 7 a.m. coffee run represents different shopper intent than an evening cold vault visit. He advised retailers to maintain control over audience data, direct brand relationships and measurement methodologies while leveraging hybrid approaches that offer flexibility.Walls stressed the importance of commercial separation and optionality in retail media architecture, allowing retailers to adapt their technology stack as business needs evolve without losing critical data or demand pathways. Listen to the entire conversation above.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Chuck Ulie talks with Liza Salaria, senior vice president – category management and foodservice, at Chicago-based W. Capra, about crafting promotions with purpose.The two spoke at CSP's Foodservice Forum on June 11 in Schaumburg, Illinois.On the podcast, Salaria offers suggestions on which strategy or strategies to use when promoting an item.“If you find yourself in a situation where maybe transactions are soft and trips are down in your store, you may elect to run a heavily discounted product, like maybe fountain, with the sole purpose to drive incremental trips into the store,” Salaria said.In addition, if customers are visiting a c-store less often, “We need to get them to buy more when they are in our stores, and that's called increasing the basket size, and there are certain promotions we do to particularly accomplish that,” she said.Retailers also need to get creative on how to develop new daypart missions, Salaria said.“How do we create new reasons for customers to break in the middle of their day, get away from their computers and come to the local convenience store for maybe something unique, like maybe it's a smoothie, or it's a hot cookie, or some new reason?” she asked.“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 Conference Content Manager Rachel Gignac talks to Arjun Chakravarti, managing partner at Cogknition Analytics, Chicago.Chakravarti discusses critical factors affecting consumer behavior and strategies for convenience-store retailers navigating uncertainty in today's rapidly changing economic landscape. In this podcast, they examine the current economic environment, consumer spending patterns, labor market dynamics and the implications of tariffs on convenience retailers. Chakravarti will report the latest economic factors at CSP's Outlook Leadership conference, which takes place Aug. 4-6 at Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, California.One key takeaway is that while the economy appears uncertain, there has been a notable increase in consumer spending, particularly among wealthier households. This spending boost is not uniform across all sectors, highlighting the need for retailers to identify their target demographics and tailor their offerings accordingly.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Diane Adam talks to Dave Williams, president of Bump Williams Consulting. On this podcast, recorded May 13 at the CSP Cold Vault Forum by Informa, the two discussed category trends and how to maximize a convenience store's alcohol portfolio. They also discussed how significant nonalcohol beverages and THC beverages are becoming.

Join CSP Executive Editor Hannah Hammond in an exclusive conversation with Stu Heifetz, senior sales manager of Retail Media at Kwik Trip, as he shares insights into building and scaling one of convenience retail's most successful in-house retail media networks.In this episode, Stu reveals how Kwik Trip transitioned from outsourced media management to a fully in-house operation, monetizing assets across 900+ stores and reaching 12 million weekly customers. Learn about the challenges of building advertiser relationships, working with category managers, and maintaining a family-business culture at scale.

Convenience stores looking to monetize their digital platforms have a new opportunity in post-transaction advertising, according to Jon Nolz, CEO and co-founder of MomentScience.Speaking on CSP's "At Your Convenience" podcast in May at the RMN Forum in Chicago, Knowles explained how c-store operators can generate revenue by displaying targeted offers immediately after customers complete purchases through delivery, order-ahead or pickup apps."It's the moment that really matters where you have people with their wallet out after they make that payment," Nolz said. "Why not get a free trial?"The technology integrates into existing systems through simple API or SDK implementations, with some partners completing setup in under an hour. Nolz emphasized balancing monetization with customer experience, recommending retailers maintain control over which ads appear rather than simply maximizing revenue.While many c-store chains lack dedicated retail media personnel, Nolz sees significant potential as digital ordering continues growing. Non-competitive offers like streaming service trials or loyalty program sign-ups work particularly well in the post-transaction moment, he said.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Chuck Ulie talked with Yannis Apostolopoulos, CEO of the Irvine, California-based Specialty Coffee Association, at CSP's Dispensed Beverages Forum in Lombard, Illinois.“We want to foster a global coffee community and support activities to make coffee more sustainable, equitable and thriving as an endeavor for the entire value chain,” Apostolopoulos said on the podcast, which was recorded in April.The CEO also discussed how he's seen a steady shift toward specialty coffee consumption in the United States—as well as what “specialty coffee” means.“There is not a clear line what is specialty coffee and what is not specialty coffee,” Apostolopoulos said. “I would say it's a continuum.”He also discussed trends in coffee consumption around the world, how the association creates standards—and loyalty.“Having a good cup of coffee can make a huge difference when it comes down to loyalty, and my ask from the c-store community would be really take good care of your coffee offering. It can make a lot of difference for you,” he said. Join us for Outlook Leadership 2026! https://informaconnect.com/outlook-leadership/?utm_source=skot&utm_medium=radio&utm_campaign=ol26 Check out more from CSP Daily News: https://www.cspdailynews.com/

Retail media networks need to shift their focus from scale and impressions to measurable outcomes if they want to earn sustained brand investment, according to Jake Kaiser, general manager at Par Retail.Speaking on CSP's "At Your Convenience" podcast in May at the RMN Forum in Chicago, Kaiser emphasized that while loyalty programs provide valuable customer data, they typically capture only approximately 25% of transactions—creating a significant ceiling for proving ROI to CPG partners."Scale does not equal value necessarily," Kaiser said. Kaiser outlined how identity resolution technology and AI can help retailers expand visibility beyond loyalty members, enabling them to identify and measure outcomes across their entire customer base. This approach allows retailers to prove that specific campaigns drive incremental sales at individual locations."The aspirational goal should be 100% of our customers are people we can prove are individual human beings," Kaiser said, adding that AI-powered orchestration will enable faster, more intelligent campaign execution while maintaining quality.

Join CSP Executive Editor Hannah Hammond as she sits down with Joelle Robinson, Director of Retail Media at Circle K, at the Retail Media Network Forum in Chicago. In this insightful conversation, Joelle shares her journey from building Giant Eagle GetGo's retail media network to now leading Circle K's retail media strategy.Discover how Circle K is transforming its approach to retail media by focusing on in-store scalability while expanding digital capabilities. Joelle discusses the unique challenges and opportunities in the convenience store space, the importance of executive buy-in, and why she believes convenience retail is poised to rise significantly in the retail media landscape.Key Topics Covered:Building retail media networks from the ground upThe unique flip in mindset: prioritizing in-store over digital in convenience retailStrategies for gaining executive buy-in and cross-functional alignmentCircle K's upcoming network relaunch and new capabilitiesThe future of measurement and transparency in convenience store retail mediaWhy convenience stores are "under the radar" but positioned for major growth

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Chuck Ulie talks with Todd Smith (left), president of Sandy, Utah-based Swig, which is known as the home of the original dirty soda. The two talked in April at CSP's Dispensed Beverages Forum in Lombard, Illinois. A dirty soda, Smith said, is a soda with added flavors, purees, creams and fruits “just to make it more interesting.” Swig has 153 locations in 16 states.Their discussion includes how Swig started and some key operational strategies that have helped Swig maintain consistency and quality across its 150-plus locations. Smith also discusses how they call the company's employees “day makers”—because “the whole thing is making somebody's day,” he said.On this podcast, Smith also shares how the company is getting to the point where they're planning a year ahead, “which is really, really great.”He also talks about a focus group, which meets at least once a month, with the company's very best customers where Swig tests new flavors and flavor combinations with them.Read more from CSP Daily News- https://www.cspdailynews.com/

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Executive Editor Hannah Hammond talks to Tommy Greenberg, senior director of Love's Media Group for Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores. The podcast was recorded at CSP's Retail Media Network Forum, which was held May 4-6 in Chicago. Love's is tied for No. 14 on CSP's 2026 Top 40 update to the 2025 Top 202 ranking of U.S. c-store chains by store count. Watch for the full 2026 Top 202 ranking in June. Greenberg shared how the travel-center chain created its retail media network, Love's Media Group, and what learnings he's taken away from it since its launch in October. He also gave insights into how Love's collaborates among departments and built out his own team to support Love's Media Group. 

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Diane Adam talks to Nick Triantafellou, director of marketing at Weigel's.On this podcast, recorded April 15 at the annual Midwest Fuel and Convenience Trade Show, M-PACT, in Indianapolis, the two discussed foodservice and how Powell, Tennessee-based Weigel's is measuring success beyond sales. They also discussed loyalty and digital engagement and what role personalization plays in the c-store retailer's loyalty strategy.Key Takeaways:Foodservice is booming: Breakfast and lunch have always been strong at Weigel's, but third-party delivery is now driving dinner sales.Loyalty done right: Weigel's refreshed app interface has increased engagement, especially among Gen Z customers.Personalization isn't the silver bullet: It's a tool, not the end-all-be-all. The key is meeting customers where they are—without being creepy.C-stores can compete with QSRs: With better locations and high-quality food, the industry just needs to treat marketing like the big players do.Data, data, data: From consumer data platforms to retail media networks, Weigel's is building a smarter, more targeted marketing engine.

On CSP's “At Your Convenience” podcast, recorded at the inaugural CSP Cannabis Forum, Scott Estrella from Majors Management, LLC and Blake Patterson from Keef Brands discussed how hemp beverages are successfully launching in the convenience channel, revealing strong consumer demand and strategic merchandising approaches that are reshaping the category.They discuss their partnership model, which focuses on retail fundamentals rather than reinventing strategies. For example, Estrella plans to integrate hemp beverages directly into beer cooler space, believing "it belongs in the beer space" rather than separate coolers, making the category more accessible to mainstream consumers.Both stressed the importance of proper distribution channels and consumer education, particularly as federal regulations threaten the hemp beverage market's future accessibility.Listen to the full conversation on the “At Your Convenience” podcast and subscribe for more insights on cannabis, regulations and the future of convenience retail.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” Rachel Gignac, conference content manager at Informa, talks to Cameron Watt, president and CEO of Intouch Insight.Their conversation explores how the annual Mystery Shop audit, which CSP partners with Intouch Insight for, has evolved over the past two decades, from basic service checks to a more comprehensive focus on cleanliness, food safety and overall customer experience. Watt shares how technology is reshaping service speed and satisfaction and how operators are using these insights to strengthen loyalty and operational performance.He also looks ahead to emerging trends and how convenience retailers can continue raising the bar to meet growing consumer expectations.Check out more from CSP Daily News: https://www.cspdailynews.com/

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” Melissa Vonder Haar, CSP Cannabis Forum Board chair and managing director of TradeWorks for iSee Store Innovations, speaks with Cann Co-founder Jake Bullock and Chris Bambury, president of Bonneau Markets.  The conversation took place at the inaugural CSP Cannabis Forum by Informa, held in March. They dive into the complex landscape of hemp beverage regulations and what they mean for convenience retailers. Learn about the current state of hemp beverage regulations, why they matter, and how convenience retailers can advocate for responsible policies in this evolving market.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Chuck Ulie talks with Brayton Heinz (left), inside sales director at Coffee Cup Travel Plazas, Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Heinz talks about being part of a four-store, family-run convenience-store chain—as well as data analysis, negotiating to maximize profitability and keeping up with today's many trends.On this podcast, Heinz also discusses how Pokemon is back, keeping food waste to a minimum and the quick-service restaurants they have in their stores.Check out more from CSP Daily News: https://www.cspdailynews.com/Read more from Chuck Ulie: https://www.cspdailynews.com/profile/chuck-ulie

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” Scott Estrella, senior category manager at Majors Management, speaks with CSP Cannabis Forum Board Chair and Managing Director of TradeWorks for iSee Store Innovations Melissa Vonder Haar, and her father, Joe Vonder Haar, co-founder of iSee Store Innovations. The conversation took place at the inaugural CSP Cannabis Forum by Informa, held in March. The three talked about how attitudes about cannabis in the convenience-store industry have changed over time, and what opportunities there are in the channel today. Melissa Vonder Haar also shared her journey to advocate for both the cannabis and convenience industries.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Diane Adam talks to Josie Johnson, manager of 36 Lyn Refuel Station in South Minneapolis. On this podcast, recorded March 25 at the CSP Cannabis Forum in Lombard, Illinois, Johnson, who is a member of CSP's C-Store Cannabis Board, discusses being a c-store retailer who carries hemp-THC products. Minnesota was the first state in the country to legalize products containing hemp-THC.Read more from CSP: https://www.cspdailynews.com/

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Executive Editor Hannah Hammond talks to Dr. Thomas Weinandy, principal research economist at Upside.The two discussed the conflict in Iran and how measures like the Jones Act waiver are aiming to help supply chain disruptions in the oil market. Weinandy also shared how events abroad are affecting U.S. fuel prices—and how consumers are responding at convenience stores and gas stations. “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 Matt Van Gilder, vice president of omnichannel at Des Moines, Iowa-based consulting firm NexChapter, which helps retailers with loyalty, retail media and digital commerce strategy.Their discussion focuses on foodservice and e-commerce, including how the digital channel is the new front door of the convenience store and one of the primary ways customers find a business and its offerings.On this podcast, Van Gilder discusses the advantages the digital channel brings when it comes to communicating and how convenience stores are approaching 30% of transactions for foodservice through digital channels. He also talks about how retailers must do more than just build a digital platform—they must plan to grow it.

This episode of “At Your Convenience” is part two of CSP's conversations with the 2026 Category Manager of the Year (CMOY) finalists. Listen to part one here.Finalists were named in seven categories: behind the counter, center store, dispensed beverages, foodservice, loyalty + tech/operations, nonalcohol and alcohol. And winners were announced during CSP's Convenience Retailing University event, which took place Feb. 24-26 in Austin, Texas. At the event, the finalists stopped by CSP's podcast booth to answer three questions about category management. Here are some of their responses.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Diane Adam talks to Matt Hautau, vice president of merchandising of Core-Mark, a wholesale distributor to the convenience channel based in Westlake, Texas. In this podcast, recorded Feb. 11 at the Core-Mark Midwest Expo in Indianapolis, Hautau unpacks the latest in consumer behavior and how Core-Mark works with vendors and suppliers to get the right products to store. He also discusses the importance of data when it comes to what's a hit or a miss in the c-store channel.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP talks with the 2026 Category Manager of the Year finalists. Finalists were named in seven categories: behind the counter, center store, dispensed beverages, foodservice, loyalty + tech/operations, nonalcohol and alcohol. And winners were announced during CSP's Convenience Retailing University event, which took place Feb. 24-26 in Austin, Texas. At the event, the finalists stopped by CSP's podcast booth to answer three questions about category management. Here are some of their responses. Look out for part two, coming out March 24. 

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Executive Editor Hannah Hammond talks to Kevin Smartt, the CEO of Spicewood, Texas-based TXB. The two spoke on Wednesday during CSP's Convenience Retailing University event in Austin, Texas. Smartt talked about how Kwik Chek transformed to TXB, or Texas Born, in 2020, how the chain maintains its brand, how it has expanded its foodservice over the years and more.  

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Executive Editor Hannah Hammond talks to Annie Gauthier, the CFO and co-CEO of St. Romain Oil Co. and the National Association of Convenience Stores chairman. Gauthier is a third-generation co-owner of the Mansura, Louisiana-based company, which operates 15 Y-Not Stop convenience stores. She started her tenure as NACS chairman in October. In this podcast, Gauthier shares how her first few months in the role have been as NACS welcomes new CEO Frank Gleeson, as well as her advice to women—or anyone—looking to advance in this industry. 

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” Parker's Kitchen Founder and Executive Chairman Greg Parker speaks with CSP Editor Diane Adam about the c-store chain reaching its 50-year milestone in 2026.Parker reflects on how the Savannah, Georgia-based retailer has grown over the years and outlines plans to expand the Parker's footprint. He also discusses the company's first-ever name, image and likeness (NIL) partnership with Georgia Southern football standout Davion “Chewy” Rhodes, who shares the same nickname as the convenience-store company's iconic mascot. 

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP's Vice President of Content Strategy Abbey Lewis talks with Jake Kiser, retail general manager at PAR Retail, about how artificial intelligence is reshaping loyalty and customer engagement. Kaiser explains why embedding AI into systems—not bolting it on—is critical for delivering real value. He emphasizes the importance of setting measurable goals such as improving efficiency or accelerating innovation to separate AI hype from reality and ensure tools deliver tangible results.Kaiser thinks that AI's biggest initial impact will be in data and insights. Retailers can now interact with massive datasets conversationally, gaining instant answers to questions like, “Which stores performed best last week?” This eliminates the need for complex queries or lengthy reporting, empowering marketers to make faster data-driven decisions that enhance customer engagement and operational efficiency.The cost of delaying AI adoption is steep, Kaiser said. Platforms that fail to embrace AI risk becoming obsolete while retailers who hesitate will miss opportunities to innovate. To prepare, Kaiser advises pushing teams to use AI tools daily and asking loyalty providers tough questions about their AI capabilities. Acting now will give retailers a competitive edge in an AI-driven future. To hear more, please listen to the entire podcast above. “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 Philip Santini, senior director of food service and bar strategy at York, Pennsylvania-based Rutter's. They discuss the importance of limited-time offers in convenience-store foodservice.On this podcast, Santini talks about the research Rutter's conducts, the importance of feedback from employees, cross-utilizing products and more.“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 a recent episode of the “At Your Convenience” podcast, CSP's Abbey Lewis hosted Heather Potter, Reynolds American trade marketing account executive for Casey's, and Joi Notice-Brooks, senior manager of trade marketing at Reynolds American, for a discussion on trade marketing and its impact on convenience retail. The conversation explores how Reynolds' trade marketing team bridges the gap between commercial strategies and retail execution, ensuring seamless product launches and effective category management.The conversation highlights the evolution of the nicotine category, including the rapid growth of modern oral products and the importance of innovation in meeting adult consumer preferences. They also share key success factors from Reynolds' partnership with Casey's, emphasizing collaboration, transparency and data-driven strategies to drive sustainable growth and enhance in-store experiences.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Rachel Gignac talks to Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy and vice president of media relations, communications and consumer programs for PDI.De Haan unpacks recent developments in the U.S.–Venezuela relationship and what a potential return of Venezuelan crude could mean for the U.S. oil market. He breaks down the implications for fuel supply, refinery operations and gas prices, while offering practical insight into what convenience-store retailers should be watching in the months ahead.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Chuck Ulie talks with Michelle Weckstein, director of food and beverage brands for Southwest Georgia Oil Co., Bainbridge, Georgia, which operates the SunStop convenience-store chain. They discuss how GLP-1 drugs used for weight loss are affecting the demand for items with protein at convenience stores.On this podcast, Weckstein also talks about how SunStop recognized the GLP-1 diet phenomenon early on—and how her company feels that this is a trend that's going to be around for a while.⁠Click here to learn more about our CRU event!

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Rachel Gignac talks to Aisha Khan, head of growth at Shahani Inc., Branford, Connecticut. The two spoke at CSP's Forecourt Forum, which took place Dec. 1-3 in Scottsdale, Arizona.Khan is part of the second generation behind Shahani, a family-owned forecourt company. Its core business, Shahani, focuses on branded fuel and forecourt operations, while the fuel supply division manages dealer partnerships and distribution. Shahani Solutions handles site maintenance and environmental compliance, and the company also operates a fuel hauling and transportation service. A proprietary artificial intelligence (AI)-powered maintenance and operations app streamlines site management, and the Shahani Foundation supports local communities through education and trade initiatives.Khan shares her insights on the forecourt business, the importance of foodservice in convenience stores and the dynamics of working in a family business. She emphasizes the challenges of building and maintaining gas stations, the significance of employee relations and the necessity of community engagement.⁠Click here to learn more about our CRU event!

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” InConvenience Inc. Facilities and Fuel Director Nicole Majkowicz speaks with CSP Editor Rachel Gignac at CSP's inaugural Forecourt Forum, which took place in Scottsdale, Arizona, Dec. 1-3. Majkowicz talks about Chicago-based InConvenience Inc., a women-led convenience-store company focused on transforming small-town retail. They discuss the company's origins, mission and unique branding, including the humorous store name the G-Spot. Nicole shares insights on recent upgrades to fueling stations, the importance of community engagement and the challenges of navigating grants for funding. The conversation highlights the impact of these upgrades on customer loyalty and sales, as well as the company's strategic growth plans in rural markets.Click here to learn more about our CRU event!

In a recent episode of CSP's “At Your Convenience” podcast, host Abbey Lewis, vice president of content strategy at CSP, and Jake Kiser, retail general manager at PAR Retail, discuss the growing importance of unified tech stacks in retail. The conversation delved into the risks of fragmented systems, the strategic advantages of consolidation and actionable steps for how retailers can embrace this transformation.Kiser highlighted three key drivers behind the push for unified tech stacks: the need to enhance customer engagement, the importance of preparing for an AI-first future and the demand for efficiency and ROI from IT investments. He explained that fragmented systems create friction, slowing down operations and impacting profitability. By consolidating systems, retailers can reduce inefficiencies, simplify vendor relationships and better align technology with business goals.For retailers looking to start this journey, Kiser advised beginning with a clear understanding of organizational goals, offering a roadmap for businesses to thrive in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven landscape. Listen to the entire conversation above for more information.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Diane Adam talks with Barbara Stoyko, senior vice president of Shell Mobility and Convenience Americas, about the biggest threats and challenges to the c-store industry as a whole heading into 2026. On this podcast, Stoyko also discusses the role of fuel, particularly as alternative energy options and electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure continue to expand.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Rachel Gignac speaks with Scott Hartman, president and CEO of Rutter's, and CSP's 2025 Retail Leader of the Year. Rutter's is No. 79 on CSP's 2025 Top 202 ranking of U.S. convenience-store chains by store count.The two spoke at CSP's Outlook Leadership conference in August about his RLOY recognition and the philosophies that have guided his 54-year career in the convenience-store and fuel industry. Hartman started in the business at just 12 years old, learning every role from stocking shelves to managing stores to leading one of the most innovative convenience store companies in the country. He shares stories of mentorship, family and the lessons he's learned about leadership, teamwork and staying ahead in an industry defined by constant change.Hartman recalls vacation adventures with his family, the lessons golf has taught him about patience and perseverance and how he balances his commitment to employees with time for personal well-being. As a leader, Hartman views his role as more of a coach than a boss. He said he's invested in nurturing both people and ideas and is unafraid to break new ground in technology, foodservice and even in-store gaming experiences. 

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Chuck Ulie talks with Matt Pavich, senior director of strategy and innovation at Alpharetta, Georgia-based Revionics, about how artificial intelligence (AI) assists convenience-store retailers in pricing new products.On this podcast, Pavich discusses why pricing a brand-new item—with zero historical sales data—is a persistent struggle for the average c-store retailer.The interview also goes beyond new items and into how AI helps c-store retailers navigate the complexity of tariffs, inflation and high consumer price sensitivity across their entire assortment.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Executive Editor Hannah Hammond talks to Scott Smith, vice president of IT at convenience-store chain Parker's Kitchen.  Parker's Kitchen is No. 73 on CSP's 2025 Top 202 ranking of U.S. c-store chains by store count.Speaking from CSP's C-StoreTEC forum, which was held Oct. 27-29 in Plano, Texas, Smith shared how the Savannah, Georgia-based chain of more than 100 stores uses artificial intelligence (AI) now, and what opportunities there may be for it in the future. 

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Executive Editor Hannah Hammond talks to Aisha Jefferson, QuikTrip's corporate communications manager. Jefferson shares how she's risen through the ranks at the Tulsa, Oklahoma-based convenience-store chain through nine promotions. She also shares the challenges she's faced in her career, along with what's helped her along the way. QuikTrip is No. 9 on CSP's 2025 Top 202 ranking of U.S. c-store chains by store count.The two spoke at CSP's Convenience-Store Women's event, which was held Nov. 3-5 in San Antonio. 

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Rachel Gignac talks to Abigail Cerra, director of marketing at Chestnut Market, New Paltz, New York. They talk during CSP's C-Store Women event, which was held Nov. 3-5 in San Antonio.Cerra talks about the importance of understanding the financials behind business decisions. She and Gignac discuss how leaders in the convenience-store industry can read early financial signals, leverage data to make smarter choices and navigate the evolving landscape of digital payments, self-checkout and delivery. Cerra also shares practical advice for emerging leaders on strengthening their financial intuition and spotting the story behind the numbers in their own organizations.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Executive Editor Hannah Hammond talks to RaceTrac's Vice President of Marketing Jamie Miller and Executive Director of Digital and Store Technology Tyler Grubbs. Speaking from CSP's C-StoreTEC forum, which was held Oct. 27-29 in Plano, Texas, Miller and Grubbs shared how the marketing and technology departments collaborate. They also spoke to RaceTrac's upgraded rewards app and how they work with the company's various brands, from RaceTrac to Gulf Oil to Raceway to Potbelly.Atlanta-based RaceTrac is No. 17 on CSP's 2025 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.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Executive Editor Hannah Hammond talks to Michelle Patterson, vice president of marketing and communications at McLane Company Inc., and Jason Read, director of store operations at Wawa, about how to build your personal brand. The three sat down at CSP's third-annual C-Store Women's event in San Antonio, Texas, to discuss how leaders in the convenience industry can build and maintain their own personal brand and growth in their careers. The learnings came from Patterson and Read's power team, a group of people who had attended CSW in 2024 and worked throughout the year to develop tips on establishing a personal brand. “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 Jesse Wolcott, assistant director of information technology at Royal Farms. They speak at C-StoreTEC, where Wolcott was part of a session on artificial intelligence (AI) strategy in convenience stores. Wolcott shares how Baltimore-based Royal Farms is leveraging AI, challenges with implementation and goals.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Rachel Gignac talks to Terry Valdivieso, chief financial officer at Atlantis Management Group. Valdivieso discusses the role of technology in the company's expansion and operational efficiency. Among additional topics, she shares insights on the implementation of suggested ordering systems and the future integration of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance data analysis and decision-making.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editors Hannah Hammond, Heather Lalley, Chuck Ulie, Diane Adam and Rachel Gignac discuss their biggest takeaways from the 2025 NACS Show.The NACS Show took place Tuesday through Friday at McCormick Place in Chicago.

In a recent “At Your Convenience” podcast, CSP sat down with industry experts Bill Flack, senior vice president, head of foodservice strategic business, and Ed Shabaz, vice president of sales, director-foodservice and CPG, both from Ajinomoto Foods North America. According to Flack and Shabaz, this trend is being driven primarily by younger demographics including millennials and Gen Z consumers.Latin American cuisine continues to dominate growth, with core items like tacos and burritos expanding to include trending options such as Birria tacos and elote. Empanadas are particularly well-suited for the convenience channel, showing 12% menu growth due to their portable nature and operational efficiency.On the Asian front, dumplings and pot stickers are gaining significant traction. These handheld items appeal to consumers seeking authentic global experiences while offering retailers operationally friendly solutions that require minimal labor and hold well under heat lamps.Listen to the full “At Your Convenience” podcast episode above for deeper insights into how convenience retailers can successfully implement global flavor programs and stay ahead of emerging food service trends.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Executive Editor Hannah Hammond talks to Julia Lazzara, president of Leading NOW, during CSP's Outlook Leadership event in August. The two talk about CSP's upcoming C-Store Women's event, which takes place Nov. 3-5 in San Antonio, Texas. 

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Diane Adam talks with David Spross, executive director of the National Association of Tobacco Outlets, Washington, D.C. The two talk at CSP's Tobacco Plus Forum, held in September in Schaumburg, Illinois.On this podcast, Spross discusses the Food and Drug Administration's plan to fast-track nicotine pouch authorizations, state excise taxes and challenges of the illicit e-cigarette market.