At Your Convenience

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.

On this special edition of the CSP podcast At Your Convenience, Melissa Vonder Haar introduces listeners to supplier members of the CSP C-Store Cannabis Board. Vonder Haar is managing director of TradeWorks for iSee Store Innovations and chair of CSP's C-Store Cannabis Board. Board members were required to apply for their seats and were selected for their diversity in the segment, how long they've been in business and more. Listen in for the advice these suppliers have for convenience retailers looking to get into the hemp-THC space. Suppliers appearing on the podcast, in order, are: Jake Bullock: co-founder & CEO of CannDavid Daily: founder at GRAVAngus Rittenburg: co-founder & CEO of WynkLenard Gega: vice president of Hemp, CuraleafDaniella Segal: head of Delta 9, Charlotte's WebKoby Licciardo: SVP of sales, NOWADAYSBlake Patterson: chief revenue officer, Keef BrandsGenya Akselrod: founding partner, Looner Cannabis

In a recent episode of “At Your Convenience” podcast, CSP's Abbey Lewis spoke with Kara Calderon, head of underage access prevention at Reynolds, and Stephanie Sikorski, CEO of TrueAge, about the collaborative efforts to prevent underage access to tobacco and nicotine products. The conversation highlighted how industry partnerships between manufacturers, retailers and technology providers have contributed to lower rates of underage tobacco use. Reynolds' strict marketing protocols and contractual obligations with retailers, combined with TrueAge's innovative age verification technology, have created an ecosystem that effectively prevents youth access to age-restricted products. The discussion also addressed current challenges, including the rise of illicit vape products targeting youth, and future initiatives to strengthen underage access prevention efforts.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Chuck Ulie talks with Deb Bowman, category manager at Rhodes convenience stores, from CSP's Center Store Forum on Sept. 9 in Lombard, Illinois.Rhodes, based in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, is operated by PAJCO Inc.On this podcast, Bowman talks about some of the most fun and challenging parts of her job—and how she doesn't see an end in sight to the avalanche of flavor innovations. She also shares how Rhodes has expanded its meat snack section in response to the growing GLP-1 trend.

In this episode of At Your Convenience, CSP Executive Editor Hannah Hammond talks to Art Sebastian, founder and CEO of NexChapter. They spoke at CSP's Outlook Leadership event in August about the report, which details five outlooks for the convenience-store industry, based off the 2025 Outlook Report Survey and data from CSP's sister research firm Technomic, NielsenIQ and Upside. The full report will launch in October, and it will also be featured in CSP's October magazine issue.  Sebastian, who is also the chair of CSP's C-StoreTEC advisory board, also talked about the speakers he is looking forward to hearing at the C-StoreTEC event, taking place Oct. 27-29 in Plano, Texas. Learn more about that conference here.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editors Diane Adam and Rachel Gignac speak to Adit Gupta, founder and CEO of Lula Commerce, about the company's new nicotine delivery services.Convenience-store retailers in states where nicotine delivery is legal can now sell and deliver these products on DoorDash with Lula. Lula's Visual ID Verification captures and verifies government-issued IDs at checkout, not just at delivery. Geo‑fencing prevents orders from regions where tobacco delivery isn't allowed.

In this episode of CSP's "At Your Convenience" podcast, CSP Editor Rachel Gignac talks to ExtraMile's director of operations, Dennis Francis, about the chain's Mystery Shop scores.Recorded live at CSP's Outlook Leadership conference in August, they touch on the categories ExtraMile performed well in, including interior, coffee and employees.While Worcester, Massachusetts-based Nouria, which also won in 2024, received the first-place score in the Mystery Shop audit, Pleasanton, California-based ExtraMile came in second, with a score of 96.84%, and York, Pennsylvania-based Rutter's received the third-place score of 96.53%. This podcast was recorded before the winner was announced. “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 Danielle Gutierrez-Stone, senior director of retail operations at Pony Express. They spoke at CSP's Outlook Leadership event in August about the challenges of running a small chain, being a female leader in the convenience-store industry, what it means to work for a "Native American"-owned company and more. Ho-Chunk Inc. is the parent company of Pony Express. It's based on the Winnebago Indian Reservation in northeast Nebraska. Pony Express first opened for business in 1996 in Winnebago, Nebraska, according to its website.  

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Chuck Ulie (right) talks with Jere Matthews (left), vice president of operations at Rutter's, York, Pennsylvania, at the Outlook Leadership conference in Rancho Palos Verdes, California.On this podcast, Matthews talks about some of Rutter's scores in CSP's and Intouch Insight's Mystery Shop audit. Nouria was the 2025 winner, but Rutter's took first place in 2017, 2018, 2022 and 2023.Matthews discusses striving to provide world-class customer service, the importance of giving customers a pleasant parting remark, having well-stocked stores, why Rutter's competes in Mystery Shop and more.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Diane Adam talks with K.C. Crosthwaite, chairman and CEO of Juul Labs, Washington, at the Outlook Leadership conference in Rancho Palos Verdes, California.On this podcast, Crosthwaite talks about the Food and Drug Administration's authorization of five Juul e-cigarette products. He talks about Juul's latest innovation, challenges of the illicit market, youth nicotine use, age-gated technology and more.

In a recent episode of CSP's "At Your Convenience" podcast recorded live at the Outlook Leadership conference, Abbey Lewis, vice president of content strategy at CSP, and Max Clark, vice president of growth at PAR Retail, shared insights on the concept of "loyalty everywhere."Clark emphasized that loyalty has evolved beyond traditional engagement points like mobile apps to encompass the entire customer journey. "It's the app, the forecourt, the pump, the associate checkout, self-checkout kiosks and connected cars," he said.He stressed the importance of creating an integrated system where all touchpoints work together to deliver a frictionless experience. Clark also highlighted PAR's growing focus on developing direct relationships with CPG partners to create more streamlined value across the entire retail ecosystem.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Chuck Ulie talks with John Pszeniczny, director of operations at Nouria, Worcester, Massachusetts, at the Outlook Leadership conference in Rancho Palos Verdes, California.On this podcast, Pszeniczny talks about Nouria being a finalist in the 2025 CSP Intouch Insight Mystery Shop audit, before the convenience-store chain learned at the conference that it won top honors for the second straight year.He talks about the importance of having well-stocked restrooms, courteous cashiers, why Nouria competes in Mystery Shop and more.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Chuck Ulie talks with Eric Hildenbrand, chief strategy and administrative officer at Temple, Texas-based convenience-store distributor McLane Co., about the Food Safety Modernization Act, also known as FSMA 204. On this podcast, Hildenbrand  talks about the goal of the act, which is to make traceability much faster than it is today. He also discusses some of the foods that will be affected and what c-stores should be doing now to get ready.

InConvenience Inc. is doing things differently in the convenience-store industry. In this episode of At Your Convenience, CSP Executive Editor Hannah Hammond talks to InConvenience CEO Tiffany Fraley, who runs The Gas Spot and The Goods Spot c-store brand. The chain has 25 locations, picked up from shuttered Mountain Express and SQRL Service Station locations. Seventeen of those are currently up and running now in Iowa, Missouri and Arkansas. Fraley talks about what she's learning about the c-store industry, the chain's new mascot, having a nearly all-female c-suite team and more. 

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editors Diane Adam and Chuck Ulie discuss labor and hiring challenges that convenience stores are facing. They share examples of how c-stores are integrating artificial intelligence (AI), robots and other technology tools to perform duties formerly tasked by humans.Look out for CSP's August cover story which delves into this topic. 

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Diane Adam talks with Mike Maraldo, who leads the business unit of GetGo Cafe + Market as vice president of operations. Laval, Quebec-based Circle K owner Alimentation Couche-Tard acquired GetGo Cafe + Market in June. On this podcast, Maraldo explains why Couche-Tard a great fit for GetGo, what makes GetGo's food and loyalty program so successful and more.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Chuck Ulie talks with Jennifer Loper of C3 Brand Marketing, Overland Park, Kansas, who spoke at CSP's C-Store Foodservice Forum June 18 in Schaumburg, Illinois. At the forum, she presented with Julia Foley, C3's senior insights and strategy supervisor.On this podcast, Loper talks about what kid-friendly convenience-store foodservice offerings look like, how to get started, the importance of communication with customers, knowing safety standards and more.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Rachel Gignac talks with Brian Ferguson, chief marketing officer at EG America, Westborough, Massachusetts. Ferguson talks about EG's loyalty program, SmartRewards, the chain's investment in retail media and artificial intelligence and its foodservice offerings.

In the latest episode of CSP's "At Your Convenience" podcast, Vice President of Content Strategy Abbey Lewis sits down with Marc Walkin, Head of Marketing at Qsic. Walkin makes a compelling case for why convenience stores represent an ideal environment for strategic audio: "What makes c-stores so unique is first, they're highly impulse-driven relative to other channels," Walkin explains. "Any audience that is more impulse-driven is obviously more susceptible to ads that could change behavior."

Sandie Deas Ray, Nadine Lim and Elsa Storts are three consumer-packaged goods (CPG) leaders who are all at different stages of their careers. They're also all part of the same power team, a group of industry members who attended CSP's Convenience-Store Women's (CSW) Event and who meet throughout the year to solve challenges that women in the workplace face. In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” Lim, e-commerce manager at Temple, Texas-based McLane Co. Inc.; Deas Ray, vice president of foodservice sales and marketing at Frisco, Texas-based Ruiz Foods Inc.; and Storts, trade show and event manager for Austin, Texas-based BeatBox Beverages, get candid about mentorship.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Chuck Ulie talks with Liza Salaria, merchandising and foodservice practice lead at Chicago-based W. Capra, from CSP's C-Store Foodservice Forum in Schaumburg, Illinois, in June.Salaria discusses correcting foodservice margin leakage, touching on gross margins, open rings, known loss, unknown loss, supplies and more.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Diane Adam talks with Mitch Morrison, vice president of retailer relations at Informa Connect, about the latest news and trends in the tobacco category. The two talk about staff changes at the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Tobacco Products (CTP), how artificial intelligence might speed up the agency's premarket tobacco product application (PMTA) review process, growing illicit vape sales and more. 

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Rachel Gignac talks to Neha Nayyar, senior director of loyalty, personalization and shopper marketing at 7-Eleven, and Mario Mijares, vice president of marketing, loyalty and monetization platforms at the Irving, Texas-based chain.The conversation about 7-Eleven's retail media network took place in April at CSP's Retail Media Network Forum in Dallas. Nayyar and Mijares discuss the convenience-store chain's ad channels, retail media partnerships, personalization and more.

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.