Convenience Store News

Convenience Store News’ Small Operator Academy is an education program designed to help the industry's independents and small chains overcome their biggest challenges and stay competitive. This month, we sit down with Nate Flick, founder of Godega Market, a two-store chain that's reimagining the neighborhood bodegas commonly found in urban areas.

NATIONAL REPORT — Tobacco legislation and regulation is constantly under review at the local, state and federal levels. In this monthly roundup, Convenience Store News highlights the latest proposals and approved changes happening across the United States. CALIFORNIA Fresno — Fresno City officials voted to create a new tobacco retailer licensing program designed to curb the sale of illegal tobacco products and strengthen enforcement against businesses that violate state and federal regulations.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Tooley Oil Co. is exiting the convenience channel upon the sale of its petroleum marketing and convenience retail business to an undisclosed, confidential buyer. The divested stores are located through the Sacramento metro area and market Shell, Chevron and its proprietary Mixx-branded fuel. The deal includes 12 convenience stores and seven car washes.

LAVAL, Quebec — Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. (ACT) is seeing growth in key in-store categories as consumers become more deliberate about spending, with foodservice and digital engagement emerging as important drivers of customer demand. The convenience retailer reported a 1.6% increase in merchandise same-store sales across its network for the first quarter of fiscal 2027, led by 1.7% growth in the United States.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Pilot is celebrating Driver Appreciation Month with the return of its annual Road Warrior contest. The travel center operator's Road Warrior contest shares the stories of the professional drivers who go the extra mile every day, celebrating their commitment to safety and the impact they make on and off the road. Nominations for the 2026 Road Warrior contest opened Sept. 1 and will remain open through Sept. 18.

INDIANAPOLIS — M-PACT 2027 will mark the 25th anniversary of the premier fuel and convenience event in the Midwest. The M-PACT Fuel & Convenience Tradeshow will take place April 6-8, 2027 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. The milestone event — themed "Racing to 25 Years" — is expected to be a packed show with top industry leaders and prime opportunities for education and networking.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — NACS and nearly 250 convenience retailers across 50 states are looking for a delay in enforcement of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) final rule regarding stocking standards required for participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). A joint letter sent to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins on Aug. 31 requests that enforcement be deferred until six months after the agency publishes comprehensive compliance guidance for SNAP retailers.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — NACS and nearly 250 convenience retailers across 50 states are looking for a delay in enforcement of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) final rule regarding stocking standards required for participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). A joint letter sent to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins on Aug. 31 requests that enforcement be deferred until six months after the agency publishes comprehensive compliance guidance for SNAP retailers.

ALTOONA, Pa. — Sheetz Inc. is rolling out a series of fuel discounts to help drivers cut costs as they hit the road during Labor Day weekend and throughout the rest of September. From Sept. 3 through Sept. 8, the convenience store chain is offering 20 cents off per gallon on all fuel grades, excluding high-flow diesel. Customers can redeem the offer by adding it under the OFFERZ tab in the Sheetz mobile app and then scanning their My Sheetz Rewardz at the pump.

NATIONAL REPORT — Retailers, wholesalers and suppliers in the convenience store industry are only as good as their management teams and employees. In this special roundup, Convenience Store News runs down the most recent executive changes at the top in the industry. Acosta Group Customer development leader Joe Mueller joined Acosta Group as chief retailer partnerships officer, a newly created role focused on strengthening retailer relationships and collaboration across the retail ecosystem.