CStore Decisions

This month we’re doing something a little bit different at the CStoreTalks podcast. It’s our first-ever recap episode. This month I’m sharing a compilation of insights that have been shared on the CStoreTalks podcast over the last several months. We’ll hear thoughts from Nick Triantafellou, director of marketing & merchandising, Weigel’s; Damon Bail, VP of retail operations and marketing, Valor Oi...

This episode of CStoreTalks features Damon Bail, VP of operations & marketing at Valor Oil, which operates HOP Shops. Bail discusses the chain’s disco bathrooms, upcoming pizza launch, rewards program, self-checkout rollout and so much more. Bail also talks about how he went from working the third shift to VP of operations and marketing, as well as how HOP Shops is approaching its company culture...

Nick Triantafellou, Director of Marketing & Merchandising, for Weigel’s discusses the convenience store chain’s foodservice and commissary program, NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) Program, loyalty program and retail media approach and so much more.

This episode of CStoreTalks features Maurice Lamarche, VP of retail operations, Tiger Fuel, which operates The Market convenience stores. Lamarche discusses the chain’s history, growth, store design, foodservice — including its Signature sandwiches — car wash, loyalty program, company culture and much more.

Amar Sidhu, business development, US Market, and second-generation member of the family business; and Saylor Goodwin, public relations and marketing director for US Market, discuss the chain’s history and current initiatives. US Market got its start in 1998 and today it has 60+ sites predominantly in Oregon and Washington, with five more under construction. With new sites on the horizon, a US Mark...

Reilly Musser, VP of marketing and merchandising for Robinson Oil DBA Rotten Robbie, discusses the chains history, remodels, food and technology approach and much more.

Harman Aulakh, VP of marketing and second-generation member of Onvo, discusses the chain's rebranding in 2020, subsequent growth, Food-on-the-Fly foodservice program, electric vehicle charging, its new delivery program and much more.

Erin Del Conte, editor-in-chief of CStore Decisions speaks with Lindsay Griffith, marketing and community engagement manager for InConvenience Inc, the women-led team behind “The G Spot” (Good Spot and Gas Spot) convenience stores. InConvenience Inc is a relatively new company. The company was founded by CEO Tiffany Fraley. The journey began in 2023. At the time she had 25 stores, but when Mountai...

Laura Derba, SVP of Retail Operations for Global Partners, discusses the company’s Honey Farms and Alltown Fresh banners, its new Bees Knees Benefits loyalty program and much more.

Derek Gaskins, head of guest experience, bp convenience & mobility, discusses bp and its c-store banners Thorntons, ampm and TravelCenters of America and gives us the inside scoop on what’s happening at the brands from foodservice to technology to bp’s Epic Goods private label program to new-to-industry stores. Register for the Oct. 2 Young Executive Power Hour: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/reg...

CStore Decisions speaks with Hussein Yatim, VP, Yatco, and second generation of the family business about the chain's aggressive growth plans to scale from 13 to 19 company-operated stores in 2025 and then to 30. Yatim shares the story of how the family business began as well as how the chain is innovating in terms of foodservice, technology, remodels and more.

In this episode, we’re joined by Pervez Pir, president of retail for Loop Neighborhood Marketplace, who offers an inside look at the company’s Loop Neighborhood and Poppy Market banners. Based in California, the chain recently expanded with the acquisition of 11 stores from National Petroleum. From foodservice innovation and car wash services to cutting-edge technology, Pir shares what’s driving t...

Amanda Yaw, director of marketing for Green Valley Grocery talks about the chain's growth plans and areas of focus from foodservice and technology to new-to-industry stores.

Steve Seymour and Stacy Kline from Country Fair discuss the chain’s new flagship store, — which is its biggest location and first city market concept — as well as Country Fair’s 60th anniversary year, how the chain is investing in its company culture and its earned wage access program for employees. From the company history to foodservice and technology initiatives to goals for the future, this po...

With the second-generation of the family active in management of the company, and fresh off a major acquisition that more than doubles its footprint while adding vertical integration opportunities, H&S Energy has its sights set on continued growth. Today, H&S Energy operates more than 260 stores in California, Oregon and Nevada. The company currently operates under the proprietary banners Power Ma...

Major Itule, CEO of Major Oil, discusses his plans to grow to more than 500 locations. His new concept includes autonomous Convenience Store Portable Above Ground Stations (CPAGs) that take days to build for a fraction of the cost of a traditional convenience store. With the first station opening later this year, he aspires to introduce five to 10 locations per month in 2026. Learn the ins and out...

It’s been five years since Chestnut Petroleum Distributors began aligning its fleet of stores under the Chestnut Market banner. Now, with more visibility in its marketplace, Chestnut Market is mastering execution and consistency with help from its Retail Is Detail program while growing through remodels and new store builds. It’s also making bold strides with a stronger focus on food and the immine...

Convenience store chain Triumph Energy is elevating its execution for 2025, rolling out new programs and creating a cohesive experience for customers from its store design to its offerings.

CStore Decisions Executive Editor Erin Del Conte and Seth Bridges, founder of Rival IQ, discuss the 2023 Social Media Awards. For the third year in a row, Kwik Trip claimed the top spot as the overall winner across platforms. Listen for more on which chains took first and second place on the various platforms. New this year, the social media awards include TikTok, in addition to Facebook, Twitter...

This month, CStore Decisions Editor John Lofstock speaks with Elie Y.Katz, President and CEO of National Retail Solutions (NRS) to dicuss retail trends, including e-commerce, winning the battle for the last mile and expanding a loyalty program. With vast retail industry knowledge gained from having owned over a dozen retail establishments, Elie has refined insight into the mindset and needs of the...

Erin Del Conte, executive editor of CStore Decisions, speaks with Christy Patient, regional director of operations at Circle K, co-chair of the Diversity & Inclusion Council and co-chair of the Women’s Council, about her experiences as a woman in business.

CStore Decisions Editor John Lofstock speaks with Elie Katz, President and CEO of National Retail Solutions (NRS) about the trends he is seeing in the retail marketplace. With vast retail industry knowledge gained from having owned over a dozen retail establishments, Elie has refined insight into the mindset and needs of the retail business owner. Elie coordinated the creation of the NRSPoint of S...

Erin Del Conte, executive editor of CStore Decisions, speaks with Joy Almekies, senior director of food services, Global Partners about her experiences as a Gen X woman in the convenience store industry.

CStore Decisions Executive Editor Erin Del Conte speaks with Kendra Meyer, the vice president of real estate development for Casey's, to learn more about her experiences as a millennial woman in the workforce.

CStore Decisions Executive Editor Erin Del Conte and Seth Bridges, founder and head of product for Rival IQ, discuss the 2022 Social Media Awards. Bridges explains the methodology behind the awards and what the winners are doing well. He also shares best practices on social media for retailers for the year ahead.