The Future of Convenience

Can AI help solve self-checkout theft? In this episode, Matt Redwood, VP of retail technology solutions at Diebold Nixdorf, reveals how AI is transforming self-checkout by cutting theft, improving customer experience, and streamlining store operations. From “nudges” that fix honest mistakes to advanced shrink detection, discover why this technology is poised for rapid adoption across global retail...

Take a road trip with us to Sweden where Cathrin Iden, network sales manager for the Nordics at Milence, shares how the company is transforming Europe’s heavy-duty transport with secure, driver-focused EV charging hubs. From Sweden’s “green highways” to a continent-wide network, discover the innovations powering the shift to zero-emission long-haul trucking. With special guest: Catherin Iden, Netw...

David Moore, international retail and development director for SPAR International, shares insights from 48 markets around the world, highlighting how convenience retail is evolving across continents. From AI-powered stores in China to trend-driven formats in Europe, Moore explains how SPAR stays agile, local, and future-ready. With special guest: David Moore, International Retail & Development Dir...

Bill Reid, chairman and CEO of Rove Charging, shares how his team is building large-scale, customer-first EV charging hubs across California. From 24/7 support to thoughtful amenities, Rove is reshaping what drivers can expect from public charging. Due to a significant change in policy support, EV ownership in the U.S. overall will be slower than in many countries, but California, with an economy...

Technology and food innovation are transforming the convenience retail landscape. With insights from the recent Retail Technology Conference, hear from industry expert Frank Gleeson and Alan English, vice president and head of global marketing for Invenco by GVR, as they highlight trends like mobile ordering, EV customer journeys, and the growing role of foodservice in driving customer engagement....

BP UK Retail MD Jo Hayward shares insights on their Cromwell Road EV hub transformation, which exceeded EV charging expectations by 20% within its first week. Learn how BP is pioneering the shift from traditional fuel to electric charging together with ‘Made to Order’ fresh food concepts and strategic network planning. Related link: bp pulse Cromwell Road, London, Entry profile – ‘Best EV Hub in t...

What can convenience food service providers learn from a successful fast-casual restaurateur? John Iannucci, CEO of Escalante’s Fine Tex Mex & Tequila and Fat Rosie’s Taco & Tequila Bar, shares his expertise on optimizing food service operations, exploring strategies for balancing quality with speed, leveraging technology to enhance customer experiences, and addressing industry challenges such as...

We have a new winner for the Best EV Hub in the World and it is Shell Recharge in Shenzhen China! We talked with Chuan Hu, Shell’s VP Mobility and Convenience China and Elaine Kanak, Vontier’s CMO, about the winning site and worldwide EV growth. We’re looking forward to our visit to Shenzhen this September, where we’ll dive into the city’s remarkable embrace of ‘new energy’ vehicles, now accountin...

How does Irish convenience retail giant Maxol harness technology to excel at its world-renowned customer-centric strategy? Join Brian Donaldson, CEO of Maxol, and Brad Sandys from Urgent as they discuss the evolution from fuel-focused operations to modern multi-energy hubs designed around exceptional customer experiences. See Maxol's entry in The Best EV Hub in the World Competition: https://www.g...

Antonio Swad, founder of Wingstop and Buzz Brands, joins hosts Carolyn Schnare and Harry Milloff, CEO of The Moseley Group, to share the unconventional story behind two boundary-pushing brands. From his early days at Wingstop revolutionizing wings at the center of the plate to exploding into the convenience landscape with a bold new CPG disruptor, Swad reveals how thinking differently—and not alwa...

Discover how EG America's president and CEO John Carey is reshaping company culture as the foundation for transformation across convenience retail. Carey and hosts Harry Milloff and Carolyn Schnare dive into the intersection of design, digital tools, and customer engagement. Hear how EG America is aligning food, AI, localization, and loyalty to build stores that are destinations—not just stops. Wi...

QSR veteran Ned Lyerly, Ned Lyerly, CEO and Founder of Starheel Ventures, LLC, learned a new word on this week’s episode – foodvenience! Ned, Harry Milloff and Carolyn Schnare discuss the balance between speed, quality, and operational efficiency in all forms of foodservice. Hear Ned’s insights on menu design, drive-thru innovation, and creating exceptional customer experiences. With special guest...

The iconic Jacob Schram joins us this week to talk about his leadership philosophy, the energy transition, and the future of convenience retail. Drawing from his 35 years of experience with major brands like Circle K and Norwegian Air, Schram shares insights on running businesses at two clock speeds, navigating the complexities of EV adoption across different markets, and why great people and oper...

Casey’s CEO Darren Rebelez reflects on his journey from West Point to leading one of the nation’s largest convenience store chains, emphasizing the company’s focus on people, community, and foodservice as key differentiators. The conversation explores challenges such as declining cigarette sales and shifting fuel demand, along with Casey’s growth strategy and commitment to delivering customer valu...

World retail travelers, Mark Wohltmann, director of NACS Global and host Dan Munford, share their travels and observations of retail around the world. Highlighting key trends and innovations in various markets, hear why it is important for retailers to hit the road (or air) to learn from each other. With special guest: Mark Wohltmann, Director, NACS Global Hosted by: Dan Munford and Carolyn Schnar...

Popeyes, a leading global QSR brand, is renowned for its consistency and ability to keep loyal customers. Hear how foodvenience retailers can effectively compete with QSRs and why “surprise and delight” is a bad way to go about it. With special guest: Jordan Cusner, Former Head of Guest Insights, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare and Harry Milloff

Applegreen Rathcoole is the winner of the Insight Research 2024 ‘Best Foodvenience Store in the World’ competition! Join hosts Dan and Carolyn in a candid conversation with Joe Barrett, CEO of Applegreen, who shares insights on Applegreen's innovative approach to foodservice, EV charging, and ambitious plans for expansion across Ireland and the U.S. Many thanks to the competition sponsors Invenco...

FCG Lion Place Canning, located in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was selected number two in the Insight Research 2024 ‘Best Foodvenience Store in the World’ competition! Hear from Claudio Reboredo, partner at FGC Fuels Marketing, about the award-winning site featuring multiple food offers in the thoughtfully designed, modern destination that caters to the diverse needs of today's motorists. Founded in...

The search for the 2025 "Best EV Hub in the World" has begun at Insight Research. We are revisiting this popular 2024 episode about the competition with Mark Morelli, president and CEO of Vontier. We discussed the ongoing energy transition and the importance of providing EV drivers with efficient charging solutions and amenities. From the complexities of investment to the evolving consumer experie...

U.S.A.'s Dash In, located in Chantilly, Virginia, was selected in the top 3 in the Insight Research 2024 ‘Best Foodvenience Store in the World’ competition! Hear from Blackie Wills, president and CEO of The Wills Group, about the big win, the importance of foodservice, and modern store design soon to be rolled out across many locations. Many thanks to the competition sponsors Invenco by GVR, The M...

Reitan Convenience Lithuania CEO Saulius Zilenas explains Lithuania's fast-growing expansion including opening the country’s first retail EV charging hub. Discover how the Narvesen and Caffeine brands lead with unique designs, community-focused expansions, and innovative EV hub concepts. With special guest: Saulius Zilenas, CEO, Reitan Convenience Lithuania Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare and Dan Munfo...

Alltown Fresh’s Chef shares how the brand redefines convenience stores with fresh, chef-crafted meals and a focus on hospitality. Discover how Alltown Fresh brings restaurant-quality food to the traditional fuel stop experience. With special guest: Jason Lord, Chef, Alltown Fresh Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare and Nick Scherzer

In this special episode, hear which stores have been selected as the top 3 Foodvenience Stores in the World in 2024! After the winner reveal, stick around to hear about the stores and what makes them exceptional. Many thanks to the competition sponsors Invenco by GVR, The Moseley Group, and The Coca-Cola Company! Read more and watch winner videos: https://www.globalconveniencestorefocus.co.uk/best...

Get an insider’s perspective on how top retailers like Rutter's, Wawa, Sheetz, and 7-Eleven are revolutionizing foodservice with cutting-edge kitchen tech, merchandising and lightning-fast service. Whether you're passionate about retail innovation or curious about the future of convenience, this episode is packed with insights and surprises. Carolyn, Nick and Karl Hodgson, MD of Adande Refrigerati...

What do you call a station for charging EVs? Energy Stations! Erik Anker and Daniel Campos from ST1’s E-Mobility team talk about ST1’s journey in EV charging infrastructure across Nordic countries. Related Links: Watch ST1's entry video for the Insight 2024 Best EV Hub in the World competition: https://www.globalconveniencestorefocus.co.uk/highway-entries-best-ev-hub-in-the-world-2024/st1-lonelier...