Convenience Matters

Conexxus led a tour of exhibitors showcasing the emerging AI-driven and consumer-facing technologies coming to c-stores in the near future. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Ed Collupy, Innovation Facilitator, Conexxus Ed has extensive retail systems experience in the convenience store and grocery retail channels and is currently providing facilitated group leadership, along with strategic a...

A look at the 2026 convenience store count, how it compares to previous years, regional variations and overall fueling trends. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard

NACS President & CEO Frank Gleeson, NACS Chairman Emeritus & CEO International Henry Armour, and 2024-25 NACS Chairman and Special Advisor to Alimentation Couche-Tard Brian Hannasch talk about leadership and the industry's future in a panel discussion from the 2025 NACS Show. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard

SNAP food restriction waivers greatly complicate how retailers comply with the program, alongside new developments that affect enforcement. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Margaret Mannion, NACS Director, Government Relations Margaret leads federal advocacy efforts at NACS on issues including SNAP, food traceability and retail crime. Margaret joined NACS in 2019 as grassroots manager, lead...

Whether its podcasts, digital or social media, great content communicates your brand. Hear how to leverage your content and become a stronger storyteller. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Ben Nussbaum, NACS Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Ben has more than 25 years of experience in publishing, including starting USA Today's magazine program, which he grew into a multimillion-dollar-per-year bus...

Henry takes us behind the scenes of our industry's biggest successes in the past 20 years, from debit swipe fee reform to enhancing the industry's image. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Henry Armour, NACS President and CEO Henry has served as NACS president and CEO since 2005 after spending his entire career in the convenience and fuels retailing industry. On January 1, 2026, he will shift...

Henry shares the biggest focus areas that were top of mind for NACS during the past two decades. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Henry Armour, NACS President and CEO Henry has served as NACS president and CEO since 2005 after spending his entire career in the convenience and fuel retailing industry. Beginning January 1, 2026, he will shift roles and lead international activities at NACS.

What separates a successful snack from the pack? Storytelling can be effective and important to sustaining a brand. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Jason Liebig, Brand History Expert, Television Host Jason is a noted brand historian, consultant, television personality and speaker, known for his deep knowledge of consumer brands and behavior. In demand for his unique perspective and captiva...

As c-stores continue to be a preferred destination for prepared foods and beverages, retailers are paying more attention to flavors. We look at what's resonating with customers and how can different flavors -- whether "swicy" or "swalty" -- be used and combined. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Amanda Baltazar, Retail & Hospitality Journalist Amanda is a journalist with 20-plus years of exp...

On Jan. 1, 2026, retailers in 8 states will face SNAP Food Restriction Waivers that restrict items deemed "non nutritious. Here is what retailers need to know. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Margaret Mannion, NACS Director, Government Relations Margaret leads federal advocacy efforts at NACS on issues including SNAP, food traceability and retail crime. Margaret joined NACS in 2019 as gras...

Visa and Mastercard reached a settlement with merchants on a swipe fees class-action lawsuit. It's opposed by retail groups, including NACS. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Doug Kantor, NACS General Counsel Doug has served as legal counsel for NACS for more than 20 years, originally as a partner with the law firms Collier Shannon Scott PLLC and Steptoe & Johnson LLP. He has been NACS in-ho...

The big term in retail today is "customer experience." Sometimes that's great customer service, sometimes that's something unique in the store--like hiding a speakeasy behind a fake cooler door. We talk about how to create a unique experience that works for any retail location. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Tony Donatell, Owner, Farmer's Grandson Eatery Tony founded the Minneapolis-area...

In part 2, we continue the convenience-focused conversation with Clerks' stars Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes, talking about a range of subjects, including other movies about convenience stores. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guests: Kevin Smith, Actor, Writer, Director Kevin wrote and starred in the groundbreaking movie "Clerks," which centered on the interactions at a local Quick Stop convenience...

Kevin and Jay talk about their 30-plus-year love affair with convenience stores in a freewheeling conversation that takes a few tangents. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guests: Kevin Smith, Actor, Writer, Director Kevin wrote and starred in the groundbreaking movie "Clerks," which centered on the interactions at a local Quick Stop convenience store. "Clerks" is often ranked as one of the best Ge...

Hemp-derived THC beverages could present opportunities for convenience retailers that already sell age-restricted products. Hear more about this growing trend. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Melissa Vonder Haar, Writer/Consultant, MelissaV Inc. Melissa has written about the convenience retailing industry for nearly two decades and has written numerous feature articles for NACS Magazine. I...

Incoming NACS president and CEO shares his insights on leadership and the industry's bright future. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Frank Gleeson NACS President & CEO beginning January 2026 Frank is the former president and CEO of Aramark Northern Europe and 2018-2019 NACS chairman. He will serve as the new NACS president and CEO beginning January 1, 2026, succeeding current NACS President...

The U.S. Mint stopped producing the penny earlier this year, which has triggered a penny shortage. Find out what's happening behind the scenes and what retailers can do. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Anna Ready Blom, NACS Strategic Advisor, Government Relations Anna serves as a policy advisor to the NACS government relations team. During her 10-plus years at NACS, she led numerous advoca...

C-stores are redefining convenience within a digital ecosystem that is on their customers' phones and in their vehicles. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Stephanie Sikorski, NACS Vice President, Strategic Initiatives Stephanie has led sophisticated marketing and community outreach campaigns for 20 years, the last 12 at NACS. She also is CEO of TruAge.

Hear how some convenience retailers are creating pop-culture moments at their stores and within their community. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Lonnie McQuirter, Director of Operations, 36 Lyn Refuel Station Lonnie leads 36 Lyn Refuel Station, an independently owned, community-focused fuel station in South Minneapolis, MN. He is a member of the NACS Board of Directors and its Executive Co...

The acquisition brings together elements that are growing in convenience retail: great foodservice with a neighborhood feel. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard

Brands create trust, loyalty and a unique identity for businesses. Hear how some convenience stores leverage their brands to reach new and existing customers. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Amanda Baltazar, Retail & Hospitality Journalist Amanda is a journalist and NACS Magazine contributing writer with over 20 years of experience and expertise in foodservice, beverages, restaurants/bars...

Gas price continues to be top of mind with drivers, but the price per gallon is only one factor for why they select a place to purchase fuel. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Adam Rosenblatt, Founding Partner, Bold Decision Adam is one of the nation's leading political consultants sought after for his ability to help clients achieve victory through effective research-based strategies and me...

Over the past five years, Stafford Shurden has travelled across the South to celebrate great food for his "Gas Station Tailgate Review" program. His new book, "Meet and Three," is about his life experiences as a restaurant owner, farmer, and convenience store and gas station food connoisseur. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Stafford Shurden, creator of Gas Station Tailgate Review Shurden i...

We're sharing insights from a recent road trip/market tour and the big takeaways on what's new in convenience. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Frank Beard, Convenience Retailing Expert Frank is a Des Moines, Iowa-based marketer, speaker and writer who focuses on the convenience retailing industry. He serves as head of marketing at Rovertown, an app platform for convenience retailers.

A new Transportation Energy Institute report reveals what consumers think about the vehicle technologies and fueling options they're looking for. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: John Eichberger, Executive Director, Transportation Energy Institute John has more than 20 years of experience in the fuels industry, including more than a decade leading the Transportation Energy Institute (former...