CStore Decisions

Terry Gallagher, president of Smoker Friendly International, sat down with CStore Decisions Editor John Lofstock to discuss the state of the tobacco industry, pending legislation and how to be a responsible tobacco retailer.

CStore Decisions' Executive Editor Erin Del Conte speaks with Slaton Whatley, director of operations of Whatley Oil Co., and a third-generation member of the family business. The Columbus, Ga.-based company operates Zelmo’s Zip In Convenience Stores. Slaton shares the chain’s growth plans in the months ahead. Among other initiatives, the company is remodeling its fleet of company-owned stores in Georgia and Alabama, building new-to-industry locations and is set to build a new headquarters and bulk wholesale plant in 2021.

Boston-based fruit smoothie machine maker smoodi is the brainchild of a pair of engineers who also harbor an entrepreneurial spirit. Senior Editor Thomas Mulloy and CStore Decisions Live talked with Munich-born Pascal Kriesche, one half of the duo collaborating to deliver fruit-based smoothies to customers looking for a refreshing beverage that’s healthy, fresh and clean – while featuring transparency in ingredients. Plus, as the machine mixes the customized healthy beverages, it’s also fun to watch!

CStore Decisions Executive Editor Erin Del Conte speaks with Sal Hassan, president and CEO of H&S Energy, and his son Amir Hassan, operations coordinator for H&S Energy. The family-owned company is expanding its network of company-owned Power Market convenience stores and ExtraMile locations, while launching a wholesale distribution branch, proprietary delivery service, loyalty program and developing its first cashierless store. Listen as we talk about running a family business, and H&S Energy's growth plans.

CStore Decisions catches up with Central Washington University (CWU) Executive Chef Joe Ritchie about the campus' new Fresh Bar Concept, which offers healthy food options using fresh produce grown right on campus, as well as some more traditional comfort food staples. At the start of the fall semester, the campus dining program is also launching mobile ordering and working to keep dining options fresh, safe and convenient for students and staff.

Viral "Joe" Patel immigrated to the United States at the age of 10 along with his immediate family. By his teenage years, he was working in his grandfather's convenience store. Now, he and his brother — along with other family members — operate a small chain begun with the purchase and renovation of one store, growing with the new build of another and acquisitions of a handful more. This family-owned business never misses a chance to maximize its resources — doing many of its own renovations, embracing energy efficiency and pursuing new revenue via multi-function financial kiosks. Join C-Store Decisions Senior Editor Thomas Mulloy in a chat with Patel about Speed Mart's journey.

CStore Decisions’ Executive Editor Erin Del Conte speaks with Jeremie Myhren, chief information officer for Rockford, Ill.-based Road Ranger convenience stores, and the chairman of the Young Executives Organization (YEO) about blockchain. Blockchain was invented in 2008 in response to the financial crisis. But what exactly is it, how does it work and what do convenience store retailers need to know? Myhren gives a basic overview of blockchain for those who aren’t familiar with the concept, and then shares how it’s being used today in retail — including at companies like Walmart and Starbucks. He also talks about how it’s relevant to convenience store chains specifically, and why it’s important for c-store retailers to pay attention to blockchain now. Myhren also gives a preview of some of the deep-dive blockchain information he’ll be sharing in his upcoming National Advisory Group (NAG) virtual session presentation on Sept. 9, at 2 p.m., and how c-store retailers can sign up (for FREE!) to be included in that presentation. Listen in to learn more!

CStore Decisions speaks with North Carolina-based Cruizers Director of Foodservice Chris Postlewaite, who joined the 26-store chain in May. Postlewaite shares his plans for improving upon and expanding Cruizers' foodservice program, with a focus on pizza and fried chicken.

CStore Decisions magazine is recognizing Charge Up convenience stores as a Chain to Watch in the year ahead. CStore Decisions Executive Editor Erin Del Conte speaks with young executive entrepreneur Irfan Tejani, the president and CEO of Tejani Holdings Inc., the parent company of Charge Up, about his path in growing Charge Up from one to 40 locations in just 10 years, as well his growth plans for the future and his advice for other young executives.

As the Hemp-CBD marketplace evolves amidst an inconsistent regulatory framework, brick-and-mortar retailers are faced with questions about product quality, choosing reputable suppliers and complying with federal, state and local guidelines. Selling CBD host and CStore Decisions Senior Editor Thomas Mulloy welcomes Daniel McGee, chief legal officer with Solari Hemp, and Chris Howard, vice president, general counsel and chief compliance officer with Forth CBD, to help make sense of it all.