CLIENTS IN THE NEWS

---

CHS Positioned for Long-Term Growth

MINNEAPOLIS -- Thanks to consistent, strong financial performance, coupled with strategic domestic and global investments, CHS Inc. is positioned for long-term growth, company leaders reported at its annual meeting.

"When it comes to the producers and cooperatives who own us, and the customers we serve around the world, we must not only invest in the future, but make sure we provide relevant options for doing business with us," said Carl Casale, president and CEO of the nation's largest cooperative.

Read More

Bolla Market's Coffee Program Gets an Upgrade

NEW YORK -- Bolla Market, the high-end chain of New York City area convenience stores, is switching to offering only top-quality, artisanal, specialty coffee that is organic, Fair Trade, and certified bird-friendly by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center.

Read More

Pilot Flying J Launches New Dining Experience

After answering the question, “Where can I stop for fuel?” Pilot Flying J has developed a new answer to another important question drivers on the road ask on a long drive: “Where can I get a good meal?”

In another enhancement to its already wide menu of food options, Pilot Flying J is getting customers off to a “sunny head start” on the road with a new breakfast bar, featuring home-style choices such as biscuits and sausage gravy and southwest egg scramble.

Read More

Wawa Crisis Campaign Assists Disaster Relief

Wawa Inc. today announced the launch of a chain-wide, in-store crisis campaign, designed to provide disaster relief assistance to those communities most affected by Hurricane Sandy.

The campaign is being held in partnership with the American Red Cross and allows customers to help contribute to disaster relief by adding $1, $3, or $5 to their Wawa purchase at checkout.

Read More

Wawa Reopens 100 Stores After Storm Shutdowns

WAWA, Pa. --Wawa has reopened approximately 100 stores that were closed due to Hurricane Sandy-related problems, according to a Philly.com report. That leaves 81 of the c-store chain's 601 locations in the dark as of yesterday afternoon.

The affected stores were primarily located in central and southern New Jersey, with some in Montgomery County, Pa., the company reported.

Read More

More to Love

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Love's Travel Stops has announced time-saving new features to its Love's Connect mobile application for iPhone, Android and BlackBerry smart phones.

The enhanced Love's Connect mobile app provides professional truck drivers with My Love Rewards loyalty point balances within minutes of their last purchase.

Read More

Wawa Completes Its Sunshine State Entrance for 2012

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Three months after welcoming customers to its first Florida store, Wawa Inc. is ready to throw open the doors on its sixth location in the Sunshine State.

The latest convenience store in the retailer's Florida portfolio is located at 7030 S. Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando. Next week's grand opening of its sixth store will complete Wawa's 2012 expansion into the Orlando market -- and into Florida. Expansion efforts will pick up again in 2013, according to the company.

Read More

Team Tedeschi Brings Home the 2012 Chain of the Year Award

In front of nearly 300 convenience store industry retailers and suppliers, Peter Tedeschi, president and CEO of Tedeschi Food Shops, accepted Convenience Store Decisions’ 2012 Convenience Store Chain of the Year award at a banquet in Las Vegas.

Read More

ANNISTON, Ala. -- Operating large truck stop chains is big business and big money, landing three truck stop magnates on this year's Forbes 400, The Richest People in America, reported TheTrucker.com. Additionally, several members of the Walton family ranked in the top 10 for their association with Walmart.

Tom and Judy Love of Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores ranked No. 113 on the list with their estimated wealth of $3.5 billion. The Oklahoma City, Okla.-based chain has nearly 300 company-owned locations in 39 states and is said to be worth $17 billion.

Read More

Wawa Celebrates Shared Ownership Anniversary

WAWA, Pa. -- Wawa Inc. will celebrate its commitment to employee ownership through a variety of activities during October's National Employee Ownership Month. The convenience store chain reached two milestones this year; 2012 marks 35 years since it began sharing ownership with its associates and 20 years since it formed its Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

Read More

Pilot Flying J Expands Footprint

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Pilot Flying J is growing its portfolio of travel plazas, adding new locations in Charleston, Mo., and Percival, Iowa.

The Flying J Travel Plaza in Charleston, Mo., is located at 2460 East U.S. Highway 60, off of exit 12 on Interstate 57. The travel stop provides 96 local jobs and features nine diesel lanes and eight gasoline lanes with high-speed pumps for quicker refueling...

Read More

Wawa Deploys Digital Signage Across 600 Stores

BURLINGTON, Ont. -- Wawa Inc. has incorporated digital signage into more than 600 convenience stores. In the fall of 2011, following a successful 25-store pilot, Wawa selected ADFLOW Networks Inc. to power its digital marketing network as part of a redesigned foodservice area that features a fresh and appetizing new look.

Read More

Wawa's Southern Exposure

ORLANDO, Fla. -- There are the white-sand beaches, warm weather and amusement parks, but for retailers looking to grow, the main attraction of Florida is an expanding population and plenty of room to innovate. Just ask major quick-serve restaurant (QSR) chains such as Dunkin Donuts and Panera, convenience store chains like Thorntons Inc., and Wawa, which recently broke ground on its sixth location in the Sunshine State.
 
Read More

Tedeschi Expands Soda Offering at Nine Stores

Tedeschi Food Shops added the Coca-Cola Freestyle beverage dispenser at several of its Massachusetts locations.

The Coca-Cola Freestyle is expected to expand Tedechi Food Shops’ beverage program for customers, giving their customers a wider variety of refreshment options. Tedeschi Food Shops plans to install the Coca-Cola Freestyle at nine store locations now, and is considering expanding it to other stores.

Read More

Love's Rolls Out Cardless Technology

Love’s Travel Stops completed the first successful live customer transaction using RFID cardless fueling technology and Comdata’s financial processing software at their Pauls Valley, Okla., location.

Read More

Information Exchange

For anyone who doubts the significance of technology in the convenience store industry, one look at the slate of attendees at this year's CIO/Tech Roundtables at NACStech, presented by PCATS and Convenience Store News, would dispel those uncertainties.
 
Read More

Pilot Flying J to Make Acquisition of Maxum Petroleum

Pilot Flying J, Metalmark Capital, Waud Capital Partners and Maxum Petroleum announced Pilot Flying J plans to acquire a controlling interest in Maxum for cash and Pilot Flying J’s contribution of Western Petroleum into Maxum.

Read More

Stewart's Shops' X-Treme Tea Time

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. -- Stewart's Shops has introduced X-Treme, a new energy drink that it said is a "high-energy, low-calorie blend of tea and lemonade.

X-Treme has 10 calories per serving and is sold in a 20-fluid-ounce plastic bottle.

Along with X-Treme, the retailer also offer Impact and Sugar-Free Impact energy drinks and OverTime energy shots.

Read More

Wawa Makes Splash in Florida

ORLANDO, Fla. -- It was nearly 10 years in the making, but Wawa Inc.'s first site in Florida is finally ready for its closeup. Today, Wawa is holding the grand opening of its first Florida convenience store, located at Central Florida Parkway and International Drive in Orange County, Fla., across from SeaWorld Orlando.

The entire event will be streamed live, through www.wawa.com.

Read More

WilcoHess Rolls Out 'WilcoHess On The Go' App

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- WilcoHess, which recently partnered with OpenStore by GasBuddy for its new website, has just launched the WilcoHess On The Go app.

This new initiative will offer customers digital in-store deals and coupons capable of being scanned at point of sale, real-time gasoline prices, a store locator for social media promotions, a Spin & Win game and several additional nontraditional promotions and sweepstakes.

Read More

Stewart's Offering Free Philly Vanilla Cones

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. -- Stewart's Shops is remembering Phyllis "Philly" Dake by giving away free ice cream cones on June 8. The free single-scoop Philly Vanilla cones will be available from 2:00 P.M. to 6:00 p.m. Friday at all 328 Stewart's Shops, limit one per customer.

Read More

Wawa Touting 'Same Price, Cash or Credit' Gas in N.J

WAWA, Pa. -- Wawa Inc. wants people to know it charges the same price whether people pay for gasoline with cash or credit, said The Press of Atlantic City. The chain has launched a marketing campaign in New Jersey touting its same-price policy, including radio spots, billboards, banners and signs along pumps in the region.

Read More

Stewart's Foundation Receives Leadership Through Service Award

POTSDAM, N.Y. -- SUNY Potsdam will recognize the Stewart's Foundation with the 2012 Leadership Through Service Award, one of the college's highest honors, during spring commencement on May 19.

SUNY Potsdam established the Leadership Through Service Award to honor those outstanding individuals and organizations that have demonstrated a commitment of service to the Potsdam community. Each year, award recipients are acknowledged for demonstrating a special contribution to the betterment of the Potsdam region through dedicated service.

Read More

Loves Opening 10 Oklahoma CNG Fueling Stations

Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores, an Oklahoma City, Okla.-based and family-owned operator of more than 290 travel stops and convenience stores, has scheduled grand opening events for six of 10 publicly accessible compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling stations.

Read More

Tedeschi Introduces Proprietary Sparkling Water Line

ROCKLAND, Mass. -- Tedeschi Food Shops Inc. has introduced a new line of proprietary Tedeschi Select Sparkling Waters. The 20-ounce line of calorie-free, caffeine-free and sodium-free waters are available in four unique flavors: Raspberry Blackberry, Kiwi Strawberry, Key Lime, and Wild Cherry. Tedeschi Select Sparkling Water is available as single serve bottles or in four packs.

Read More

Finding Their Waycross: Flash Foods' first complete travel center showcases Georgia chain's success

WAYCROSS, Ga. -- In many Georgia towns, the Flash Foods convenience store sign is the tallest structure around. While that may not be the case for its new travel center in Waycross, the endeavor certainly has been a tall order--and a huge success--for the chain.

Read More

Tedeschi Commemorates Fenway Park's 100th Anniversary

ROCKLAND, Mass. -- Tedeschi Food Shops Inc. is introducing a sausage sub to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Boston's Fenway Park.

This hearty sub is covered with freshly roasted green and red peppers as well as onions.

Read More

Love's Provides Tornado Disaster Relief in Indiana, Kentucky

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores has announced that it will donate $25,000 to the American Red Cross, Louisville, Ky., Regional Chapter, to help communities in the southern Indiana and Kentucky areas struck by tornadoes on March 2.

Read More

Wawa's 'Pipeline' of New Stores

WAWA, Pa. -- Even as it prepares to enter the state of Florida, Wawa Inc. will see "exciting developments" in its core markets, CEO Howard Stoeckel said in his latest "Bird's Eye View" blog. The retailer is making "a commitment to reinvest in [its] almost 600 Mid-Atlantic stores, and through the creation of a 'pipeline' of new stores," he said.

He revealed plans to open 15 to 20 stores in the company's Mid-Atlantic market every year for the next several years. Some of these stores will be relocated older stores "where we can improve the experience and offer"; others will be new stores in areas the company believes it is currently underserving.

Read more

Stewart's Shops Adds New Candy Bar Flavor

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. -- Convenience store chain and ice-cream purveyor Stewart's Shops is expanding its private-label candy bar line, the retailer has announced on its website and through social media. Premium Dark Chocolate Mint joins Premium Dark Chocolate With Raspberry and Chocolate with Caramel bars.

It replaces the Chocolate with Peanut Butter flavor, according to a comment on the Stewarts Shops Facebook page.

Wawa Wending Its Way to Washington

WAWA, Pa. -- Pennsylvania-based convenience retailer Wawa Inc. is making moves toward Washington, D.C., according to a report by the Washington Business Journal.

"We have several sites in the works," Peter Gilligan, Wawa Inc.'s vice president and chief real estate officer, told the newspaper while representing the company at the International Council of Shopping Centers' Mid-Atlantic Conference, held this week at National Harbor.

Read more

Pilot Flying J To Acquire Western Petroleum

Pilot Flying J is acquiring Western Petroleum LLC.

Western Petroleum is a market leader in selling and transporting approximately 200 million gallons of fuel and lubricants to the oil and gas drilling and hydraulic fracturing industries. Western Petroleum’s operations are largely targeted toward the Rocky Mountain states, the southern states and the northern plains.  The company has enjoyed rapid growth in servicing the petroleum and natural gas drilling related channel in line with explosion of activity in that industry.

Read more

Country Music Star Trace Adkins To Be Pilot Flying J Spokesperson

Pilot Flying J has announced that country music star Trace Adkins will serve as a company spokesperson for the spring launch of its loyalty program, representing the largest operator of travel centers and travel plazas in North America to its customers everywhere.

Read More

Tedeschi Acquires Six Munce's Stores

ROCKLAND, Mass. -- Tedeschi Food Shops Inc. today announced the acquisition of six Munce's Konvenience stores in central New Hampshire. One newly renovated store, in Warren, N.H., is now owned and operated by Tedeschi.

Gorham, N.H.-based Munce's Superior Petroleum Products Inc. has a total of 11 retail outlets.

Read More

Tedeschi Makes Over Bridgewater, Mass., Stores

ROCKLAND, Mass. -- Tedeschi Food Shops Inc. recently completed the remodeling of two locations in Bridgewater and East Bridgewater, Mass. The renovations are part of an ongoing, company-wide initiative to increase Tedeschi Food Shops' assortment of fresh produce, wholesome meals and healthy snacks, the company said.

Read More

One Store, Three Viewpoints

BALTIMORE -- Three reporters walk into a convenience store. … While that might sound like the setup for a joke, it's actually more like a setup for a social experiment.

The three entered the same store in Baltimore, Wawa's newest, which just had its grand opening last week. But each came away with a different experience, highlighting the fact that there's more to a c-store than what might meet your own (and each customer's) eyes.

Read More

Tedeschi Completes Weymouth Remodels

Tedeschi Food Shops completed the remodel of two locations in Weymouth, Mass. in 2011. Renovations of the 11 Sea Street and 425 Washington Street stores are part of a company-wide initiative to ensure that all Tedeschi Food Shops offer an increased assortment of fresh, healthy meal and snack options.

Read More

Pilot Flying J Completes Purchase of Seven Bosselman Travel Centers

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Pilot Flying J and Bosselman Travel Centers Inc. said that they have completed the sale of seven Bosselman travel centers in the Midwest to Pilot Flying J.

Read More

Pilot Flying J Introduces Android App

To kick off the New Year, Pilot Flying J has launched the Android version of its newly popular MyPilot smartphone application, designed to assist professional drivers and motorists as they plan trips and stop to refuel and refresh while on the road.

Read More

Tedeschi Updating Stores, Sandwich Offer

ROCKLAND. Md. -- Peter Tedeschi had always thought finance would be his life’s work--until the family business finally came calling.

The Marshfield resident became president and CEO of Tedeschi Food Shops in 2008, at the request of his uncle Charlie Fitzgibbons and his brother-in-law John Ransom, both former presidents of the Rockland-based convenience chain, according to a report in the Patriot-Ledger.

Terrible's Kicks of 2012 With Free Car Washes

Terrible’s Car Wash is giving Las Vegans a sparkling clean start to 2012 with VIP Express free car washes all day on Tuesday, Dec. 27 and Wednesday, Dec. 28.

Read More

Irving Oil Awards $60,000 to Six Community Organizations

Irving Oil has just awarded $60,000 to Irving Oil has just awarded $60,000 to support six local community organizations throughout Atlantic Canada and New England through its Community Fuel Grant Program. Each organization applied and requested for a grant worth up to $15,000.support six local community organizations throughout Atlantic Canada and New England through its Community Fuel Grant Program. Each organization applied and requested for a grant worth up to $15,000.

Read More

Down for the Count

OAK BROOK, Ill. -- Though not as prevalent with c-stores as with other channels, item-level inventory in convenience retail may be gaining momentum, as threats to core categories of cigarettes and fuel begin to mount.

Read More

Stewart's Private Label Impact

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. -- Impact, Stewart's Shop's new private-label energy drink, will be on the convenience retailer's shelves soon, but it is giving customers a chance to taste it before they buy it. Stewart's Shops is giving out samples at select stores, it said on Facebook.

Citrus-flavored Impact will sell carry the retail price of 99 cents for a 12-ounce can, it said. A six-pack is priced at $5.49, it added.

Read more

Love's Year of Expansion

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores Inc. said that it has opened new travel stops in Little Rock, Ark., at Interstate 30, Exit 128, and Dwight, Ill. at Interstate 55, Exit 220. Love's will close 2011 having added 23 new travel stops spanning from Napavine, Wash., to Ocala, Fla., during the year.

Read more

CENEX Launches Gift Card Initiative for the Holidays

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Cenex, a division of CHS Inc., is getting into the holiday spirit this season with a recently launched all-inclusive holiday marketing push.

"To help Cenex retailers capitalize on the 2011 gift card season, CHS has launched a comprehensive holiday campaign including corporate media placement, merchandising kits for retailers and sales training for front-line employees," said Kayte Haaland, brand and marketing manager for CHS Refined Fuels.

The media plan for this holiday season includes print ads, radio spots, direct mail, online advertising, e-mail marketing and consumer sales promotions.

Read More

Peter Tedeschi Named Vice Chairman of NACSPAC

As vice chairman of NACSPAC, Tedeschi spearheads the c-store industry’s support for political candidates that respond to legislation that impacts the industry.

Peter Tedeschi, president and CEO of Tedeschi Food Shops Inc., has been named vice chairman of the National Association of Convenience Stores Political Action Committee (NACSPAC).

Read More

Town Pump Launches New Digital Marketing Strategy

BUTTE, Mont. – Privately held convenience store operator Town Pump has signed on as a new client with OpenStore by GasBuddy.

With this new partnership comes a new digital marketing strategy for Town Pump. The strategy will encompass a new website, free mobile apps offering deals and coupons, social media promotions and a variety of contests, according to the companies.

Read More

Love's, Pilot Flying J Open New Travel Centers

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. and KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Indiana and Illinois residents now have more choices of travel centers.

Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores opened a new location at exit 133 off Interstate 65 in Whitestown, Ind., that features Subway and McDonald's restaurants. The travel stop also offers 90 truck spaces, DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) dispensers, CAT scales, five showers, a game room and other amenities.

Read More

C-stores Stand Tall Among Largest Private Companies

JERSEY CITY, N.J. -- Industry insiders know it to be true, and now so does everyone else: convenience stores are big business.

Seven convenience store companies landed on this year's America's Largest Private Companies list published by Forbes magazine annually. Two of those companies, Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores and Pilot Flying J, cracked the Top 20 with Love's landing at No. 7.

Read More

Stinker Stores Aquires 14 Albertsons Fuel Centers

Stinker Stores Inc. has purchased 14 Albertsons fuel centers from Supervalu, which owns the Albertsons supermarkets in Idaho, and is set to officially convert them to Stinker Stores in October.

Read More

Stewarts Shops Drops Dime on Irene, Economy

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y.-- Stewart's Shops dropped its gasoline prices 10 cents "across the board" Friday at 11:00 a.m., the retailer announced on Facebook.

Read More

Wawa Ramping up in Florida 

WAWA, Pa. -- Wawa Inc. is moving forward with its previously announced expansion into Florida, according to a report by The Orlando Business Journal. The retailer, which has indicated that it plans to open as many as 100 convenience stores in the Sunshine State, said that it has signed more than 10 leases in the last eight months in the Orlando market.

Read More

Retailers Grab Inc. 5000 Spots

Tedeschi Food Shops Leveraging Technology to Communicate

ROCKLAND, Mass. -- Tedeschi Food Shops is supporting its branding and trumpeting its strengths with a website redesign and other internal and external marketing and promotion initiatives, including a Facebook page.

Read More

Wawa Smooths Help Customers Stay Cool

Wawa sponsored two Philadelphia events this 4th of July holiday to show off its smothie products to thirsty customers. Philadelphia residents had the opportunity to cool down with Wawa smoothies at both Taste of Philadelphia and Independence Day Blast.

Read More

Green Sign of the Times 

ANDERSON, Ind. -- A new wind turbine at a Gas America station in Anderson, Ind., is expected to turn the facility from a net user of energy into a net gainer, its designer, Keith Tully, told The Herald Bulletin.

Read More

Delta Sonic Chooses Titan for Total Compliance Management

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Car wash and convenience store chain Delta Sonic recently chose Titan Management Group to assist in the management of operational compliance for all of its facilities, which span New York, Illinois and Pennsylvania. 

Read More

Tedeschi Food Shops Opens Quincy Store 

For a limited time, customers of the new Quincy store can receive a free fresh-baked muffin when they buy any freshly brewed Green Mountain coffee.  Tedeschi Food Shops has announced the opening of its newest store located at 85 Quincy Avenue in Quincy, Mass. 

Read More

Flash Foods Successfully Revamps Go Blue Loyalty Debit Card

In the February 2010 issue of Convenience Store News, a feature on loyalty programs entitled "Mastering the Art of Loyalty," included information on Flash Foods Inc. of Waycross, Ga., and noted the company’s plans to revamp and relaunch its GOBLUE loyalty debit card, which is an automated clearing house (ACH) card. 

Read More

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. -- Stewart's Shops sales grew by $100 million last year -- up 4 percent from $1.3 billion in 2009 to $1.4 billion in 2010. It marked the sixth straight year the convenience retailer's sales topped $1 billion, The Saratogian reported, citing a company announcement. 

Read More

Store-Issued Debit Cards can help Retailers, Customers Save

Shoppers whip out debit cards to buy everything from groceries to geraniums and have those amounts conveniently withdrawn from their bank accounts.

Read More

Citgo Expands with 42 Stations 

CITGO Petroleum Corp. and Maine-based fuel distributor C.N. Brown Co. have converted 42 locally owned gas stations across Maine and New Hampshire to the CITGO brand. 

Read More

NACStech Track Hits on the Business Essentials

The Business Essentials workshop track at NACStech covered a broad range of topics, from the seemingly mundane functions of point-of-sale (POS) systems and time/attendance management, to the Star Trek-like topics of virtualized machines and cloud computing...

Read More

Tedeschi Goes with GoGo Cast for Digital Signage

ROCKLAND, Mass. -- Tedeschi Food Shops Inc. has forged a deal with GoGo Cast Inc., a global provider of digital out of home (DOOH) media networks for the use of GoGo Cast's high-definition Go-Screen's; the agreement expands the GoGo Cast footprint to more than 550 locations.

Read More

ROCKLAND, Mass. -- Tedeschi Food Shops said that it is aggressively reinvesting in renovations of its convenience store locations.

Read More

CARY, N.C. -- Select WilcoHess locations in North Carolina will offer the first-ever gas island vending solution -- a result of the collaborations of Allied Electronics, a leading provider of service station automation systems; The Pinnacle Corp., a leading automation technology and software supplier; and Vendgogh LLC, a leader in integrated gas island vending solutions.

Read More

NEW ORLEANS -- Two retailers provided case studies on how they reduced data storage requirements and developed cost-effective disaster recovery plans through the use of virtual machines during the NACStech session entitled, "Increasing Personnel Bandwidth with Virtualization," held here Wednesday.

Read More

NEW ORLEANS – Retailers and suppliers gathered here during the second day of NACStech to attend educational workshops and hit the trade show floor to see the latest in c-store technology – including new products, upgraded versions of existing offerings, and even a few first-time vendors to the show.

Read More

Flash Forward

This year marks the third in a row Jenny Bul­lard is serving as chairman for NACStech, the industry’s big­gest technology conference and trade show. She’s also served as chairman of PCATS (Petroleum and Convenience Alliance for Technology Standards), continuing to play an active role in the association today.

Read More

Bills of Lading in a "Flash"

WAYCROSS, Ga. -- A year ago, Flash Foods had a problem. The convenience store chain couldn't quickly or easily know the in-ground cost of their fuel inventory. Today, the chain is using automated, real-time bill-of-lading (BOL) capture, reducing the lag time between dispatching a fuel load and receiving the carrier BOL.

Read More

Tedeschi Opens 190th Store

ROCKLAND, Mass. -- Tedeschi Food Shops Inc. has announced the opening of its 190th location, in the town of Fall River, Mass. The new location is the company's fourth store in Fall River and officially opened its doors to customers today, February 11.

Read More

Launching and managing a loyalty program is not for the faint of heart. As the popularity of these programs continues to grow, retailers are being forced to step up rewards in order to differentiate themselves from their competitors who have their own loyalty programs.

Read More

Meet Terry Marks

CARY, N.C. -- Terry Marks has one long commute. The new CEO of convenience store chain The Pantry flies back and forth between Atlanta and the Triangle area of North Carolina on weekends, and he'll continue to do so for the next year and a half until his 17-year-old son, Bret, graduates from high school, according to a report in The News & Observer.

Read More

Flash Foods Rolls Out BOL Technology

WAYCROSS, Ga. -- Fuel South Inc. has completed the rollout and implementation of Andale, Pinnacle's real-time dispatch and bill of lading processing solution. Fuel South is using Andale across all 50 drivers to deliver fuel to its collective 200 owned and dealer-operated sites, providing real-time bill of lading (BOL) data as soon as fuel is delivered.

Read More

Tedeschi, Delta Sonic Rolling Out New POS Hardware

ROCKLAND, Mass. Key clients Tedeschi Food Shops of Rockland, Mass., and Delta Sonic Car Wash Systems Inc., Buffalo, N.Y., are in the process of rolling out new POS Hardware from UTC RETAIL to their more than 200 collective retail locations, according to The Pinnacle Corp.

Read More

Stewart's Shops Navigating Rough Economy

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. -- Gary Dake said "not falling prey to excesses" has helped convenience store chain Stewart's Shops generate healthy profits even during tough economic times. "We try not to get too far out on the limb," Dake, who has been Stewart's president for the past six years, told The Daily Gazette.

Read More

Terrible Herbst Inks Wireless Network Deal

LAS VEGAS -- Terrible Herbst Oil has entered into a contract with Sparkplug Communications, a leading provider of fixed wireless business broadband services, for a private network for 70 of Terrible Herbst's 96 gas stations and convenience stores, 36 car washes and 19 lube centers, located throughout a four-state region including Nevada, Utah, California and Arizona. The 70 stations are all in Nevada.

Read More

Road Ranger Partners With UTC Retail, Pinnacle

ROCKFORD, Ill. -- Road Ranger LLC has rolled out UTC Retail's 1870 POS Touch Workstations in 72 convenience store locations. The solution installed in the successful Road Ranger stores combines UTC Retail's 1870 running The Pinnacle Corp.'s Palm POS c-store software. Pinnacle is a strategic partner and reseller of UTC Retail's products.

Read More

ARLINGTON, Texas -- C-store operators WILCOHESS, Flash Foods and Tedeschi Food Shops are among the first of The Pinnacle Corp.'s clients to complete full integration between the Pinnacle Palm POS and Ingenico’s line of advanced payment terminals.

Read More

Road Ranger Employees Give Away 1,000 Turkeys

ROCKFORD, Ill. -- Throughout its Midwest stores, Road Ranger employees are hearing about and witnessing the difficult times their customers and communities are facing during the current economic downturn.

Read More

Road Ranger Completes Rollout of Pinnacle's Palm POS

ROCKFORD, Ill. -- Road Ranger has completed the rollout of The Pinnacle Corp.'s Palm POS as its go-forward POS platform for its chain of 74 convenience stores and travel centers. Road Ranger said it chose Pinnacle's system for its productivity benefits, integration with backoffice applications and its symphony.pos manager that delivers centralized management and control of remote Palm POS systems.
 
Read More

Smokin Joes Picks Pinnacle

SANBORN, N.Y. -- Smokin Joes Trading Post has selected The Pinnacle Corp.'s Palm POS as its go-forward point-of-sale platform as well as Pinnacle's full suite of retail automation software for its retail cigarette locations throughout New York. It has four locations on the on the Tuscarora Nation in western New York selling gasoline, tobacco products and other merchandise.

Read More

Concerted Effort

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Flash Foods and Tedeschi Food Shops have each deployed and gone live with Symphony.auditor, Pinnacle Corp.'s browser-based home office retail accounting solution. Symphony.auditor is built on Pinnacle's Symphony Business Platform, a fully browser-based technology using a single corporate database requiring no software at the store level.

Read More

Infrequently Asked Questions

Growing up in a family where its last name is synonymous with quality, integrity and customer service, Peter Tedeschi, current president of Tedeschi Food Shops, received a unique business perspective that he says still influences him to this day

Read More

Flash Foods Expands Loyalty Program

WAYCROSS, Ga. -- Flash Foods Inc. is expanding its Rewards in a Flash consumer loyalty program. The retailer will add two more features to its existing Pinnacle Corp.-supplied Loyalink loyalty program that will drive new payment options for consumers, with all functions supported from their existing loyalty card.

Read More