CStore Decisions January 2022

CStoreDecisions Solutions for Convenience Retailers

Fuel’s

®

Unpredictable Future As Washington pushes fuel economy, EVs draw the spotlight, with alternative fuels and improved engine technology set to play bigger roles in moving America.

INSIDE

Street Corner’s Post-Pandemic Reinvention The 2022 Social Media Awards Profiting With Pizza Programs

SPECIAL EDITION:

LEADERS IN CONVENIENCE

Recognizing the Leaders of the C-Store Industry

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Solutions for Convenience Retailers

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EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Robert Buhler, President and CEO Open Pantry Food Marts • Pleasant Prairie, Wis. Lisa Dell’Alba, President and CEO Square One Markets • Bethlehem, Pa. Raymond Huff, President HJB Convenience Corp. • Lakewood, Colo.

Bill Kent, President and CEO The Kent Cos. Inc. • Midland, Texas Patrick Lewis, Managing Partner Oasis Stop ‘N Go • Twin Falls, Idaho Reilly Robinson Musser, VP, Marketing & Merchandising Robinson Oil Corp. • Santa Clara, Calif.

Bill Weigel, CEO Weigel’s Inc. • Knoxville, Tenn.

NATIONAL ADVISORY GROUP (NAG) BOARD Doug Galli (Board Chairman), Vice President/General Manager Reid Stores Inc./Crosby’s • Brockport, N.Y. Mary Banmiller, Director of Retail Operations Warrenton Oil Inc. • Truesdale, Mo. Greg Ehrlich, President Beck Suppliers Inc. • Fremont, Ohio Derek Gaskins, Senior VP, Merchandising/Procurement Yesway • Des Moines, Iowa Joe Hamza, Chief Operating Officer Nouria Energy Corp. • Worcester, Mass.

Brent Mouton, President and CEO Hit-N-Run Food Stores • Lafayette, La. Joy Almekies, Senior Director of Food Services Global Partners • Waltham, Mass.

Vernon Young, President and CEO Young Oil Co. • Piedmont, Ala.

YOUNG EXECUTIVES ORGANIZATION (YEO) BOARD Jeremie Myhren (Board Chairman), Chief Information Officer Road Ranger • Rockford, Ill. Daillard Paris, Director of Petroleum Supply and Trading Sheetz Inc. • Altoona, Pa.

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Caroline Filchak, Director, Wholesale Operations Clipper Petroleum • Flowery Branch, Ga. Cole Fountain, Director of Merchandise Gate Petroleum Co. • Jacksonville, Fla. Kalen Frese, Food Service Director Warrenton Oil Inc. • Warrenton, Mo. Alex Garoutte, Director of Marketing The Kent Cos. Inc. • Midland, Texas Sharif Jamal, Corporate Brand Manager Chestnut Petroleum Inc. • New Paltz, N.Y.

CSTORE DECISIONS does not endorse any products, programs or services of advertisers or editorial contributors. Copyright 2022 by WTWH Media, LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, or by recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher. Circulation audited by Business Publications Audit of Circulation, Inc. ©

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Mentos Gum Paperboard_Ad_CStore_20211215_FA_OL.pdf

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CONTENTS January 2022

•

Number 1 •

Volume 33

CStoreDecisions

®

EDITOR’S MEMO

8 Why NAG Is Right for You FRONT END

10 Street Corner’s Post-Pandemic Reinvention 18 Quick Bites: COVID-19 and the Shopping Evolution 20 NATO Update: FDA Director Provides Update on Federal Tobacco Regulations

SPECIAL REPORT

32 The 2022 Social Media Awards CATEGORY MANAGEMENT

42 Tobacco Braces for 2022 48 Snack Sales Heat Up 52 Beer Sales Balance Out FOODSERVICE

55 Chicken Sales Flying High 58 Profiting With Pizza Programs

COVER STORY

CStoreDecisions

24 Fuel’s Unpredictable Future

®

Solutions for Convenience Retailers

As Washington pushes fuel economy, EVs draw the spotlight, with alternative fuels and improved engine technology set to play bigger roles in moving America.

SPECIAL SECTION

65 LEADERS IN CONVENIENCE

leaders in convenience 2022 SPECIAL ISSUE • CStoreDecisions.com

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January 2022

BACK END 136 Product Showcase 141 Ad Index 142 Industry Perspective: Security Strategies for 2022 cstoredecisions.com

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Editor’s Memo

For any questions about this issue or suggestions for future issues, please contact me at jlofstock@wtwhmedia.com.

Why NAG Is Right for You I’m sure everyone will join me in saying good riddance to 2021, and let’s hope 2022 brings good health, and personal and professional growth. As we move into a new year, we are working hard on the upcoming National Advisory Group (NAG) conference scheduled for March 27-30 in La Jolla, Calif.

Personally, I can’t wait to get back on the road and get out with the industry for nearly four days of networking, information-sharing, outstanding educational sessions and just catching up with friends whom I have missed these past two years.

NAG is an association driven by convenience store retailers for retailers. It is an organization committed to building profits and relationships for members, and the annual conference is the driving force behind our success. Convenience store retailers have leaned on NAG for more than 35 years to help them grow sales, cut costs and generate new ideas in the competitive convenience store market.

NAG has many core strengths, but most notably, it’s our ability to identify winning strategies that help convenience store retailers through our events, education and networking. The organization finds success in many ways; mainly, it’s through our ability to maintain excellent relationships with retailers and supplier partners across the convenience store and petroleum industry.

After more than three decades, the NAG mission remains the same: to help convenience store retailers interact with one another to discuss new concepts, share information and come away with innovative ideas to grow sales and profits. The foundation of NAG remains its innovative Information Exchanges, which allow retailers the opportunity to connect with other non-competing retailers in an intimate setting that is conducive to learning new ideas and fresh perspectives.

This year, to go along with the Information Exchanges, we have five educational sessions: Culture as a Competitive Advantage, Loading Up for Breakfast, Lessons for C-Stores From COVID-19, HR Staffing in a Labor Shortage, and How to Build Customer Loyalty Through Engagement.

Plus, this year’s conference will feature two exclusive research sessions and a breakout track for the Young Executives Organization (YEO). The research sessions are titled: Driving Targeted Business Outcomes and Expanding 8

CSTORE DECISIONS •

January 2022

the Evening Daypart. These research projects are being conducted with NAG partners Stuzo and Hathway. The results of these projects — one will share business projections directly from convenience store retailers, and the other will communicate insights from convenience store customers — will be released for the first time to the industry only at the NAG Conference.

For YEO, Gray Taylor, executive director of Conexxus, will lead a session focused on understanding the rise of digital currencies. This is a timely conversation, as a new generation of convenience store customers is growing up unaccustomed to using cash.

YEO is a special group of next-generation industry leaders who are 40 years of age or younger. Members are entrepreneurs, leading top businesses and actively pursuing a higher level of professionalism in the convenience store and petroleum marketing industry. The industry’s young executives and leaders of tomorrow face unique challenges as they grow their businesses in the competitive convenience store market. YEO was formed specifically to addresses these challenges and identify solutions with others in their age group.

NAG and YEO present the ideal opportunities for retailers across the board to learn new ideas from the industry’s sharpest minds. This year’s conference features speakers from Wawa, Thorntons, Nouria Energy, Family Express, Robinson Oil, CEFCO, EG America, Alltown — and too many more to list. What makes our agenda special is that this entire lineup was put together by retailers for retailers.

With the help of our retailer board of directors and generous input from CStore Decisions readers, we feel we have assembled the perfect agenda to help you grow your business in 2022 and beyond.

Visit nagconvenience.com to view the agenda and speaker lineup and nagconvenience.com/join to join NAG as a member.

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FRONT END Profile

Street Corner’s

Post-Pandemic Reinvention The COVID-19 pandemic gave Street Corner an opportunity to change its approach to the marketplace. It’s entering 2022 with three techforward prototypes and major plans for growth.

Erin Del Conte • Executive Editor

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CSTORE DECISIONS •

January 2022

cstoredecisions.com

Street Corner may not be the new kid on the block — it first entered the market in the mid-1980s — but the chain’s reinvention post-pandemic positions it as a cutting-edge, modern c-store business. With a new CEO at the wheel, Street Corner recently debuted a revamped foodservice menu and is aggressively rolling out three tech-forward store prototypes — Urban Market, Express and Fuel Station.

Headquartered in Topeka, Kan., the Street Corner concept is a franchise-only model, registered in all 50 states, with 38 locations across the U.S. currently.

In fall of 2021, the chain introduced four new locations. It plans to introduce another seven stores by April and a total of 16 by this summer.

REINVENTING STREET CORNER

Street Corner was founded by Peter LaColla and Dan McCabe in 1988. LaColla currently serves as president and chairman of the board for Street Corner, after 30 years leading the chain as CEO. He remains instrumental in helping Street Corner implement and adapt to new technology. McCabe is also the co-founder of legal practice McColla Enterprises Ltd. and provided legal expertise and guidance for Street Corner during his tenure. He is now retired. cstoredecisions.com

Today, Street Corner is helmed by Vikram Dhillon, who stepped into the role of CEO in May 2021.

Dhillon’s father was a 7-Eleven franchisee, and Dhillon grew up in the family business. He went on to run 7-Eleven stores for 20 years.

“We have close to 23 stores in our family, and I was overseeing seven of them,” Dhillon said.

In 2016, Dhillon became a Street Corner franchisee across San Diego and soon began working as a developer for the chain. He went on to become the head of the sales department, selling franchise agreements nationally to retailers.

Dhillon is still a Street Corner franchisee himself, with stores in both California and Arizona. And he’s also a 12% stockholder in the company.

In August, Street Corner welcomed Adrian Aybar as vice president of operations. Like Dhillon, Aybar is an equity partner in the company, and he ran a January 2022 • CSTORE DECISIONS

11

FRONT END Profile

Street Corner convenience stores are entirely franchisee-run. Those who own the company also have experience operating Street Corner stores.

Street Corner franchise from 2014 to 2019.

“All of us that own the company actually have stores ourselves or have in the past,” Dhillon said.

That distinction is something that Dhillon believes sets Street Corner apart from other franchise models.

“We’re actual franchisees who are running the company.

We’re not just some corporate guys who never, ever owned a Street Corner franchise. We understand what the issues are in the franchise world and how we’re going to fix them, and that’s because of our experiences as franchisees,” he added.

The result is a ‘franchisee-centric’ company that works to make running a Street Corner business as easy as possible for franchisees.

When CStore Decisions last profiled Street Corner in 2010, the company was focused on 300-1,000-square-foot stores and kiosks in shopping malls.

Twelve years later, “a lot has changed,” Dhillon said.

“We’re still in the mall business; it’s just not our focus.”

Of the 38 franchisee-run sites that Street Corner has today, Dhillon estimates that around 20 are mall locations.

“There are still mall stores that perform really well saleswise, and we’re keeping those open,” he said.

But as it looks ahead, Street Corner plans to focus its growth on its three prototype models.

THE EXPRESS

The Express model will appear at smaller stores — airports, college campuses, office buildings — in the 800-1,500-square-foot range, with cashierless checkout.

“The Express model is going to have autonomous technology strictly because we’re not going to sell any age-restricted items at those stores, like tobacco, alcohol, etc.,” Dhillon said.

One of his San Diego stores is the first Street Corner to feature autonomous checkout.

“It’s in an office building, and there’s no cashiers. You swipe your debit or credit card to unlock the door, and you walk in. The artificial intelligence knows exactly who you are and what payment method is linked to you. You pick up what you want, and you walk right out,” he said.

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URBAN MARKETS

When Dhillon joined Street Corner, he identified a gap in the market between large-scale organic grocery stores like Whole Foods and traditional convenience stores.

Urban Market locations look to fill that gap with healthy convenience.

“That’s where we saw the opportunity,” he said.

At the Urban Market locations, guests can find the type of healthy, local and organic products they would find at an upscale organic grocery store as well as the typical fare they’d expect from a convenience store. Fresh grocery is a key component of this model, with an optional fullservice deli.

Urban Market stores measure between 2,000 and 5,000 square feet and feature drive-throughs. There’s also a self-checkout stand in-store where customers can purchase non-age-restricted products.

Mobile checkout will also be available through the Street Corner app.

THE FUEL STATION

Traditionally, Street Corner stores have not featured fuel, but that’s changing now as Street Corner introduces the Fuel Station model. Fuel Stations are essentially Urban Market stores with a forecourt.

At the end of November, Street Corner opened its first Fuel Station location in Aberdeen, S.D., partnering with Sinclair Oil as the gas brand.

“A good thing about Street Corner is the franchisees can pick whatever fuel brand they like, and we help them negotiate the contracts,” Dhillon said.

Fuel stations, like the one in Aberdeen, also feature order-at-the-pump technology. The pumps feature builtin 27-inch touchscreens that let fuel customers purchase in-store items and pay in a single transaction.

Most items, including food, are available through the system, with the exception of age-restricted products.

The credit card customers used for gas will also be charged for the products. Customers can collect their order at the drive-through, or they can have it delivered to their car via curbside pickup.

cstoredecisions.com

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FRONT END Profile

Today, Street Corner focuses on three distinct models: an Urban Market, a Fuel Station or an Express store. All concepts look to provide a tech-forward exprience for the customer, while delivering fresh, healthy food, as well as traditional c-store items.

REFRESHED DESIGN

No matter which concept franchisees choose, new Street Corners are designed to achieve a fresh, healthy and urban look that features local images inside the store, including a skyline wall mural specific to the region.

Graphics feature a color scheme of black, gray and white, with pops of bright color.

Street Corner isn’t requiring existing mall franchisees to remodel, but if Street Corner does resell a store, the new franchisee is required to update the design and branding to the latest standards, including a new logo that rolled out in 2019.

Dhillon noted that the COVID-19 pandemic gave Street Corner an opportunity to reinvent itself.

“I think that’s so important as a franchise. You have to look at the future of retail, how you can change and how to make that transition, and I think we did a lot of thinking during COVID,” he said.

As the world reopened, the chain had a busy fall, debuting a number of new stores: Fuel Stations in Aberdeen, S.D., and Ipswich, S.D., plus Express stores in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Rockaway, N.J. — and it’s not about to slow down. The 16 new sites set to roll out by next summer will be “all over the map,” and a mix of the three new formats.

At press time, the chain was also set to introduce a Fuel Station in Merced, Calif., an Urban Market in Clovis, Calif., plus its first international store in Panama City in early January 2022.

“We also have a couple of mall stores we’re reopening in some of the malls that shut down during COVID,” Dhillon said. “We are seeing a lot of increased sales in certain shopping centers.”

FRESH FOOD

When it comes to foodservice, Street Corner aspires to become a destination for shoppers. Foodservice veteran 14

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January 2022

Fred Wencel, consultant, fresh food and bakery program for Street Corner, created a new menu that features naan as a carrier for pizza, wraps and other menu items.

Millennials today, like Dhillon himself, are looking for fresh, healthy food options.

“I’m 36 years old,” Dhillon said. “I want to walk into a c-store and grab a nice vegan sandwich or something that’s freshly made in front of me. I’m not just picking up a taquito from a roller grill. And that’s what we’ve done in these communities. We’re changing the way people look at convenience stores.”

The new proprietary menu debuted at the Aberdeen, S.D., store that opened in late November. All food is made fresh in-store.

Sandwiches are wrapped in naan and eaten like a taco. “For sandwiches, we have your traditional Turkey Club, Buffalo Chicken, Chicken Caesar, Steak Fajita, Beef Bulgogi, Hot Italian Beef, Chicken Masala and so on,” Dhillon said.

Single-serving pizzas are also made on naan and include varieties such as Beef Bulgogi, Chicken Chipotle, Margarita, Firecracker, Pepperoni, Hawaiian Ham, BLT, and Chicken Alfredo. The pizzas cook in two minutes and 30 seconds, made fresh in front of customers.

Salads include Chili Lime Chicken, Chicken Caesar, Greek Chicken and Turkey Club. “We also cut pieces of naan bread and put it on the side for them,” Dhillon said.

The breakfast menu features a number of sandwiches on English muffins or croissants, including Eggs Benedict; Egg White, Spinach and Cheese; and Steak and Egg. Street Corner also features a robust grab-and-go selection, all of which is made inside the store, packaged and placed in the grab-and-go case. Sandwiches include Tuna, Chicken Salad, Egg Salad and Turkey and Cheese.

“We’re making everything that’s in our grab-and-go case fresh on the property — even our salads, fruit salads, fruit cups and parfaits,” Dhillon noted.

cstoredecisions.com

FRONT END Profile

Street Corner’s stores are designed to achieve a fresh, healthy and urban vibe, and offer a newly revamped menu that centers around naan as a carrier for pizzas and sandwiches.

The Urban Markets and the Fuel Stations feature the full menu, while the Express stores feature the grab-and-go menu only. The Express stores don’t have a kitchen to prepare the items, so grab-and-go items are delivered from other Street Corner stores.

Street Corner features online ordering, in-app ordering, delivery through partnerships with third-party apps and curbside pickup.

The Street Corner app is powered by eHungry. Street Corner also has plans to launch a special catering menu through ezcater.com.

BARISTA PROGRAM

Coffee is a big focus for the chain, too, and it’s looking to stand out with its organic fair-trade coffee.

“Our Express stores have self-serve, organic coffee and a traditional coffee bar,” Dhillon said.

Urban Market and Fuel Station stores will have the option of adding a full-service barista coffee program.

Most of the newer Urban Markets currently feature the program, including the one opening in Clovis, Calif., a store at the University of California San Diego, and one that is set to open in Hermosa Beach, Calif.

“The only reason we didn’t do it in (our newest) South Dakota store is because coffee wasn’t a big focal point for that demographic,” Dhillon said.

The Merced, Calif., location is the first Fuel Station to feature the barista program.

The Aberdeen, S.D., store is unique in that it features both a casino — a popular trend for gas stations in South Dakota — and a bar called Mulligans.

“The owner of the property used to operate a restaurant. They converted the property into a Street Corner, and they had the licensing rights to sell on-site alcohol,” he said.

The bar features Street Corner’s new food menu.

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TECH-FORWARD

Technology is an important focus for the chain, from the cashierless Express stores to the order-at-the pump technology to the self-checkout kiosks, which are currently available in the four newest stores.

“The key thing is, we can turn our point-of-sale (POS) systems on and off to do self-checkout or full-service. If it’s a slow day, and I’m short an employee, I can convert my POS — one of them — into a self-checkout just by the click of a button,” Dhillon said.

Street Corner is developing a points-based Street Corner Rewards program. Currently, the company features a coffee club program where every seventh cup is free.

Electric-vehicle (EV) charging stations are being added to stores on the West Coast.

“If you look at our stores, we are small, we’re new, we’re urban, we’re fresh. We give that young vibe,” Dhillon said. “We reinvented ourselves, and we’re seeing a new generation of franchisees — the millennial generation — is coming in.”

Street Corner aspires to have one c-store in every major U.S. city and offers a flexible option for franchisees.

The chain is now examining how it can help upgrade existing stores and help them grow sales, engaging oneon-one with franchisees weekly. For example, it’s upgrading inventory management and back-office systems and digitizing daily checklists.

“We’re actually dissecting each store, looking at their sales data, comparing them to last week’s sales,” Dhillon explained. “We’re asking, ‘How can we help you?’ and working with the franchisees in a partnership instead of dictating what they have to do. If they have an idea, we want to hear it, and I think that’s one thing a lot of franchises don’t do.”

As he steers Street Corner into the future, Dhillon’s goal is both simple and ambitious: “I want to perfect the system in the franchising world.”

cstoredecisions.com

quickBites COVID-19 AND THE SHOPPING EVOLUTION After nearly two years of pandemic fatigue, COVID-19 continues to shape shopping habits, with local, loyalty and online purchases still trending, even as some customers are less concerned about the latest omicron variant.

DELTA VS. OMICRON

VS. OMICRON Inflation

Omicron variant

52%

26%

Somewhat concerned

36%

40%

Not at all concerned

12%

34%

Very concerned

Source: CivicScience 2021, 4,150 responses from Nov. 29-30, 2021, Margin +/- 2%, weighted by U.S. Census 18-plus

Consumers are less concerned about the new omicron variant than they were about the delta variant earlier this year. Real-time market research platform Suzy repeated a survey it conducted in August around the delta variant and found:

• Only 28% of respondents are putting nonessential travel on hold, compared to 72% who said the same about delta.

• 12% plan to stop shopping in-person, compared to 20% in August.

• 20% will be pulling back from recently resumed activities like inperson socializing or work, compared to 38% who will continue with plans to return to normal activities regardless of omicron.

Source: Suzy real-time surveys, August and November 2021

ONLINE MEETS ON-SITE

Shoppers want in-store tech that provides them with user-generated content (UGC).

What technologies would you like to see integrated into the in-store experience?

• 36% Virtual displays showing other customers’ reviews, photos and videos • 34% QR codes that can be scanned to read reviews • 33% Live/up-to-date star ratings in-store based on customer reviews/activities regardless of omicron

Source: Bazaarvoice, “The State of Retail Report,” based on survey responses of over 8,000 consumers from the U.S., U.K., France, Germany, Australia and Canada, December 2021

LOYALTY MATTERS

56% agree: I regularly make unexpected

purchases as a result of loyalty program offerings (e.g., special discounts for members).

KEEPING IT LOCAL

Source: SpotOn Retail and The Harris Poll, “2021 Consumer Shopping Study,” October 2021

72% of consumers would rather buy from an independent store than a national retailer if it were equally convenient and reliable.

Source: SpotOn Retail and The Harris Poll, “2021 Consumer Shopping Study,” October 2021

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CSTORE DECISIONS • January 2022

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FRONT END NATO Update

FDA Director Provides Update on Federal Tobacco Regulations From premarket tobacco applications and synthetic nicotine regulation to proposed menthol and flavor bans and graphic warning labels, the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Tobacco Products director weighs in on what’s in the agency’s 2022 crosshairs.

Thomas Briant • NATO

On Dec. 2, 2021, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Tobacco Products Director Mitch Zeller presented a live webinar on FDA tobacco regulations. The presentation focused on premarket tobacco applications (PMTA), the new graphic cigarette health warnings and synthetic nicotine products, and gave insights into what might await the category in the new year.

PREMARKET TOBACCO APPLICATIONS

FDA regulations required that manufacturers of cigars (excluding premium cigars), pipe tobacco, electronic cigarette products, hookah tobacco and oral nicotine products, which were introduced in the market after Feb. 15, 2007, and on the market as of Aug. 8, 2016, file a PMTA with the agency

by Sept. 9, 2020. A PMTA filing allowed the product to continue to be sold while the 20

CSTORE DECISIONS • January 2022

FDA reviewed the PMTA to determine if the product should remain on the market.

More than 15,000 PMTAs covering nearly 6.7 million tobacco products were filed with the FDA by Sept. 9, 2020. The vast majority of these PMTAs were for electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS).

According to Zeller, manufacturers must provide robust, reliable evidence that the product’s potential benefit for adult smokers outweighs the risk to youth. Then, the FDA must review each PMTA and assess the scientific evidence an applicant submits to determine whether the product is “appropriate for the protection of the public health,” based on risks and benefits to users and nonusers, i.e., whether current tobacco users would stop or reduce their usage, or current nonusers start using tobacco products.

As of early December, the FDA had reviewed about 99% of the 15,000-plus PMTA applications. The agency continues working on PMTAs that cover some 55,000 ENDS. Zeller indicated that the FDA has issued

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Refuse to Accept (RTA) letters and Refuse to File (RTF) letters to manufacturers for over 5 million ENDS products because the PMTAs had deficiencies in or information missing from them. These letters mean that a manufacturer needs to remove the products coverd by a PMTA from the marketplace. In addition, the FDA has issued Marketing Denial Orders (MDO) denying PMTAs for more than 1 million flavored ENDS. Manufacturers have filed 46 lawsuits challenging individual MDOs issued by the agency, and 45 of the legal challenges are still pending. In addition, manufacturers have requested dozens of agency reviews of MDOs issued on PMTAs. Ten new tobacco products have received Marketing Granted Orders (MGO), which means a PMTA was authorized and the product can remain on the market. The MGOs include R.J. Reynolds Vapor Co.’s Vuse Solo tobacco-flavored ENDS and several U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co.’s Verve oral nicotine products.

GRAPHIC HEALTH WARNINGS

The FDA’s new health warning rule requires graphic health warnings on cigarette packages and advertisements beginning Jan. 9, 2023.

However, there are two pending lawsuits filed by manufacturers seeking to overturn the new graphic cigarette health warnings.

MENTHOL CIGARETTE & FLAVORED CIGAR BAN

By April of this year, the FDA plans to issue two new regulations that would prohibit menthol in cigarettes and ban characterizing flavors in all cigars.

FDA believes that the new regulations will reduce

youth initiation, increase chances of smoking cessation and address health disparities among certain population segments.

SYNTHETIC NICOTINE

Under current federal law, nicotine made or derived from tobacco is considered to be a tobacco product and regulated by the FDA. However, Zeller indicated that when nicotine is not derived from tobacco, FDA’s regulatory authority is less clear.

Previously, chemistry readily differentiated tobacco-based nicotine from synthetic nicotine, but changes in synthetic nicotine make that differentiation more difficult. The FDA is concerned, from the standpoint of public health and fairness to manufacturers that filed PMTAs for products containing nicotine derived from tobacco, about those manufacturers using synthetic nicotine to evade federal regulation. The agency is exploring how to address synthetic nicotine and has made Congress aware of the synthetic nicotine issue.

Thomas Briant is the executive director for the National Association of Tobacco Outlets (NATO). NATO’s mission is to enhance the business interests of retailers that sell tobacco products, support the legislative and regulatory interests of members, and encourage the expansion of the retail tobacco segment in a responsible manner.

cstoredecisions.com January 2022 •

CSTORE DECISIONS

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Fuel

Fuel’s UNPREDICTABLE FUTURE As Washington pushes fuel economy, EVs draw the spotlight, with alternative fuels and improved engine technology set to play bigger roles in moving America.

Thomas Mulloy • Senior Editor

Electric vehicles are grabbing the headlines. Auto manufacturers like Ford have committed to an all-electric F-150 pickup truck, while convenience store chains, concerned about the future of fuel sales, are exploring options for installing electric vehicle charging (EVC) stations. Carbon neutral remains a buzz-phrase hanging over the oil industry, while the Biden administration released new minimum fleet fuel economy standards.

For John Eichberger, president of the Fuels Institute, based in Alexandria, Va., the main players in the fuel, auto and renewable energy industries are asking the wrong questions. Today’s fuel landscape is much more complicated than doing away with the internal combustion engine (ICE), making all passenger cars and trucks EVs. 24

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E

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January 2022 • CSTORE DECISIONS

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Ford Motor Co. took a major step in introducing its F-150 Lightning pickup, an all-electric version of its best-selling lightduty passenger truck.

Many global leaders, he explained, have adopted a simplistic soundbite of electrified transportation.

That’s their goal. That’s their solution.

“They’re trying to apply that across the board, and it’s not going to work,” Eichberger said. “We need to have a much more strategic and diverse strategy that takes into careful consideration use-case scenarios and applies the right strategy where it needs to be applied. Will they do it? I don’t know.”

The question Eichberger believes leaders should be asking is: “What types of policies promote more rapid decarbonization?”

Electric vehicles are merely one option, especially for passenger cars and trucks. But what about the other vehicles on the road? Electrification for medium and heavy-duty vehicles may not be the best option for all vehicle types.

Fuels Institute data projections found that even if passenger EVs reach 60% of light-duty vehicle sales by 2040, they’ll still be just over one-fourth of the passenger vehicles on the road. That means three out of every four vehicles will still be burning carbonbased fuels.

“We still have 260 million combustion engine passenger vehicles,” said Eichberger. “What are we going to do about them? Hopefully we’ll see a discussion broaden beyond EV as the goal and back to reducing carbon emissions as the goal — but EVs being part of the toolbox.”

The hype has gotten so intense that Eichberger noted that there are a lot of misleading market signals coming from industry players, even the automakers — or in industry parlance, OEMs: original equipment manufacturers.

Lately, automakers have been prone to public announcements about their commitment to lower carbon emissions and ratchet up production of EVs. “All those pronouncements, all those forecasts are kind of blowing in the wind right now because of the supply chain problems,” Eichberger said. “We get 26

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January 2022

caught up in this hype of everybody’s ‘in,’ all these announcements, ‘we’re going to have 40 new EVs in the market in 2021,’ and we don’t. So it’s tough to read between the lines and find the right strategy.”

It’s early in the process of decarbonizing. That means that the market is going to change, and many unexpected developments are in store. Fuel industry consultant and founder of Fuel Insights, Brandon Lawrence, sees the EV landscape moving in the right direction, but there are issues lurking in the background.

“There’s a lot to like, but there’s also a lot of things that I think a lot of people don’t fully appreciate about what the transition means, particularly from basically the supply chain perspective,” Lawrence said.

Lawrence pointed out that battery EV production is comparatively low and is untested in its ability to scale up. That could present difficulties down the road. Will there be enough metals available as the demand for batteries and other components rises?

When today’s vehicle batteries are depleted, how will they be disposed of?

PLUGGING INTO EVCS

The so-called EV revolution is certain to move at a snail’s pace simply because of the overwhelming number of ICE vehicles that are and will continue traveling the roads. So what’s the motivation for fuel retailers in the convenience industry to enter the EVC business?

“Why wouldn’t we be positioning ourselves so the consumer knows our brand and that we’re energy agnostic,” said Kevin Smartt, CEO of Spicewood, Texas-based Texas Born (TXB), with approximately 50 stores in Texas and Oklahoma. Energy agnostic, he added, means that TXB wants to sell whatever its customers want to buy.

The folks at Giant Eagle’s GetGo Café + Market convenience store chain have a simple reason for starting an EVC program: “We think it’s the future,” said Rug Phatak, senior vice president of marketing for GetGo, which operates 265 stores. The company,

cstoredecisions.com

Fuel

he explained, recognizes the long timetable involved and feels the sooner GetGo gets going, the better.

“We’re talking about a long runway here,” Phatak said. “And one of the things that GetGo and Giant Eagle have always been really good at is looking at the future and being on the ground floor of those futures — even if it takes a little bit of time and a little bit of an investment.”

To capitalize on the investment, GetGo is incorporating chargers at new builds because it makes more sense from a budgetary standpoint. Retrofitting existing locations involves more design work, tearing up concrete and mothballing part or all of the existing facility. Those are costs that lower the incentive to install EVCs. GetGo’s main goal is for customers to be able to charge their vehicles across its major markets — so that drivers can take a trip from its Eastern markets all the way to the West, North and South. While its footprint is concentrated around the Pittsburgh area in southwest and middle Pennsylvania, it extends west across Ohio. “Cleveland, Columbus, Indianapolis are

Spicewood, Texas-based TXB has initiated an EV program the company said will put EV fast chargers at all of its new-build locations, with five new sites coming in 2022.

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our major markets,” Phatak said. “So our goal is to be able to charge the fleet across our markets.”

GetGo has only installed Tesla chargers at a pair of stations, but those locations bookend its footprint with a location just outside of Pittsburgh and another in Indianapolis, near the famed Indianapolis Speedway. Those EVCs, said Phatak, are doing really well.

GetGo is a believer. It has plans beyond Tesla chargers, Phatak said. The company is finalizing plans with EV consultant Greenlots for five new fast charger stations around Pittsburgh and another pair in Columbus.

While TXB is a smaller chain, it’s proceeding with EVs nearly as aggressively as GetGo. “Our plan is, at every new store we build, to put in EV fast chargers,” said Smartt. “And we should complete, I think, five new-to-industry sites in ‘22. So all those locations will receive at least two fast chargers.”

Most of the new store growth will come in the Austin, Texas, market. Smartt said that Austin is a good fit because it’s fertile ground for EV sales in the state, but it’s also a larger, densely populated market.

DUE DILIGENCE

As for retrofitting existing locations, TXB is doing its homework.

“We’re in Texas, and we’re pretty spread out, so we have a lot of sites in rural Texas,” Smartt explained.

“And I’m not sure that, on a retro-site, that makes sense for us right now to go through the cost and effort of putting them in every rural market.”

Initiating an EVC program is no simple task. There’s lots to think about. It takes a group of people to navigate a rather long laundry list of variables. Installing EVCs will involve marketing plans, budgetary expertise, legal advice on regulations at all levels of government, construction partners, knowledge of electric utilities and engineering, applications for grants and subsidies — all before you flip the switch.

“You still have to pay the utility demand charges.

You still have to pay all the costs of operating,” said Eichberger. “Until you have enough throughput customer demand, it’s difficult to spread those costs out and make a return on your investment, even if you get a grant or some sort of rebate to put it in.”

For a c-store chain, Eichberger advised that’s it’s all about timing and capitalizing on demand in the market you’re installing EVCs. Because TXB is a smaller chain, Smartt’s team is made up of people who are already doing other things there. People in these hybrid roles, as he calls them, have taken on the additional duties to get the effort off the ground.

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Smartt said there is funding from public utilities or co-ops that periodically offer grants as well as cities or other government entities that make funding available.

He cautioned that it’s a lengthy process. And be ready when those opportunities present themselves.

“Texas just recently released a round of grants based on the (Volkswagen) settlement money that some of the states received,” recalled Smartt. “So our state just received a batch of money, released those grants. They were literally gone within, I think, three days.”

But that source of cash may soon be growing, according to Eichberger. That could be a double-edged sword for convenience retailers, though.

“You’ve got a $7.5 billion federal program now being put together to help build out charging infrastructure — which could take away from a lot of c-stores getting into the business,” Eichberger cautioned. “It doesn’t change operating costs, but it opens up the door for more opportunities.”

Those opportunities won’t be limited to c-stores. The new federal program will be developed over the next six months, he advised. “For those interested in getting into the charging business, now is a pretty good time to be looking at it.”

IT’S STILL ABOUT THE CUSTOMER

In the midst of all of the myriad details to be seen to, Phatak advised not to overlook the most essential element of it all: the customer. “We do have to start being thoughtful about the experience with the consumer like we are on the fuel side, right?” he said.

“We have the washer fluid for wiping and washing windows. We have paper towels. We have sanitizer. We have trash cans. We have a roof.”

Many EVC operators forget about those staples of the forecourt when it comes to a charger setup that’s away from the fuel pumps. Smartt said he’s never seen a roof over an EVC setup. He’s noticed the same tendency for operators to simply forget about the charger area once the installation is complete.

“We typically put them farther away from the store because we don’t want them taking up parking spots close to the store because, typically, they’re there for 20-plus minutes,” Smartt said. “And so, we just have some things we have to figure out as an industry if we want to attract customers and we want to give them the best experience possible.”

Part of that experience could be remaking the c-store dining experience. Lawrence believes far too many retailers aren’t yet

asking themselves how they’ll improve their appeal to EV consumers looking to charge.

“What offer is going to encourage them not just to stop there instead of a competitor?” he asked. “What about your offer is going to compel them to take time out of their day and treat you as basically a destination instead of a chore that’s less inconvenient than the other guy?”

Many retailers are expanding seating areas, upping their foodservice game, improving their coffee and other beverage offering and fashioning a more welcoming atmosphere to not only attract charging customers, but also improve the location’s overall appeal.

Phatak feels GetGo’s way ahead of the game when it comes to atmosphere and in-store offerings.

“We actually think the amenities dovetail really nicely for the EV consumer,” he said. “That this is a place that if you have to wait 15 or 20 minutes, it’s at least a place where you can sort of stop and not only refuel your car, you can refuel yourself.”

ALTERNATIVE FUELS

According to the Fuels Institute, biofuels represent a solid opportunity to provide lower-carbon fuel options for ICE vehicles. The carbon intensity of starch ethanol, cellulosic ethanol and biodiesel fare well in low-carbon intensity.

While year-round sales of E15 ethanol are up in the air, companion versions of the Better Blend Act to make more ethanol available to drivers are now in both houses of Congress. President Biden’s Build Back Better Act contains nearly $1 billion for biofuels infrastructure as well as provisions to benefit biofuel producers and the agriculture industry.

Lawrence cited the commercial vehicle adoption of compressed natural gas (CNG). He used a local interstate near his home as an example of the freight use of CNG.

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Source: Ricardo Consulting

January 2022 • CSTORE DECISIONS

29

The soon-to-be-released all-electric Aptera line of three-wheeled vehicles require no charging for most daily use, the company said, because they’re solar-powered. As governments mandate lower fuel emissions standards and consumers begin to buy in, more vehicle innovation like the Aptera will come to the market. (Photo/Aptera Motors Corp.)

“Basically, I-30, half of the trucks on that are owned by only a few companies,” Lawrence said. “Those lines, they use a lot of natural gas in them because it’s plentiful here in the South. It’s not hard to get it to market.”

But for consumer-facing vehicles, it won’t work. Much like EVs, drivers will need to purchase a new car with a CNG burning engine. It’s just not practical.

“And I think with any of these alternative fuels, the biggest thing is going to be scale and consistency of delivery,” Lawrence said.

RISING FUEL EFFICIENCY

Eichberger explained that hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) are becoming an increasingly viable option for lowering carbon emissions.

“It’s only about 20% higher carbon intensity over 200,000 miles as a battery EV, but it has about 21% lower carbon intensity over straight ICE engine,” he said. “If you can do that, and then if you can improve the carbon intensity of the fuel, you can get those numbers even closer to a battery EV.” While those advancements in hybrid as well as more efficient ICE vehicles may play a larger role in decarbonization, TXB’s Smartt sees them as a bigger threat to c-stores than EVs. “Right now, what keeps me up at night with fuels is not the emergence of EVs,” Smartt noted. “Mine is more the increasingly better fuel mileage that vehicles get.”

The math is simple: Consuming fewer gallons means fewer fill-ups. “That’s a bigger deterrent to me in my mind than EVs (are) to our industry,” he said.

The technology is driven by automakers’ desires to make better vehicles, but also by government regulations. The Obama administration in 2012 set higher fuel efficiency standards that were then revised downward by the Trump administration. President Biden’s administration recently increased them. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last month issued new rules to lift fuel efficiency standards for new passenger cars and light trucks from the current 38 mpg to 55 mpg by 2026, a boost of nearly 45%.

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How sensitive is Washington to the unintended consequences legislation and executive branch rules have in hurting smaller businesses, like those in the c-store industry? “You’ve got some in Congress who acknowledge we need to maintain competitive markets, we need to ensure that we’re not putting private businesses in a disadvantageous position with government money,” said Eichberger.

Eichberger noted that the nation is already entering the midterm election cycle with a president whose approval ratings are not strong. “And I think there’s a big chance the house switches to Republican control, which puts the brakes on almost everything,” he said. “My hope is we’ll calm down, reflect back to the second term of the Clinton presidency and start working together and start trying to solve problems constructively, collaboratively.”

NO SIMPLE SOLUTIONS

As for fuel retailers in the c-store industry, electrification may be a long way off, but operators should probably stay in tune with what’s happening on the fuels front. There’s much to be learned from heavy hitters like TXB, GetGo and others who are investing in EVC technology and infrastructure.

“We’re going to make some mistakes, but Giant Eagle is really good at being innovative and learning quickly from anything like that and pivoting and trying stuff,” said Phatak. “We’re very innovative in that sense.

And we’re excited about taking our innovative spirit and bringing that to helping to build out the EV charging infrastructure.”

With all of the hype, noise and uncertainty attached to decarbonization efforts, Smartt, the former chairman of the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS), is nevertheless optimistic about the future of convenience retail.

“I think, in general, our industry is still, with the emergence of food and technology, poised to continue to get stronger over the next three to five years,” he said. CSD

cstoredecisions.com

The 2022

Social Media

Awards

CStore Decisions highlights the convenience store chains performing best on major social media platforms and shares tips and tricks for maximizing engagement in the year ahead.

Erin Del Conte • Executive Editor

CStore Decisions, for the 10th consecutive year, is recognizing convenience store chains standing out on social media.

For the second year running, CStore Decisions partnered with Rival IQ to determine the c-store chains going above and beyond on social media.

Rival IQ, which was recently acquired by global consumer and market intelligence company NetBase Quid, is a social media analytics software company based in Seattle that helps brands measure their social media engagement and benchmark that performance against their competition and their broader industry.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted customers’ relationship with social media. As lockdowns began in spring of 2020, social media usage skyrocketed by 61% during the first wave of the pandemic, according to data, insights and consulting company Kantar. Misinformation has also increased on social platforms throughout the pandemic. A World Health Organization (WHO) study from late October 2020 to early January 2021, found 59.1% of global Gen Z and millennials surveyed are “very aware” of “fake news” 32

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January 2022

surrounding COVID-19 on social media and can often identify it, but 35.1% chose to ignore it.

But misinformation hasn’t slowed customers’ social media engagement. Pew Research Center’s report, “Social Media Use in 2021,” found seven in 10 U.S. adults use social media, with YouTube (81%) and Facebook (69%) as the most popular overall, followed by Instagram (40%). Some 23% reported using Twitter, and 21% listed TikTok. When looking at 18- to 24-year-olds specifically, they reported using Instagram (76%), Snapchat (75%) or TikTok (55%) at much higher rates than the general population.

While Facebook’s demographic is skewing older today, its users are active, with 49% using the platform several times a day and 22% using it once a day, Pew Research Center reported. Comparatively, some 38% of overall Instagram users use the platform several times a day, and 21% use it once a day. But brands need to do more than post to reach customers on these platforms today. cstoredecisions.com

Social Media Awards

7-in-10 Facebook users say they visit site daily Among U.S. adults who say they use____, % who use that site...

can so you’re on the top when your users open the app, and that’s been dead on every platform now for many years. Things continue to get more sophisticated. We’re seeing shopping and commerce happening directly in some platforms now. And yes, it’s different than it used to be, but there’s still a ton of opportunity for those marketers who know how to use the platforms.”

AWARDS METHODOLOGY

Source: PEW Research Center

TRACKING THE TRENDS

“One of the big conversations happening around social media with some of our older platforms, like Facebook and Instagram, is a conversation among social media marketers about the push to paid (content),” said Seth Bridges, founder and head of product for Rival IQ. “Organic reach has dwindled on Facebook … and on Instagram, we’re seeing that trend continue. I think brands are really waking up to the fact that, unless you are just completely outstanding at your organic social media on some of these channels, you’re going to need to spend some dollars to reach your core audience.”

Short videos are trending across platforms, spurred by the popularity of video-focused social media platform TikTok. Influencer marketing is also continuing to grow. Today, some brands have dedicated budgets and teams that manage influencer relationships and campaigns.

“We are going to continue to see more brands realize in 2022 that social media is not the intern’s job,” Bridges said. “It is a real profession. It takes real skills, platform awareness, analytical capabilities, content creation, and brands really have to invest at making a big impact using these platforms if they want to see results.”

Over the past decade that CStore Decisions has been tracking c-store chains’ social media performance, algorithms have changed the way retailers must engage with social media platforms.

“Ten years ago, there was strictly a chronological feed,” Bridges said. “Your strategy was to post as much as you 34

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January 2022

For this year’s social media awards, Rival IQ analyzed the social media practices of more than 70 c-store chains across the top three platforms — Facebook (FB), Twitter and Instagram — from Nov. 1, 2020, through Oct. 31, 2021, and created an engagement ranking for each c-store chain.

“We examined each one of those channels individually, weighting scores for engagement and engagement rate — how much engagement do they get relative to how big their audience is — and put all that together to get both their final rankings on each individual channel, and then blending those channel scores to come up with our overall winners,” explained Bridges.

Top Takeaways for 2022 1. Listen to your audience. “Figure out what makes them tick,” said Seth Bridges, founder and head of product, Rival IQ. “If you don’t know who you’re speaking to and what makes them laugh or what makes them buy, give or care, you’ve got to dig into it and understand how you can provide that value in a form of a little bit of levity.”

2. Test new approaches. This doesn’t necessarily mean new channels, but if what you’re doing isn’t bringing in the results you want, change course. “Try something new, or dial it down,” Bridges suggested. That said, brand consistency is key even when trying new things. If content is too different, fans won’t realize it’s from you. As you run tests, ensure the content still feels on brand.

3. Learn from your platforms. “Instagram isn’t Twitter isn’t TikTok. Each one of them has their own language, their own customs, their own best practices,” Bridges said. “You’ve got to invest in learning how these platforms work.” cstoredecisions.com

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®

Social Media Awards

THE AWARDS Best Overall

l Winner: Kwik Trip l Runner Up: Daily’s

LaCross, Wis.-based Kwik Trip (KT) is once again the overall winner for best performance across all three major platforms — FB, Twitter and Instagram. KT’s interplay with other brands earned it the top spot in 2020, and that same playful banter continued to elevate the chain’s social media engagement in 2021.

“They have continued to go with what works and entertain folks,” Bridges said. KT operates more than 800 locations in the Midwest in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois, and it uses Midwestern humor to engage fans. “(In the Midwest) there is a lot of passion for the individuality of various states and the particular retailers associated with those states, so that really shines through,” he said. “Six of their top 20 FB posts are poking (fun) at some other Midwestern c-store. And then there’s the Midwest jokes, like jokes about how people talk, the mentality, etc.”

It all comes down to knowing your audience and what resonates, which KT clearly does. It also works to amplify creative and funny posts from its fans.

CStore Decisions caught up with Kwik Trip Digital Marketing & Loyalty Manager David Jackson to find out what’s been working for the chain on social media. “Our team has done an incredible job testing new ideas and new platforms/features this past year,” Jackson said. “In particular, Instagram Reels, Stories and TikTok (while not new to us in 2021) have been a bigger focus this past year, which has resulted in better engagement and new ways to reach our guests.”

Still, he noted KT has also made it a point to hold true to its core strategy, which is to create fun, humorous and engaging content that its fans can relate to. Jackson credited KT’s ability to adapt to changes on how social media platforms serve content without sacrificing its over36

CSTORE DECISIONS •

January 2022

all social strategy as one of the keys to its success.

“Ultimately, this means our focus is to continue producing fun, engaging and relatable content, but test new ways of delivering that content, whether it be through a meme, video or even a plain text post with no images,” Jackson said. “As we see success, we track it and will eventually come back to that another time to duplicate the success.”

One of KT’s top-performing posts on FB this year was a video that gave a behind-the-scenes look at its Glazer doughnuts being made.

“This video had over 1.3 million views and allowed our fans to see just how their most beloved product at KT was produced in our very own bakery,” Jackson said.

While the behind-the-scenes access of a popular product contributed to the post’s success, Jackson said having the content in video form allowed for better engagement and reach.

Jacksonville, Fla.-based Daily’s is our runner up for overall social media success. Although it has a smaller presence on social media compared to KT, Daily’s audience is majorly engaged.

“Daily’s big secret to success in driving overall engagement all ties back to their biggest campaign on social, which is their ‘12 Days of Giveaways’ campaign that they executed across FB, Twitter and Instagram — so simultaneously a cross-channel blitz. Their December was huge — just phenomenal.”

Daily’s maintains above-average engagement throughout the year, in many cases using additional giveaways to keep customers engaged.

“Giveaways are a great way to get a pop on social media,” Bridges said. “If it’s all you ever did, it would get boring … but doing them periodically and leveraging the fact that you’re consistently getting a bump is a very helpful technique in terms of maintaining audience engagement for your other content that’s not necessarily a giveaway.”

In addition, Daily’s is doing well with user-generated content, such as resharing photos or memes where customers have tagged the chain.

“They do a nice job of tagging people back and acknowledging the contribution,” Bridges said.

Daily’s also excels with product promotions. cstoredecisions.com

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Social Media Awards

FACEBOOK Winner: FavTrip Runner Up: Kwik Trip

INSTAGRAM Winner: Kwik Trip Runner Up: Buc-ee’s KT also came in first place in the Instagram category. What worked for KT overall in 2021 also drove its success on Instagram. Humorous content and Midwestern jokes are resonating with fans on the platform. It also featured a number of giveaways, which trended well on Instagram — more so than similar giveaway posts on FB. “Their top post on Instagram during the study was one of these giveaway posts, but it barely edged out the humor posts, so it was sort of neck and neck,” Bridges said.

As KT interacts with brands or users on Twitter, and those tweets are successful, KT screenshots those tweets and uses them as content on other platforms, such as Instagram, Bridges explained.

“It’s almost like they’re using (Twitter) as the highspeed test ground. And then when something pops, they go, ‘Yup, we got one. Let’s bring it to FB, let’s bring it to Instagram,’ but they’re being smart,” Bridges said. Rather than just copying and pasting, KT is reformatting the post with attention to details like the borders, spacing and font size.

“The formatting looks like Instagram … they’re doing a different crop that works better on that platform, so they’re being really smart both in terms of their strategy and how they’re thinking about moving content between platforms,” he said.

Our runner up, Lake Jackson, Texas-based Bucees, with more than 40 locations in four states, may only have posted on Instagram about three times a month, but drew big numbers for engagement by posting fun and unique photos of its loyal fans.

“Over 118k photos featuring the hashtag #bucees have been shared over time, and fans are looking for their shot to get featured on the Buc-ee’s profile,” Bridges said. “The social team at Buc-ee’s does a nice job of giving credit to the original creator, too, and the captions are always clever and concise.”

During the report period, Buc-ee’s almost doubled its following from 55k followers to 102k followers. “On a percentage basis, no other brand grew more last year,” Bridges said.

38

CSTORE DECISIONS •

January 2022

FavTrip is wowing fans by tapping into the trend for video content. Featured videos include shoplifting videos with voiceovers that discourage theft. Its ‘Sunday Fun Day’ videos share different products and what’s happening that week in various stores.

“Its FB page posted over 800 posts in the last year,” Bridges noted. “That’s like 16 times a week, which is a lot of FB posting. But the key to its magic was it posted 120 videos over the year, and about 70 of them were the shoplifting videos done in collaboration with the YouTube channel Gas Station Encounters.”

The voiceovers are what make the Gas Station Encounter collaboration videos funny and engaging for fans.

The collaboration elevated the content, and it’s paid off — with 20.5 million views.

FavTrip’s non-video content is also focused on entertaining with humor photos, memes and information on things happening at the stores.

Babir Sultan, FavTrip founder and CEO, noted the chain has made an effort to post more videos at a consistent rate. “Our Facebook Live shows have done really well. Brittany, who’s carrying the tradition of Sunday Funday, has done an amazing job.”

“Don’t look for perfection and numbers,” he advised other chains, “just post stuff you really like, and encourage staff and customers to like your page and advertise at your store, as well. Lastly, talk less about promotions and more about the customers.”

In second place, KT continues to succeed with its cross-channel strategy. One of KT’s favorite FB posts included a meme of celebrity Dan Levy making faces, with the caption “Me walking into literally any gas station besides a Kwik Trip.”

This top-performing FB post featuring celebrity Dan Levy resonated with fans and brought “humor, relatability, embracing fan love and a little sass,” noted David Jackson, digital marketing & loyalty manager for Kwik Trip. cstoredecisions.com

CStore Decisions is

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Location, space, equipment and promotions are just some of the factors that drive car wash success, and when the fit is right, car washes can be extremely profitable.

In 2020, annual car wash sales exceeded $48 billion, and with 65% of all car washes attached to convenience stores, there is a significant opportunity to drive new sales.

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CStoreDecisions

®

Social Media Awards

Twitter Winner: Kum & Go Runner Up: Kwik Trip “During the report period, Kum & Go, grew its Twitter following by almost 50%,” Bridges said. “We don’t see accounts really grow that quickly these days on Twitter.

They also grew their engagement by almost 60%. In a world where things are kind of flat, and audience growth is relatively slow on some of these older channels, tremendous job.”

Des Moines, Iowa-based Kum & Go, with 400 stores in 11 states, has found success on Twitter, embracing the inuendo of its name, Bridges explained. It is also interactive with fans and other brands, doing a lot of the playful banter that has won KT success. Kum & Go also highlights its food and merchandise. The brand knows its voice, has clear values and isn’t afraid to champion them. It’s clear that the people running social media have the trust of their leadership team, which allows them to be edgy in terms of their content, Bridges noted.

“They’re all about the quote tweet, trying to get attention, trying to create that conversation. One of my favorites for the year was they even managed to get (celebrity) Dionne Warwick to write their Twitter bio …

But I think the coolest thing about their brand … when they go viral, they always share (a link) to a nonprofit organization they support. This year, some of the big ones went off to the Transgender Law Center, or Iowa Safe Schools, which is an LGBTQ organization for students in Iowa.”

Matt Riezman, director of brand marketing for Kum & Go, noted the chain grew its organic following by more than 50% and organic impressions by even more across platforms in 2021. “We stood out on Twitter through a combination of culturally and platform-relevant conversation, in-the-moment responses (provoked and unprovoked) and just plain old fun — usually involving our brand or egg bites,” he said.

“We focus on being in the moment on Twitter and finding opportunities to link what’s going on with our brand and business to what’s happening on the platform,” he said. “Without that link to what’s going on in the Twitterverse, posts can go unnoticed.”

Kum & Go also collaborates with creators who align with the brand. “One that stands out from this year is when we partnered with professional gamer Justin Moore to create a Kum & Gay Rights shirt that raised over $30,000 for the Trevor Project,” Riezman said.

One post that stood out to Riezman involved Kum & Go’s sign. “We posted a tweet on one of our store’s exterior signs, and a fan took a picture that ended up going viral across multiple social platforms. When we posted that picture on our Twitter, we garnered over one million 40

CSTORE DECISIONS •

January 2022

organic impressions, which led to a fun series of tweets where we gave our fans the chance to write the next tweet that went up on the sign.”

LOOKING TO TIKTOK

While we don’t have a specific award category for TikTok, Kum & Go, Wawa and KT are three brands that are active on TikTok and generated millions of views in 2021.

“I think there are a couple key things that really matter (for TikTok success), and I see KT and Kum & Go both doing these things really well,” Bridges said. “First, they are using consistent characters or creators in their content.”

In other words, the people running the accounts are in front of the camera regularly, so much so that followers recognize them.

“You have so little time to catch the viewer’s attention. Your content has to be instantly recognizable as yours, and that does not come from having your logo in it. It comes from knowing that, ‘Oh, that’s the (person) that does the TikToks for Kum & Go, and (they’re) really funny,’” Bridges said.

For brands set in older social media traditions, transitioning to TikTok could be more challenging, he noted.

TikTok is also its own platform, so repopulating content from other platforms won’t work on TikTok. “Content on TikTok is its own thing, whether it’s using the text to speech, the right overlays, the caption formatting, using the hot sounds, the trending sounds, all of these things,” he added.

Most c-store brands aren’t yet on TikTok, but it’s a platform to watch in 2022. Even if you haven’t set up a TikTok account for your brand, customers may already be making content about you, even if you’re not making content yourself.

“Can you help amplify it? Can you help participate in the conversation? Absolutely,” Bridges said. “If I’m a c-store retailer, the thing I’m really thinking about out in 2022 is, ‘Should I be on TikTok? Can I find a way to be successful, given my brand, given our budget, given our goals, to find a way to create a community and a bit of a presence there on TikTok?’” To be successful, you have to be a big consumer of content in order to execute posts in a way your audience will find funny.

“You have to find a creator or a team of creators that you’re going to support to be the face of your brand on TikTok,” Bridges said. CSD For more, check out the social media podcast at

CStoreDecisions.com/2022/01/06/podcast-2022-social-media-awards/. cstoredecisions.com

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Category Management | Tobacco

TOBACCO BRACES for 2022

Between COVID-19, FDA denials and proposed federal tax hikes, the tobacco category faced plenty of obstacles last year. What’s in store for 2022?

Anne Baye Ericksen • Contributing Editor

42

CSTORE DECISIONS •

January 2022

cstoredecisions.com

S Although 2021 may not have felt “normal” as COVID-19 continued to wreak havoc, key market indicators suggest the tobacco category settled back into more predictive patterns for convenience stores.

C-store retailers are looking to tobacco’s Q4 performance and the regulatory landscape for clues on what to expect for tobacco in 2022.

CIGARETTES

Whereas 2020 cigarette sales climbed for the first time in years — which analysts attributed to people having more flexibility of where and when to smoke during the workday — by summer 2021, the slowdown had begun. By December, the sector was back to reporting drops in volume and dollar sales in all retail channels.

According to Nielsen data, reported by Goldman Sachs, total equivalized volume for cigarettes fell 8.6% for the two weeks ending Dec. 4, 2021. Looking back at four and 12 weeks, volume falloff was even greater, with -8.9% and -9.1%, respectively.

toward the later part of the year. The sector only gained 0.1% in dollar sales for the two-week measurement, a mere 0.4% at four weeks, and no change for 12 weeks.

Industry watchers suggest cigarette and cigar sales declines reflect a transition back to work and less flexibility for use. With the COVID-19 omicron variant making headlines, uncertainty remains around whether remote work flexibility might again trend upward in 2022.

SMOKELESS TOBACCO

Sales of smokeless tobacco also quieted in Q4. For the two weeks ending Dec. 4, figures show dollar sales inched upward 2%; however, performance for the four and 12 weeks landed at 1.9% and 1.2%, respectively. Like cigarettes, manufacturers raised prices during Q4, which helped compensate for losses of unit sales.

CIGARS

While research indicates cigar sales ticked up for c-stores in 2021, the growth was nominal cstoredecisions.com

fast facts: • The first proposed federal tax on vape products was deleted from Build Back Better bill.

• On! and Velo nicotine pouches post triple-digit gains.

• Cigarette volume fell 8.6% for the two weeks ending Dec. 4, 2021 per Nielsen.

January 2022 • CSTORE DECISIONS

43

Category Management | Tobacco

Tobacco and nicotine sales produce mixed results for retailers

Total U.S. Nicotine Market, year-over-year comparison for the two weeks ending Dec. 4, 2021, compared to 2020.

Category

Dollar Sales

Volume

Average Price

Cigarettes

-1.9%

-8.6%

7.4%

Cigars

0.1%

-4.1%

4.3%

Smokeless & Oral Nicotine

2.0%

-0.8%

2.9%

E-Cigarettes & Vape

6.2%

-4.6%

11.3%

Source: Nielsen IQ xAOC including Convenience Stores, All-Channel Summary Data; Americas Tobacco. Nielsen Data thru Dec. 4, 2021, as reported in “Total Nicotine Volume Pressure Continues as Pricing Holds Strong,” Goldman Sachs, Dec. 14, 2021

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Nearly two years after the vape segment had the bottom pulled out when flavor bans began hitting, sales seem to be returning. Thanks in part to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granting approval for future sales of Vuse and two of its tobacco-flavored replacement pods, the brand’s volume in all channels jumped 46.8%, 48% and 52% for each of the time periods.

MODERN ORAL NICOTINE

As has been the case for more than a year, the modern oral nicotine sector finished 2021 as the other tobacco products’ segment star.

More specifically, nicotine pouches keep gaining market share and dollars. While ZYN posted doubledigit increases in volume, both On! and Velo shot ahead with triple-digit gains for each period.

“We believe oral nicotine is taking most of its share from traditional smokeless tobacco, but is also benefiting from increased poly-usage across nicotine categories,” stated Bonnie Herzog, managing director at Goldman Sachs.

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CSTORE DECISIONS •

January 2022

In comparison with previous years, 2021 was relatively subdued in terms of local and state regulatory actions.

Colorado voters approved a tobacco tax hike that takes effect this month, and the St. Paul City Council in Minnesota set a minimum price of $10 per pack for cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, effective last October. cstoredecisions.com

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Category Management | Tobacco

“Retailers in St. Paul will suffer again while other retailers in surrounding communities will benefit,” said Lance Klatt, executive director for the Minnesota Service Station & Convenience Store Association.

A new year, however, also means new state legislative sessions.

“For 2022, retailers will continue to be concerned about legislation at the state levels that would prohibit the sale of flavored tobacco products and raise taxes on cigarettes and tobacco

retail

46

CSTORE DECISIONS •

January 2022

®

products,” said Thomas Briant, executive director for the National Association of Tobacco Outlets (NATO).

Of course, the industry is still waiting for the FDA’s decisions on the remaining premarket tobacco applications (PMTAs).

“We are excited for the PMTA regulation and federal tax proposals to conclude so we can make more concrete plans within the overall nicotine category,” said Ben Brooks, category manager for Worcester, Mass.-based Nouria Energy, operating 146 convenience stores across five states.

“With many users switching between multiple nicotine delivery devices, often driven by price and flavors, it is important to know what will be available to sell and at what price in order to allocate space appropriately.”

By mid-December, the c-store industry received at least one answer when negotiations on the Biden administration’s Build Back Better bill in the U.S. Senate deleted provisions to double the federal excise tax on tobacco products and issue the first federal tax on vape. Although the White House has said it will continue pushing for the spending package’s passage, many hope that portion stays off the table.

“NATO continues to oppose legislation in Congress that seeks to impose new taxes on electronic cigarette, nicotine vapor and alternative oral nicotine products,” promised Briant. CSD

cstoredecisions.com

Category Management | Snacks

SNACK SALES

HEAT UP Post-pandemic snacking is driving bigger bags, hotter flavors and more sales despite supply and pricing challenges.

Thomas Mulloy • Senior Editor

The snacking consumer returned to c-stores in 2021, driving double-digit sales increases for both salty and meat snacks. Hot and spicy flavor profiles are on fire in the category as supply chain disruption and an inflationary economy failed to douse flavor innovation and optimism for the coming year.

“2021 has seen huge growth in center store,” said Joseph Bortner, center store category manager for York, Pa.-based Rutter’s, which operates 79 locations in Pennsylvania, Maryland and West Virginia. “Two categories experiencing the largest gains are salty (snacks) and meat (snacks).”

The overall trend throughout 2021, Bortner observed, was that the instant consumable shopper had returned. Through 2020, he said, he saw a shift to larger pack types as consumers indulged at home. “With consumers back on the move, they’re shifting back to instant items and with higher demands than ever before,” said Bortner.

48

CSTORE DECISIONS •

January 2022

cstoredecisions.com

fast facts:

• Meat snack dollar sales rose 18.4% for the 52 weeks ending Nov. 27, 2021, per NielsenIQ. • Hotter flavor profiles are dominating the salty snack segment.

• Retailers see snacks overcoming supply, price obstacles.

The surge in demand is evident in sales numbers for the year. Meat snack dollar sales totaled $1.92 billion, an 18.4% rise for the 52 weeks ending Nov. 27, 2021, per NielsenIQ Total U.S. Convenience data.

Meat snacks of all forms saw a dramatic lift in sales during fall of 2021 compared to fall of 2020, according to data from National Retail Solutions (NRS) for September through November 2021 measured against the same period in 2020. Overall, meat snack dollar sales increased 43.9% for the period with meat sticks showing the largest jump at 49.6% and gathering just over half of the category’s share of the segment. All other meat snack segments were up by double digits, as well: jerky at 37.3%, bars 34.4%, and meat and cheese combo 43.7%, NRS reported.

Part of that could be that meat snack consumers are buying bigger bags, a trend that Holiday Oil Director of Merchandising Devon Nitta said began midyear 2020 and hasn’t let up. cstoredecisions.com

“People are really trading up in the sense that, ‘I will pay more for a 10-ounce bag rather than opting for my 3.25-ounce bag just because I know I’m getting more for the dollar,’” said Nitta.

And while meat snack sales at Salt Lake City-based Holiday, which operates 66 stores across the state of Utah, have “skyrocketed,” according to Nitta, he added that the chain has dealt with supply issues. Holiday has been able to work around the problem by stocking local brands that have been able to fill the shelves.

For Rutter’s, Bortner said the brands driving the most growth year-over-year have been Old Trapper, Bronco Billy’s and Sweetwood Smokehouse’s Fatty Smoked Meat Sticks.

Promotions pairing a fast-mover with another item may ratchet those sales up even higher. For all meat snack segments, NRS reported that customers preferred a soft drink to accompany their purchase.

January 2022 • CSTORE DECISIONS

49

Category Management | Snacks

Meat Snack Sales Flex Some Muscle

With bulky increases across the board, meat snack dollar sales grew 43.9%, with beef sticks leading the charge at a near 50% upswing. Snackers chose a soft drink as the top purchase item to pair with all meat snack types followed by candy and potato chip choices.

Dollar Sales 1-Year % Change

Dollar Share of Category 1-Year % Change

Unit Sales 1-Year % Change

Unit Sales Per Store Per Week Change

% of Times Purchases Only Within Category

Top Purchase #1

Top Purchase #2

Top Purchase #3

Stick

49.6%

55.3

41.6%

5.7

14.0%

Soft Drinks

Potato Chip

Confection

Jerky

37.3%

27.3

34.9%

0.7

12.1%

Soft Drinks

Confection

Snack Mixes

Steak + Kippered + Bar

34.4%

10.2

31.6%

0.5

12.2%

Soft Drinks

Crackers

Vodka

Meat and Cheese Combo

43.7%

6.6

35.6%

0.6

13.0%

Soft Drinks

Energy Beverage

Fruit Juice

Total Meat Snacks

43.9%

14.5%

Soft Drinks

Confection

Potato Chip

Meat Snack Product

Source: National Retail Solutions (NRS) scan data of 6,500 stores selling meat snacks. All change measures are same store sales (3,548 stores) Sept 1 to Nov. 30, 2021 vs. Sept. 1 to Nov. 30, 2020

SALTY SALES REBOUND

While not showing as big of a lift as the meat snack category, salty snacks also saw a healthy jump from a year ago. For the 52 weeks ending Nov. 27, 2021, category dollar sales rose 10.3% — outpacing an anemic 0.3% sales bump in 2020, according to data from NielsenIQ. Potato chips led the category, taking in $1.87 billion, followed by tortilla chips at $1.15 billion.

Healthy preferences, while not a large share of category sales, are on the upswing. Dollar sales doubled in bagel chips (103.6%) and rice chips (111.3%), and nearly that much in seafood snacks (93.1%).

For Nitta and Holiday, salty snacks with high-intensity flavor profiles are driving sales. “People are seeking unique

Meat snacks at Rutter’s have seen a big sales boost the past year while consumers industrywide crave unique flavors in salty snacks.

50

CSTORE DECISIONS •

January 2022

flavors,” Nitta said, “things that have a punch to it, things like that. Not just spicy, but other things that are unique.”

He said that Takis were doing so well at Holiday stores that the chain added more display space for the fiery snack, which boosted sales even more. He also cited Dot’s Pretzels’ southwest profile items as well as flavor innovation from Fritos and Jalapeño Ranch Ruffles.

Retailers would be wise to not overlook the mainstays, though. “The largest contributors to the salty category have been single-serve chips and nuts and seeds,” noted Rutter’s Bortner. “Both far exceeding high expectations we had on the subcategories for 2021.”

While Nitta has seen the same popularity among the smaller bags at Holiday, he said that there’s also been a noticeable uptick of 5-10% over the previous year in larger, 7-10-ounce package sizes.

Cross-branding continues to drive innovation in the snack arena. Nitta cited the Candy Pop popcorn brand as a popular choice. “It’s popcorn but co-branded with Twix, Snickers, M&M’s, Sour Patch Kids,” he said. “That’s really been a hot seller for us. A lot of the cross-branding in different product categories, I find that people are really gravitating toward.”

Bortner sees the snack category continuing its upward trajectory in the coming year, despite inflationary trends.

“Consumer behavior may see some shifts that are shaped by new pricing standards,” Bortner predicted, “but that overall category will see double-digit growth.” CSD

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Category Management | Beer

BEER SALES BALANCE OUT Beer sales have settled down after

their mid-pandemic high, but retailers are strategizing ways to ride category excitement into Q1.

Emily Boes • Editorial Assistant

52

CSTORE DECISIONS •

January 2022

cstoredecisions.com

After a tremendous sales year in 2020, beer sales came back down to earth in 2021 as customers returned to life as usual.

According to NielsenIQ Total U.S. Convenience data, total beer sales for the 52 weeks ending Nov. 20, 2021, decreased by 3.6% totaling $19 billion.

One year earlier, for the 52 weeks ending Nov. 21, 2020, beer sales had increased by 8.7%.

The 2020 increase was likely due to pandemic and quarantine restrictions, resulting in customers stockpiling cases of beer while they remained indoors. Now that restrictions have been lifted for the most part, the industry is seeing comparatively modest sales numbers heading into 2022.

THE CRAFT QUESTION

As retailers strategize ways to boost beer category sales in 2022, along with maintaining popular flavors, many are looking to their craft beer section, where local and limited-time flavors offer opportunities for growth.

For the 52 weeks ending Nov. 20, 2021, craft beer sales dipped by 2%, totaling $1.4 billion, which is in sharp contrast to the previous year, in which craft beer sales soared by 17.5% for the 52 weeks ending Nov. 21, 2020, per Nielsen. Supply chain issues are one factor impacting sales, and some retailers were left scrambling to fill holes with whatever they could keep in stock. Looking ahead, some retailers are overhauling their craft sets for the new year.

“We are really looking to expand our craft beer selections at certain locations for 2022,” said Lacey Dixon, marketing director of Go Time, which operates seven locations — five with beer caves — in Kentucky. “For 2022, we plan to revamp our beer cave sets and really focus on what moves best at each location. We are also looking to include more

cstoredecisions.com

sale specials on beer — for example, offering more ‘two-for’ deals on single cans and special prices on packaged beer.”

What’s selling best varies greatly by region. For example, Go Time is seeing an increase in single bottle sells and fewer customers purchasing packs of craft beer. Conversely, sales on packs of craft beer have risen for Warrenville, Ill.-based The PRIDE Stores, which operates 15 c-stores in the Chicagoland area, as well as a brewery, 93 Octane.

“In 2020-2021 we saw an exponential boom in 12-packs, and we immediately altered our set to accommodate these larger packages and welcomed the craft breweries that were embracing the needed change,” said Chris Peckat, head buyer for The PRIDE Stores.

Overall, he said, craft beer sales increased in 2021, but not at the same rate as other segments like craft cocktails.

“We also noticed customers are looking for value craft beer and the harder-to-find items, while turning away from some everyday mid-priced items,” said Peckat.

The PRIDE Stores is able to respond to customers’ wants by altering its beer sets — sometimes with a day’s or week’s notice, often using products from new breweries to accommodate those needs.

Not only are craft beer tastes changing, but the craft customer is evolving, too.

“We found the age of the craft (drinker) isn’t just the 21-35-year-old anymore. All ages are trying new items, from the next seltzer to the newest brewery — it really makes this aspect of our business fun,” Peckat added.

Go Time sees a generational difference when it comes to beer demand. Dixon noted that the younger generations are purchasing more craft beers — both single bottle products and packs.

“In our locations, the older generation seems to stick more with packaged Budweiser products and Miller Lite,” Dixon continued.

January 2022 • CSTORE DECISIONS

53

Category Management | Beer

Beer Sales Dip in 2021 Following 2020 Sales Surge

SELTZERS ARE SIZZLING

Hard seltzers proved the star of the beer segment in 2021, with dollar sales totaling $1.8 billion, up 26.5% for the 52 weeks ending Nov. 20, 2021, per Nielsen. Despite hard seltzer’s strong performance, it was a far cry from its success in 2020, when hard seltzer sales surged by 255.6%. This year’s increase on top of 2020’s boom is most likely due to an influx of seltzer brands, flavors and packages.

Go Time is one of the c-stores that has seen an increase in hard seltzer sales in 2021 at all locations, though not all at the same rate. “Performance for this product varies by location. Some stores do really well with them, and some do not,” said Dixon.

THE FUTURE OF NON-ALCOHOLIC BEER

Perhaps due to healthier lifestyle trends that have been emerging, low- and nonalcoholic beer sales increased by 23%, totaling $31 million for the 52-week period, following 2020’s upswing, which saw a 63.9% boost and a sales total of $25.6 million.

The PRIDE Stores doesn’t currently carry non-alcoholic beers, but it does cater to this trend toward non-alcoholic options through the craft sodas it makes in-house, which are available at more than half of its locations on draft.

Go Time is looking to expand into the nonalcoholic beer segment in 2022, Dixon said.

The non-alcoholic beer trend is expected to continue as more customers participate in Dry January, where they kick off the year in a healthy way by abstaining from alcoholic beverages. Customers are also alternating between alcoholic beverages and non-alcoholic beverages during a single drinking session.

Major beer manufacturers have responded with non-alcoholic beer varieties to meet this demand. The growing segment offers an opportunity for convenience stores in 2022. CSD

Total beer sales for convenience stores decreased by 3.6% in the 52 weeks ending Nov. 20, 2021, whereas the previous year saw an increase by 8.7%.

Beer sales across all brick and mortar establishments have decreased by 4.1%, whereas the previous year had seen an increase of 9.1%.

Latest 52 Weeks Ending 11/20/21

Description

Dollar Sales

1-Year % Change

52 Weeks (1 Year Ago) Ending 11/21/20 Dollar Sales

1-Year % Change

Total U.S. Convenience Beer/FMB/Cider

$22.8 B

-128.1%

$23.1 B

14.0%

Beer

$19.0 B

-3.6%

$19.7 B

8.7%

Malt Liquor

$322 M

-14.4%

$376 M

-5.2%

Import

$5.00 B

6.8%

$4.68 B

16.8%

Domestic Super Premium

$2.38 B

-0.7%

$2.40 B

20.3%

Domestic Premium

$6.77 B

-7.7%

$7.33 B

3.7%

Craft

$1.39 B

-2.0%

$1.42 B

17.5%

Below Premium

$3.17 B

-10.5%

$3.53 B

1.5%

FMB/Cider

$3.78 B

12.3%

$3.36 B

58.8%

Hard Seltzer

$1.76 B

26.5%

$1.39 B

255.6%

Flavored Malt Beverage

$1.90 B

2.9%

$1.85 B

14.7%

Cider

$122 M

-5.3%

$129 M

8.4%

Total U.S. xAOC + Liq Plus Convenience Beer Beer/FMB/Cider

$46.9 B

-2.0%

$47.9 B

15.4%

Beer

$38.4 B

-4.1%

$40.1 B

9.1%

Malt Liquor

$401 M

-14.6%

$470 M

-6.3%

Import

$9.60 B

3.8%

$9.25 B

13.3%

Domestic Super Premium

$4.74 B

-1.5%

$4.81 B

17.6%

Domestic Premium

$12.5 B

-7.3%

$13.4 B

4.7%

Craft

$5.86 B

-4.7%

$6.14 B

15.7%

Below Premium

$5.38 B

-9.8%

$5.97 B

2.0%

FMB/Cider

$8.48 B

8.8%

$7.79 B

64.9%

Hard Seltzer

$4.63 B

16.3%

$3.98 B

176.7%

Flavored Malt Beverage

$3.33 B

2.4%

$3.25 B

16.9%

Cider

$530 M

-6.2%

$565 M

11.4%

Source: NielsenIQ, Total U.S. Convenience data for the 52 weeks ending Nov. 20, 2021 and Nov. 21, 2020

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CSTORE DECISIONS •

January 2022

cstoredecisions.com

Foodservice | Chicken

CHICKEN SALES

FLYING HIGH For convenience store retailers, versatile chicken offers a sure-fire way to boost meal- and snack-time sales throughout the day.

Marilyn Odesser-Torpey • Associate Editor

C-store retailers are raking in foodservice profits with chicken programs and finding the versatile protein helps make them a destination for food, while opening the door to easy menu expansion.

FriendShip Food Stores’ chicken tenders, a customer favorite and the basis for numerous menu items, are extra-large — between two-and-a-half and three ounces each.

Chicken is more than a part of the foodservice offering at Fremont, Ohio-based FriendShip Food Stores; it is the crux of it, according to Kirk Matthews, vice president of foodservice and marketing for FriendShip.

“Fresh, never frozen, FriendShip Famous Chicken is the centerpiece of our program, with tenders, regular and spicy, by far the No. 1 seller for our company,” he explained. “Our tenders are really large, between two-and-a-half to three ounces each, almost as big as a regular size breast.”

Using fresh chicken is more challenging than using frozen because the shelf life is so much shorter, only 21 to 28 days after processing, he said. Another challenge right now is the havoc that COVID-19 has wreaked on commodity prices.

Matthews pointed out that everything from the oversized tenders themselves to the breading to some of the equipment is proprietary to FriendShip. All the chicken is cooked in the stores in small batches — “make less more often,” he noted — to ensure freshness, and it is displayed 56

CSTORE DECISIONS •

January 2022

in full-service hot cases.

FriendShip has 29 stores, soon to be 30, in Ohio. Twenty-one of the stores have the FriendShip Kitchen serving hot foods including chicken.

Chicken tenders are the basis for numerous menu items such as the buffalo chicken wrap, chicken parmesan wrap, barbecue chicken pizza, chicken bacon ranch pizza, chef’s salad, Caesar salad and a chicken bowl with mashed potatoes, gravy and corn.

The company just introduced a hot breakfast and lunch chicken burrito, “an on-trend hearty and portable meal,” which has been well-received by customers, Matthews added.

Popcorn chicken is also making its way onto the menu, as is a chicken waffle biscuit. Currently, the company is working to replace the chicken breast sandwich with one made with grilled tenders for a healthier offering.

Bone-in chicken sells extremely well in some of FriendShip’s markets, particularly in the smaller towns. Meanwhile, stores located on highways sell mostly tenders.

cstoredecisions.com

Kwik Stop Convenience Stores offers Krispy Krunchy Chicken, which is soaked in a proprietary blend marinade with Cajun seasonings.

CHICKEN DESTINATION

In six of its stores that have delis, Kwik Stop Convenience Stores, which has a total of 27 locations in Nebraska and Colorado, chicken sales doubled the delis’ revenue over the past two years. The popular poultry accounted for 45% of the delis’ total sales, said M. David May, director of food services for Kwik Stop.

May reported that customers are coming from other surrounding towns for the chicken, changing the perception of their local Kwik Stop from gas station to foodservice destination. Sales in other product categories have risen, as well, as customers have been adding side dishes and other items from the stores to baskets.

At first, Kwik Stop management expected the chicken to be a primarily summertime draw, anticipating a dip into a downward sales trend during the other seasons. But, according to May, sales have remained steady way past summer.

Kwik Stop offers Krispy Krunchy Chicken, which comes from the supplier soaked in a propriety blend marinade with Cajun seasonings. All breading and frying are done in the stores.

In addition to the hot chicken, the stores chill down any pieces that remain in the case after their cstoredecisions.com

hold times (bone-in is four hours, tenders are two) and sell them cold. This, May said, minimizes waste and allows customers to purchase chicken after the delis close for the day at 8 p.m. It also allows those using EBT to buy it, and farm workers in rural communities can find it ready to go anytime between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m.

The chilled chicken is also an ingredient in the jambalaya side dish on the menu.

Taking advantage of chicken’s versatility, May added to the menu tacos and burritos made with cut-up tenders and served with mayonnaise, ranch dressing or barbecue sauce. For breakfast, there are chicken tender biscuits and chicken-andcheese tortilla crispitos.

Tenders fly out the door all day. “As soon as we put them in the hot box, they sell,” he said. CSD

fast facts: • H ot or cold, chicken satisfies year-round and across all dayparts and snacking occasions.

• C -store retailers are expanding menus with chicken as the base for a multitude of items.

January 2022 • CSTORE DECISIONS

57

Foodservice | Pizza

PROFITING WITH

piz za Programs Pizza’s popularity is ever-growing, and convenience retailers continue to cash in on this customer favorite with expanded programs and new offers.

Isabelle Gustafson • Associate Editor

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CSTORE DECISIONS •

January 2022

cstoredecisions.com

Whole pie or by the slice, pizza remains a foodservice favorite, and it continues to trend upward.

According to Datassential’s 2021 Pizza Keynote report, 88% of consumers were eating more or the same amount of pizza as the previous year, and 95% of restaurant, retail and on-site operators believed their pizza sales would increase or stay the same in 2022.

Richmond, Va.-based GPM Investments, a wholly owned subsidiary of ARKO Corp., recently announced that it’s expanding its pizza offerings, selling both slices and whole pizzas in 200 store locations across 15 states and in several of its c-store brands, including Apple Market, Cash’s, E-Z Mart, fas mart, fastmarket, Jiffi Stop, Roadrunner, Scotchman, shore stop and Village Pantry.

“Over time, as GPM has acquired stores, we have acquired made-to-order, proprietary, and wholesaler programs,” said Ray Zeiher, senior foodservice category manager for GPM. “Our goal was to consolidate the numerous offers and to have a consistent offer that could be replicated in our store network.”

Select stores will now offer both slices and whole pies made from 100% California vineripened tomatoes, 100% real mozzarella cheese, homemade crust and numerous toppings. Offers will include two pizza slices for $4.49 and whole pizzas for $13.99 each. Members of fas mart’s cstoredecisions.com

rewards program can purchase two slices for $3.49 or a whole pizza for $12.99.

“We have also added 622 freezers across our stores with frozen pizza brands such as DiGiorno and Jack’s in an effort to stay relevant for our customers and their shopping needs,” noted Zeiher.

It’s no wonder pizza’s such a go-to for customers; frozen or fresh, hot or cold, pizza is “the perfect comfort food,” said Zeiher.

“It’s a food that continues to evolve and works with multiple flavor combinations,” he added. “It’s also an adaptable food; not only does it come with multiple flavor combinations, but it can be enjoyed as a slice, a whole pie or even hand-held pizza cones.”

January 2022 • CSTORE DECISIONS

59

Foodservice | Pizza

Overall, Zeiher expects whole pies to continue to do well, especially considering GPM’s expanded partnership with DoorDash to offer delivery in more than 600 stores. Still, he said, slices enable snacking and offer added convenience.

“Today, sliced pizza sales far outpace whole pie sales,” he noted, “and although whole pie sales will increase, it’s expected that customers will continue to trend more to slices when purchasing pizza in convenience stores.”

PIZZA PARTNER

GPM plans to expand its pizza offerings to several new stores over the next year. It’s also partnering with Sbarro to launch new restaurants inside four Village Pantry stores in Indiana.

“We have been looking for a foodservice partner that we can grow with in the long term and decided to partner with Sbarro because of their strong brand recognition, quality products, growth strategy and leadership team,” said Zeiher.

Sbarro’s New York-style, extra-large pizza slices are handmade every day, with freshly prepared and stretched dough, hand-shredded 100% whole-milk mozzarella cheese and San Marzano-style tomatoes, with a variety of toppings, stromboli, bread sticks, chicken wings, whole pizzas and chicken tenders.

fast facts: • Pizza is a favorite foodservice offer at many convenience stores, and its popularity is not expected to slow in 2022.

• Whole pies have opportunity via delivery, as well as in more rural communities with fewer restaurant options.

• Both proprietary and co-branded programs have major pros; there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for retailers.

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CSTORE DECISIONS •

January 2022

“Currently, we plan to add Sbarro to three more stores as we evaluate the combined convenience store/ Sbarro business model,” Zeiher said. “While it’s early, we are very excited about the preliminary results.”

Chad Ellis, division head of retail for North Dakotabased Horizon Resources, which operates five Cenexbranded sites in North Dakota and Montana, also recognizes the benefits of working with a pizza partner; two of his sites currently offer Hunt Brothers Pizza, and the chain has plans to expand the program to additional stores.

Ellis said the program works well at Horizon’s stores because, for starters, it’s good, high-quality pizza. Plus, he said, the supportive nature of a partner program is super helpful, too: “They’re here every week,” he said.

“They keep us stocked.”

In the mornings, the breakfast pizza is a “huge” seller.

Later in the day, the pepperoni and the Lotsa Meat Pizza — topped with Italian sausage, beef, bacon and pepperoni — are also popular, as well as the limitedtime offers (LTOs).

“The Buffalo Chicken (LTO) is probably the top-seller at our stores,” Ellis said, adding that the Chicken Bacon Ranch and the Alfredo pizzas do well, too.

As far as formats, slices and Hunks (fourth-pie) are popular, but in areas where food options are more limited, whole pies do especially well, he said. “It’s helpful for people in that community to have that food option.”

GPM’s stores, too, may function as one of the only food or restaurant options in some communities, Zeiher noted: “Many of our stores are located in rural areas with limited access to quality dining options,” he said, “and we’re proud to serve our customers with the same level of quality they have come to expect from their pizza purveyors.” CSD

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12/22/21 12:10 PM

THE MOST AWAITED C-STORE EVENT OF THE YEAR!

SUNDAY, MARCH 27 8:00 AM 1:00 PM – 7:30 PM 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM 9:00 PM – 12:00 AM

NAG Golf Outing at Torrey Pines Registration NAG Hospitality Suite NAG/YEO Board Meeting NAG Networking Reception NAG Opening Night Dinner NAG Hospitality Suite

MONDAY, MARCH 28 7:00 AM – 1:30 PM Registration/Info Desk Open 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM Breakfast 8:00 AM – 8:15 AM Welcome/Conference Overview, NAG Executive Director John Lofstock and NAG Board Chairman Doug Galli, Reid Stores Inc./Crosby's 8:15 AM – 9:15 AM GENERAL SESSION: BURNING ISSUE #1: Culture as a Competitive Advantage Culture is at the core of many businesses no matter how large they are. There are common traits in winning businesses that contribute to their unique nature: clear values. Caring, loyalty, humility and deep commitment to community are just a few of them. These characteristics often directly affect decision-making in the company and the way it treats its employees, customers and suppliers. Many businesses quite rightly view a values-based culture as a competitive advantage and, as such, it is fiercely guarded. Hear how leading c-store chains are building their winning culture.

Moderator: John Lofstock, Executive Director, NAG Speakers: • • •

Save the date for the LIVE event!

March 27-30, 2022

LA JOLLA CALIFORNIA

Tony El-Nemr, Founder & CEO, Nouria Energy Corp.

Tom Robinson, Chairman & CEO, Robinson Oil Corp.

David Simendinger, President, Champlain Farms

9:15 AM – 9:45 AM

Break/Visit Sponsor Tables

9:45 AM – 10:45 AM GENERAL SESSION: BURNING ISSUE #2: Loading Up for Breakfast As more commuters return to the office, the breakfast business continues to rise and shine at restaurants. With consumers typically rushed at breakfast time, it’s no wonder that quick-service restaurants and grab-andgo c-store items accounted for more than 80% of total restaurant morning meals pre-pandemic, according to NPD. Recapturing a strong breakfast business requires great food and outstanding service, but it’s important to conduct a cost-benefit analysis to make sure investing in the morning daypart makes sense for your brand and your customer base.

Moderator: Jessica Williams, Founder CEO, Food Forward Thinking LLC Speakers: •

For additional information, contact NAG Executive Director John Lofstock at jlofstock@wtwhmedia.com.

• •

Jerome Hunsinger, Fresh Food Marketing Brand Manager, Wawa, Inc. Brian Scantland, Vice President, Fresh Food Operations and Business Planning & Analytics, Thorntons Tony Sparks, Head of Customer Wow!, Curby’s Express Market

-

10:45 AM – 11:00 AM 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM 1:30 PM – 6:30 PM 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM 9:00 PM – 12:00 AM

Break/Visit Sponsor Tables Information Exchanges Part 1 Lunch Free Time/YEO Networking/Store Tour NAG Retail Store Tours Dinner on Your Own to Explore La Jolla NAG Hospitality Suite

TUESDAY, MARCH 29 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Registration/Info Desk Open 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM Breakfast 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM GENERAL SESSION: BURNING ISSUE #3: It's All About Business Outcomes Learn from leading convenience and fuel retailers about their approach to creating loyal customer behavior and the investments that drive targeted business outcomes. NAG has partnered with Stuzo to survey convenience store chains and convenience store customers to find out what is driving sales at convenience stores. Topics covered include: • Loyalty, Payment and Cross-Channel Customer Experience Campaigns • Onsite and Offsite Engagement • CPG-Funded Offers • Security and Privacy

1:15 PM – 2:15 PM GENERAL SESSION: BURNING ISSUE #5: Human Resources: Staffing, Recruiting and Retaining Personnel in a Labor Shortage A labor shortage exists, and it’s going to get worse before it gets better. The reality that it coincides with a growing skills gap makes for a very challenging time for retail executives and hiring managers.

Experts recommend that HR leaders look to and build relationships with universities, recruiters and search firms, allow current staff to take part in external professional activities to help attract new talent, and look for potential employees on job boards and other social media outlets. Hear how top quartile chains are winning the labor battle.

Moderator: Jayson Council, Associate Faculty, Columbia University Speakers: • •

Peter Rasmussen, Director of Operations, Neon Marketplace Laura Varn, Vice President, People & Culture and Communications, Parkland USA

2:15 PM – 2:45 PM

Break/Visit Sponsor Tables

2:45 PM – 4:00 PM YEO BREAKOUT SESSION: Understanding the Future of Retail Payment Systems Online shopping has become easier through mobile and digital payments, but retailers are slow to see the benefits in brick-and-mortar stores. How can c-stores join the consumer demand for frictionless payment? In this session, experts on payments will discuss where digital payments are going and how the convenience industry can abandon cards for digital currencies.

Moderators: John Lofstock, Executive Director, The National Advisory

Moderator: Jeremie Myhren, Chief Information Officer, Road Ranger

Speakers:

5:30 PM – 6:30 PM 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM 9:00 PM – 12:00 AM

Group (NAG) and Steve O’Toole, Vice President of Sales and Business Development, Stuzo

• •

Sorin Hilgen, Group Chief Digital Officer and Chief Information Officer, EG Group Rachel Puepke, Vice President of Marketing, CEFCO

9:00 AM – 9:15 AM

Break/Visit Sponsor Tables

9:15 AM – 10:15 AM GENERAL SESSION: BURNING ISSUE #4: Lessons from COVID: How the Industry Is Recovering from a Pandemic The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the retail sector and the nation's supply chains are still unfolding. Retail has experienced massive labor shortages, supply disruptions and price increases. It's impossible to predict the next pandemic, but retailers have learned quite a few lessons on how to deal with the next catastrophe. Hear from three convenience store retailers that embraced the unique challenges of the COVID pandemic, and learn about the leadership and stability they provided to guide their companies through those difficult days.

Moderator: Erin Del Conte, Executive Editor, CStore Decisions Speakers: • •

Derek Gaskins, Chief Marketing Officer, Yesway Colin Dornish, Director of Operations, Coen Oil Co.

10:15 AM – 10:30 AM Break/Visit Sponsor Tables 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM Information Exchanges Part 2 1) The Rise of Electric Vehicles: What This Means for Convenience Stores 2) HR: Unleashing the Power of Mobile Apps for Staffing Moderator: Laura Varn, Vice President, People & Culture and Communications, Parkland USA 3) What's Next for Tobacco, CBD and Cannabis 4) Foodservice: How to Cut the Partnership on Delivery Moderator: Brad Chivington, Senior Vice President, High's of Baltimore 5) How to Build a Private Label Business 6) The Business of Coffee: Is Bean to Cup for You? Moderator: Joy Almekies, Senior Director of Food Services at Global Partners/Alltown 7) Cryptocurrency and Bitcoin: What C-Stores Need to Know 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Lunch

NAG Networking Reception Dinner & Awards Ceremony NAG Hospitality Suite

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM Registration/Info Desk Open 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM WORKING BREAKFAST: NAG Custom Research: What Drives Consumer Behavior for Delivery Services?

Third-party delivery has expanded significantly, but is it here to stay?

What is driving consumers’ evolving behaviors and expectations, particularly in relation to convenience stores? How can convenience operators profitably compete with other channels offering delivery?

Utilizing custom research fielded for the NAG audience, we will explore consumer needs and desired interaction with convenience locations for food and grocery products. Our retailer panel will then explore various data points, uncovering how they are adapting or plan to adapt to customer expectations.

Moderator: John Lofstock, Executive Director, NAG 9:00 AM – 10:15 AM GENERAL SESSION: BURNING ISSUE #6: How to Build Customer Loyalty Through Engagement Convenience store loyalty programs are evolving, and they can present a treasure trove of information. Plus, new subscription-based models can help chains grow repeated sales from a captive audience. But as companies gather information on their customers, they must also be mindful of emerging data privacy laws. Learn how leading c-store chains are growing sales through loyalty engagement, while carefully navigating privacy regulations.

Moderator: Patrick Raycroft, Associate Director, W. Capra Consulting Group 10:15 AM – 10:30 AM Break/Visit Sponsor Tables 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM IDEAS BOOT CAMP Best practices and a conference wrap-up with John Lofstock, Executive Director, NAG; Brad Chivington, Senior Vice President, High's of Baltimore; Joy Almekies, Senior Director of Food Services at Global Partners/Alltown.

11:45 AM 12:00 PM

Conference Wrap-Up and Takeaways Departures

CStoreDecisions .com Making Connections that Drive Business

CStoreDecisions.com is geared toward C-Store retailers, convenience store suppliers, and distributors looking to stay abreast of industry trends, new product offerings and category management best practices.

We use the latest media technology, delivering content the way you want it: print issues, digital issues, enewsletters, and videos.

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Browse, bookmark, share and interact with the most relevant industry content and people in the market.

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Solutions for Convenience Retailers

leaders in convenience 2022 SPECIAL ISSUE • CStoreDecisions.com

2022

Leaders in Convenience

Cultivating Strong Partnerships Erin Del Conte • Executive Editor

2021 BROUGHT with it continued upheaval due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with retailers facing labor shortages as well as out-ofstocks caused by supply chain issues.

Luckily, c-store retailers didn’t have to face the challenges alone. Many turned to their top suppliers in each category for insights and solutions in navigating the ongoing crisis.

Leading suppliers in the convenience store industry rushed to plug holes in the supply chain with alternate products and packaging to help retailers keep shelves filled despite ongoing challenges. As lockdowns ended and customers came flocking back to stores for the breakfast daypart, foodservice suppliers helped retailers update their menus to meet new customer demands.

Technology suppliers gave c-store retailers the tools to create a more contactless store through self-checkout, mobile payments and foodservice touchscreens, which also helped offset ongoing staffing challenges.

As we begin 2022, and the omicron variant rears its head, it appears the rocky terrain is set to continue. In these challenging times, partnering with best-in-class companies and growing these key supplier relationships through ongoing communication has never been more important. Leading supplier companies can help retailers find substitute products, take advantage of new technology, use data analytics to make planogram decisions, stay on top of the latest trends, solve unforeseen issues and more.

The pages that follow include a number of best-in-class suppliers across categories that are committed to helping convenience store retailers expand their businesses in 2022 and meet this year’s challenges head on. If you find a supplier in this section that looks like it might align with your growth needs in the year ahead, don’t hesitate to reach out to them. It could be one of the most important steps you take for your c-store business this year.

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LEADERS IN CONVENIENCE 2022 I

CSTORE DECISIONS

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2022

Leaders in Convenience

Introduction to Leaders ...................66 Ascentium Capital ............................67 Mars Wrigley ....................................69 Abbott .............................................70 ADD Systems ...................................71 Apter Industries, Inc. ........................72 Axis Communications ......................73 Biolyte ..............................................74 Brakebush Chicken ..........................75 Brother Mobile Solutions .................76 Calico Brands, Inc. ...........................77 Calpipe Security ..............................78 CBE, Inc. ..........................................79 Cheyenne International, LLC. ..........80 Hoshizaki .........................................81 The Coca-Cola Company ................82 Chester’s Chicken ............................83 Coin Cloud ......................................84 Core-Mark International ..................85 DayMark Safety Systems .................86 E-Alternative Solutions, LLC ............87 Home Market Foods ........................88 GOJO Industries/Purell ...................89 Hoshizaki America, Inc .....................90 Hunt Brothers Pizza ..........................91 J&J Snack Foods Corp. ...................92 Johnsonville .....................................93 Kooler Ice ........................................94 Kretek International, Inc. .................95 Krispy Krunchy Chicken ...................96 Liggett Vector Brands ......................97 Lindt & Sprüngli (USA), Inc. ..............98 Liquid Barcodes. ...............................99 LK Packaging .................................100 Loomis U.S. ...................................101 Mako Networks ............................102 Lula Delivery ..................................103 McLane Company, Inc. ..................104 MDI Wordwide ..............................105 Modern Store Equipment ..............106 National Carwash Solutions ..........107 National Retail Solutions ...............108 Naughty Chile Taqueria .................109 Novamex .......................................110 Perfetti Van Melle ..........................111 Premier Manufacturing, Inc. ..........112 PriceVision .....................................113 Primary Colors Corporation ...........114 68

LEADERS IN CONVENIENCE 2022 I

CSTORE DECISIONS

ProAmpac ......................................115 Procter & Gamble Company .........116 Republic Brands ............................117 Royston Group ..............................118 S. Abraham & Sons, Inc. ................119 Safecid Corporation ......................120 SBARRO .........................................121 SHOPCO USA ...............................122 Sigma Foodservice USA ................123 Smokey Mountain Chew Inc. .........124 SPC Retail ......................................125 Sprockets .......................................126 Sunny Sky ......................................127 TransAct Technologies ...................128 Trion ...............................................129 Vans Kitchen ..................................130 Vaporlax .........................................131 Welbilt ...........................................132 Wenzel’s Farm ................................133 Wild Hemp ....................................134 Xcalibur International ....................135

cstoredecisions.com

2022

Leaders in Convenience

Abbott NOURISHING EVERY STAGE OF LIFE Since its creation in 1903, Abbott has been a leader in nutrition science research and development. The goal of Abbott’s nutrition division is to deliver nutrition products and education that meets the changing needs of families across the world. Abbott’s products provide nutrition for growth of infants and children, while also supporting the unique nutritional and therapeutic needs of adults.

Pedialyte® and ZonePerfect® Offer Healthy Opportunities PEDIALYTE HAS POWERFUL GROWTH POTENTIAL

For over 50 years, Pedialyte has been a go-to drink for mild to moderate dehydration. Once thought of as a drink for kids, adults now account for 60% of Pedialyte usage for various dehydration reasons, including extreme heat, prolonged exercise, flu symptoms, travel, and more. Pedialyte Half Liter is specifically formulated with an optimal balance of sugar and sodium needed to help replenish vital fluids and electrolytes which – when lost – can lead to dehydration.

Plus, it’s only 30 calories per bottle!

Pedialyte is the #1 doctor and #1 pharmacist recommended brand, used by healthcare professionals, professional sports teams, and the United States military. And recent data shows Pedialyte is growing 11x faster than the sports drink and electrolyte category at US Convenience Stores.* The brand’s current success illustrates the need for Pedialyte in the convenience channel.

*Nielsen Connect Total US Convenience L4W ending 07/03/21 – Pedialyte sales +163% vs LY, Total Category sales +15% vs LY.

Abbott

ZONEPERFECT HAS THE RIGHT STUFF

100 Abbott Park Rd. Abbott Park, IL 60064

ZonePerfect offers delicious nutrition bars with high protein and indulgent flavors. Macros bars are designed with 15 grams of protein, 1-2 grams of sugar, and up to 19 vitamins and minerals to support total body wellness. ZonePerfect Macros are designed to fit within a 40/30/30† lifestyle and have essential micronutrients like vitamin C and zinc for immune system support, and B vitamins for energy metabolism.

Ph: 800.227.5767 www.abbott.com

† Carbohydrate, Protein, Fat as a percent of calories

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LEADERS IN CONVENIENCE 2022 I

CSTORE DECISIONS

cstoredecisions.com

2022

Leaders in Convenience

ADD Systems Since 1973, Advanced Digital Data® has worked hand-in-hand with clients throughout the U.S. and Canada to understand the needs of the convenience store, wholesale petroleum, propane, home heating oil, HVAC, and lubricant industries.

Our goal has always been to develop the best software solutions that exceed the needs of our clients, today and tomorrow. ADD Systems is more than a software provider; we are a true partner, committed to client success.

ADD Systems 6 Laurel Drive Flanders, NJ 07836 P: 800.922.0972 973.252.3803 E: info@addsys.com www.addsys.com

ADD SYSTEMS® SOFTWARE

helps you spend less time on administrative tasks and more time providing a great customer experience and improving your financial position. Designed with trusted client advisors from top industry chains, ADD software exemplifies a modern convenience store application, with unprecedented efficiency and visibility into your operation, tighter merchandise and fuel management, and efficient data access.

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE (BI) Get customizable, timely reports with actionable information sent automatically. These reports can be driven by exception, containing only information that needs attention.

Customized KPI Dashboards and Scorecards give accurate, quickly consumable snapshots of store activity.

INVENTORY MANAGEMENT Minimize shrink by scanning at the POS, scanning store invoices, and taking full advantage of a centralized price book. Reduce out-of-stocks by implementing strong inventory controls and using picture-based shelf tags for effective planogram management.

LABOR UTILIZATION Reduce labor expense through better staffing decisions. Understand your traffic and transaction trends with simple graphical reports.

CATEGORY MANAGEMENT Maximize sales using store traffic to understand customer shopping.

Analytical reports provide a precise

cstoredecisions.com

CSTORE DECISIONS

view of sales velocity, helping you meet customer demand and manage vendor purchases. With this information, you can implement highly effective promotions to drive larger basket sizes.

SCAN DATA BENEFITS Automatically submit cigarette scan data to take advantage of financial incentives.

WHOLESALE FUEL EFFICIENCY Automatically send scheduled wholesale price quotes based on cost-plus, percentage or customer contracts. Deliver profitable wholesale loads with accurate margins that incorporate “best buy” logic for vendors, terminals and freight. Expedite dealer network processing by importing fuel sales from your gas station dealer network and credit card receipts from your major oil company processors for quick reconciliation and settlement. Manage a host of dealer commission structures efficiently and automatically.

PARTNER AGNOSTIC Choose your partner products.

ADD interfaces with multiple related partners like wholesale distributors and POS providers. Experienced companies like Skip and Vroom, contactless service providers, and Electrum, a proven loyalty company, interface with ADD to provide additional services.

I LEADERS IN CONVENIENCE 2022

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Apter Industries, Inc. Apter Industries started manufacturing high quality cleaners in 1967 and quickly became the leading provider of innovative cleaning systems for the convenience store industry.

Dedication to producing safe, environmentally friendly products that “Just Work Better”, led to the formation of long-standing partnerships with convenience store retailers as well as their distributors. If a convenience store has a cleaning problem, Apter Industries has a proven solution.

Apter Industries, Inc. Box 385 Rillton, PA 15678 P: 800.441.7146 E: info@apterindustries.com W: www.apterindustries.com

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The Industry’s Most Reliable Source for High Powered Cleaners

floors. Unlike typical floor cleaners, TILE TIME works without heavy scrubbing.

Wake up your floor with TILE TIME.

APTER INDUSTRIES HAS long been a

FORECOURT FIRST® GAS ISLAND CLEANING KIT Forecourt First is the most comprehensive cleaning system in the industry for fuel island maintenance.

It features environmentally sensitive Garage Gorilla® Cleaners. The necessary products, Garage Gorilla® Pump Cleaner, Gorilla Pump Shine and Protector, Gorilla XDX Concrete and Asphalt Cleaner, and Gorilla Odor Killer, are housed in a “Grab and Go” Safety Pail. The safety pail, which alerts customers that employees are cleaning the fuel pumps, also contains a bright reflector vest, sprayers, wipes, and an instructional card ring. Kick off your gas island cleaning with the Forecourt First Kit.

trusted manufacturing source for high quality cleaners for convenience stores and travel plazas. We strive to get our products to the retailer faster. Being in business for over 50 years enabled us to establish a preferred customer status with our raw material suppliers. Couple this with our long-standing relationships with convenience store wholesalers and you have an incredibly high service level. If store team members can’t get cleaning supplies in a timely fashion, they can’t provide a safe shopping environment. We will continue make sure they succeed.

TWO TO TRY THIS YEAR Apter Micro-Spray® All Surface Cleaner utilizes fast acting surfactants to physically remove soil, bacteria, and viruses. It also contains a form of organic chlorine that works without the corrosiveness and odor of bleach.

Gorilla Pump Shine has protected fuel dispensers from harmful weather elements for years. Now with the newly added Micro-Spray Shield, it will provide a long-lasting barrier against microorganisms. It also helps prevent re-soiling.

TILE TIME® FLOOR CLEANER A slippery floor is a dangerous floor. Floors become slippery when deeply embedded soil clogs the pores. As a result, feet never make solid contact so safety becomes an issue. TILE TIME deep cleans floors which raises the slip coefficient and brings back their luster. TILE TIME blasts through heavy grease from food service, tracked in petroleum-based soil, road salt stains, and brings grout back to its original color. TILE TIME can be safely used on ceramic tile, marble, quarry tile and wax and no wax vinyl CSTORE DECISIONS

WHAT’S NEW IN 2022?

Gorilla Everyday Pump Cleaner blasts through grease and road grime.

With the pandemic increase in cleaning frequencies, it’s important to have a product that can be used multiple times daily without damaging fuel dispensers and EV Charging Stations. No worries!

Use Gorilla Everyday Pump Cleaner as often as needed. Its “No Streak” formula is perfect for removing dirt and microorganisms from Pump Faces, Decals, and Video Screens.

Try Sunny Boy® Power Dish Spritz to clean pots, pans, and dishes. Simply Spritz, Wipe, and Rinse. Use as a prespray or as a replacement for Pot and Pan Soaking. A 2-ounce packet makes a quart of high-quality cleaner for under 50 cents. Sunny Boy® saves time and money.

Do you have a tough cleaning problem?

We have a product to handle it.

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2022

Leaders in Convenience

Axis Communications AXIS COMMUNICATIONS offers

intelligent security solutions such as access control, audio, video, analytics, and recording solutions that enable a smarter, safer world.

As the market leader in network video, Axis is driving the industry by continually launching innovative, sustainable network products based on an open platform. Our commitment to partnership has made Axis the most integrated camera brand on the market.

AXIS NETWORK VIDEO

Axis Communications 300 Apollo Dr Chelmsford, MA 01842

solutions can help reduce theft and fraud and act as a deterrent to protect customers and staff from violence. But it doesn’t end there. By combining our hardware with video analytics, you’ll find ways to reduce queuing times, perfect your store layout, allocate staff efficiently, and, ultimately, increase profits. Your surveillance equipment can be used as a tool for creating a welcoming environment to attract visitors and inspire employees. By combining Axis hardware with third-party applications from our partners, you can improve security, reduce shrinkage and increase operational efficiency even further.

www.axis.com/en-us/solutions/retail

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Biolyte BIOLYTE is the first liquid supplement that offers the same benefits as IV Rehydration Therapy but in drinkable form.

One bottle yields nearly six times the amount of electrolytes of leading sports drinks, with 1/3 of the sugar, packed with Vitamins C, B12, B5, B6 and B3, alongside ginger root and milk thistle. Newly NSF certified, these ingredients effectively hydrate, boost energy, rid the liver of toxins, ease stomach illness and reduce muscle cramps.

For more information, visit www. drinkbiolyte.com.

Biolyte 200 Bluffs Court Suite 108 Canton, GA 30114 Ph: 404.821.0111 E: customer.service@drinkbiolyte.com

BIOLYTE, THE IV IN A BOTTLE, is the first liquid supplement offering the same benefits and same amount of electrolytes as an IV bag, in drinkable form. One bottle of BIOLYTE’s electrolytes is equivalent to over six bottles of the leading sports drink.

Physician formulated by Atlanta anesthesiologist, Dr. Trey Rollins, BIOLYTE provides a natural boost of energy without the sugar spike – a perfect answer for consumers searching for healthier and better-for-you options. Focused on being the number one high-performance sports drink, BIOLYTE is dedicated to making its product widely available & accessible via convenient stores. Recent Nielsen data shows BIOLYTE is the number one dollar revenue generator per point of distribution further evidencing its demand & desire.

Developed by Dr. Rollins when his wife was undergoing chemotherapy treatments, BIOLYTE’s distinctive fluid and electrolyte replacement combines the two major biological electrolytes, Sodium Chloride and Potassium Chloride, dextrose (the same sugar added to IV bags for quick energy), vitamins B12, B5, B6, B5, L-Carnitine and liver cleansers including milk thistle, ginger root extract, Gluconolactone, and N-Acetyl, optimizing liver function, easing stomach illness and reducing cramps.

Headquartered in Georgia and led by Dr. Rollins’ daughter, CEO Jesslyn Rollins, BIOLYTE is National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Certified, verifying its compliance with strict public health and safety standards and procedures, and one bottle contains just 40 calories – less than other leading hydration products. It’s currently available as a 16 oz. bottle in four flavors: citrus, berry, melon and tropical.

For more information on BIOLYTE, please visit www.drinkbiolyte.com and follow along at @drinkbiolyte on Instagram and Facebook.

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CSTORE DECISIONS

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2022

Leaders in Convenience

Brakebush Chicken Brakebush is a U.S. company, family owned and operated since 1925.

Though we have facilities across the nation, we still operate out of Westfield, Wisconsin where the Brakebush Brothers first began their venture of producing great chicken products.

Over the years, we’ve kept ourselves grounded in some important values: that food should always be a positive part of the day, that no one should ever have to question the quality or integrity of their food, that people and relationships will always be at the foundation of our business, and that doing the right thing makes good things happen.

THERE’S A REASON we’re in

convenience stores across the country. When guests get a taste of great chicken, they turn into repeat customers, who then turn into loyal fans.

That’s why we work hand-in-hand with c-store operators like you to help menu the chicken that brings back the crowds. Every operator gets personal support from a rep who knows all there is about chicken, making menuing even easier—from prep tips to application ideas to getting the newest products the moment they’re available.

STAYING ON-TREND

Brakebush Chicken 800.933.2121 N4993 6th Drive Westfield, WI 53964 E: marketing@brakebush.com W: BrakebushChicken.com

Good People. Great Chicken.™

cstoredecisions.com

Good People. Great Chicken.™

We’re also helping c-store operators stay up to date on what customers are expecting to find in a hot case.

Chicken falls into the ideal space between plant-based products and other meats like beef and pork.

More than three fourths of consumers—77%—report eating chicken at least once per week, including 55% who eat chicken at least two to three times per week, according to Technomic’s 2021 Center of the Plate: Poultry Consumer Trend Report.

A great option for keeping breakfast on-trend is our Chicken Breakfast Sausage Pattie. All natural and gluten free, these chicken patties are crafted to menu and eat like traditional breakfast sausage. They’re a unique CSTORE DECISIONS

and fully cooked option with less fat than beef and pork.

Other c-store favorites include our Flame-Grilled Chicken Burger (an all-natural, gluten free, coarse-ground lunch and dinner staple), our bakeable whole muscle Homestyle Pepper Boneless Wings, and our Brakebush® Signature Crispy Fillets – available in Classic or Spicy – that make it easy for operators to compete in the Chicken Sandwich Wars.

A TEAM OF EXPERTS

Whether you’re serving up madeto-order options or grab-and-go bites, you can have a team of experts with over 95 years of experience working to make the chicken that customers come back for.

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Brother Mobile Solutions SMART MOBILE LABELING AND PRINT SOLUTIONS.

Brother Mobile Solutions offers a wide range of technology-rich mobile and industrial printing and labeling solutions to improve performance and efficiency across multiple industries.

With custom engineering, cutting-edge technology, and expert support, Brother delivers the latest labeling and printing technology and trusted, reliable designs for today’s fast-paced convenience and retail operation.

Brother Mobile Solutions 11030 Circle Point Road, Suite 100 Westminster, CO 80020 Ph: 800.543.6144 https://brothermobilesolutions.com/

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BROTHER DELIVERS A

complete and innovative lineup of mobile, desktop, barcode, and label printing solutions that help today’s convenience stores, grocers, and retailer operations manage inventory and boost sales.

These smart yet simple solutions enable fast, ondemand printing of product, shelf-edge, markdown, and pricing labels – along with other custom labels, tags, and receipts. All from handhelds, tablets, or smartphones right in the store aisle.

The potential results for retailers and convenience store operators? Faster transactions, less downtime, faster turnover of goods, and more sales.

Visit our retail blog to read case studies, whitepapers and real-life efficiency boosing scenarios. https:// brothermobilesolutions.com/ insights/retail/

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2022

Leaders in Convenience

Calico Brands, Inc. Calico Brands, Inc. is one of the leading suppliers of pocket and multi-purpose lighters in the U.S., selling under the Scripto® and Calico® brand names. It is also the #1 supplier of private label programs in the U.S. Scripto® is one of the most trusted and popular brands of lighters and has been a household name for over 90 years.

Our product innovations continue to set new category standards of excellence.

LIGHT UP MORE SALES AND PROFITS WITH SCRIPTO® POCKET LIGHTERS. SCRIPTO® ULTIMA® DESIGNER POCKET LIGHTER

Scripto® Ultima® is the “Ultimate” pocket lighter designed to be the best premium lighter on the market. Setting itself apart from the competition, the Scripto® Ultima®

SCRIPTO® HYBRID™ LIGHTER

has up to 3,000 lights on full-size lighters, greater fuel capacity compared to the leading brand, a sparkwheel design that allows for comfortable ignition, visible fuel supply, adjustable flame and is made with polycarbonate material able to withstand high impact and high heat .

The Scripto® Hybrid™ lighter is the perfect crossover of a multi-purpose lighter and pocket lighter, perfect for lighting barbecue grills, candles, hookah bowls, fireplaces, and more.

Available in 5 popular colors and unique wrap designs.

The Scripto® Hybrid™ offers an extended nozzle for safer lighting, is conveniently sized to fit in the palm of your hand and has an ecofriendly refillable tank.

Calico Brands, Inc. 2055 S. Haven Ave Ontario, CA 91761 P: 800.544.4837 E: marketing@calicobrands.com W: www.calicobrands.com

SCRIPTO® HYBRID™ JET FLAME LIGHTER

SCRIPTO® TORCH FLAME WIND RESISTANT POCKET LIGHTER

The refillable Scripto® Torch Flame Wind Resistant pocket lighter was designed to handle everyday, outdoor and recreational activities with ease offering a high heat, blue torch flame, rubberized tank body, flip cap, push button ignition, and refillable tank. Available in 4 colors with a dragon accent. cstoredecisions.com

CSTORE DECISIONS

The Scripto® Hybrid™ Jet Flame is the newest refillable crossover jet flame lighter, the perfect combination of a multi-purpose lighter and pocket lighter.

Offering a high heat blue jet flame and extended nozzle for safer lighting, the Scripto® Hybrid™ Jet Flame lighter is perfect for handling all outdoor and indoor lighting needs.

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Calpipe Security CALPIPE SECURITY is a team

of experts working to protect people and property without compromising aesthetics. Since 1998, we have developed security bollards solutions for some of the most populated and highprofile public spaces in the world, including Times Square and the Santa Monica Pier.

Calpipe Security offers one of the widest ranges of bollards on the market including — safety and architectural bollards, lighted and standard landscaping bollards, as well as crash-tested high security bollards engineered for high-threat applications.

Our experts secure your vision.

Calpipe Security 12160 Woodruff Ave. Downey, CA 90241 Ph: 877.283.8518 www.Atkore.com/calpipesecurity

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New Crash Rated Security Bollards CALPIPE SECURITY PROUDLY

introduces our new line of F301619 crash rated security bollards designed to mitigate the risk of vehicle-into-building impact. Tested and certified to the American Society for Testing Material’s F3016-19 standard, as a single bollard. The ASTM F3016-19 standard quantifies the performance of a vehicle protective device in stopping a 5000 lb. vehicle at impact speeds from 10 to 30 mph. This new line of security bollards consists of four new crash rated security bollards, which include the S10/P1 Fixed, the S10/ P1 Removable, the S20/P2 Fixed and the S20/P2 Removable Bollards.

These four new crashes rated security bollards all utilize a short pile foundation design that provides more versatility to the end user and shorter installation times for the bollard’s application whether it’s a new installation or retrofit project.

With this design, the installation time can be reduced from days to just hours and is up to 75% cheaper than trench footings.

The new line of F3016-19 crash rated security bollards are manufactured from carbon steel and are available as fixed and removable bollards. An internal locking system with a location-specific key code to ensure added security to your location is provided with each removable security bollard. To ensure that the security bollards don’t compromise the esthetic of the location. both the fixed and removable bollards are available with customizable powder coated or stainless-steel finishes.

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Common applications for the F3016-19 crash rated security bollards include storefronts of commercial entities, bus stops, street closures for outdoor events, outdoor dining bordering the street, sidewalks, protection of hazardous materials to promote public safety, and other similar applications.

cstoredecisions.com

2022

Leaders in Convenience

CBE, Inc. CBE, INC. a national supplier and service provider of leading technology; including point-of-sale, security, and network infrastructure.

With 400+ trained professional technicians, CBE manages large scale technology deployments specializing in the Convenience store space. Our strengths include:

• • • • •

Warehousing and Logistics Staging and Deployment Nationwide Field Technicians Managed Services Project Management

AT CBE, WE LOOK FOR LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIPS, NOT SHORT-TERM DEALS. DEPLOYMENTS AND INSTALLATION CBE is unique in the way we deploy systems. We know that deploying new technology in your stores can be an overwhelming. We have developed a process to centrally gather, stage and program the equipment, kit the products and deploy to our trained technicians in the field. This allows you to open new locations or update existing locations with new technologies with minimal disruption

“CBE looks for long-term partnerships, not short term deals”

CBE, Inc. 645 S. McDonough St Montgomery, AL 36104 Ph: 334.265.8903 E: info@cbe-inc.com www.cbe-inc.com

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MANAGED SERVICES Making sure your systems are always running. Our managed services team has the ability to constantly monitor your systems to make sure they are online and running. If there is a problem we can remotely diagnose and possibly correct the issue. If needed they can dispatch one of our local technicians to service the system on site. Don’t wait until you have an issue to call us, keep your systems running.

SERVICES In the event of a system failure, our skilled technicians are available for all of your sites. We stock our vans with the right parts to service our existing partners. This allows for quicker response times and less trips to correct your issues. Our response time is dependent on your profile, urgent cases can be done in as little as four hours.

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CBE can set up programs to maintain any POS, Security or Network systems with guaranteed response times and fast resolution to get your sites back up and running as normal.

PRODUCTS CBE is the largest wholesale distributor of Verifone POS equipment in the nation. Providing the only nation-wide team of certified Verifone Authorized Service Contractor technicians, CBE can sell, install and service any customer regardless of size.

Security of your customers, employees, your business and property is an important aspect of any business operator. At CBE we partner with the most advanced security solutions to fit your specific needs. From a variety of digital recording systems, physical and cloud-based, to integrated, monitored alarms, access control. Digital recording can be used for business intelligence, alerting as well as normal security. Customer viewed monitors can multi task advertisement and deterrence to crimes.

CBE is the exclusive distributor of SmartPower iPCS devices for the Convenience industry. This new rack mounted or tower device provides instantaneous battery power in the event of short loss of power, industry leading conditioning from power spikes and fluctuations to protect and extend the life of all your electronic equipment. The iPCS also includes a network card allowing the device to alert low battery life, electrical deviations from the norm, but most of all, allows a customer to remotely reboot devices connected by turning the power on and off at each of the 8 power outlets.

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Cheyenne International Cheyenne International is a full-line tobacco product manufacturer that creates valuable retail partnerships.

Their high-quality cigarette, filtered cigar, moist smokeless and pipe tobacco brands are produced in North Carolina, the heart of American tobacco country.

Cheyenne International prides itself on delivering profitable, marketleading products that meet the demands of adult consumers, and provide excellent OTP solutions for convenience retailers.

Cheyenne International 701 S Battleground Ave Grover, NC 28073 Ph: 866.254.6975 E: contactus@cheyenneintl.com www.cheyenneintl.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/ cheyenne-international

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CELEBRATING 20 YEARS in

business, Cheyenne International has grown and evolved from a small tobacco startup to a reputable manufacturer selling the #1 Filtered Cigar brand in America. Cheyenne’s continued commitment to retail customers is reflected in the four pillars of excellence from which the company operates: partnership, quality, compliance and success.

LEADER IN CIGARS The filtered cigar category has been a steadfast OTP option for adult consumers for nearly two decades, and Cheyenne Cigars have been there every step of the way. As the OTP category has continued to grow and evolve, Cheyenne Cigars have consistently remained a top choice. While FDA’s PMTA process has forced other brands to exit the category, Cheyenne Cigars are a clear leader and here to stay. Not only does the brand hold the top 4 SKUs nationwide, it also accounts for a 28 share of the filtered cigar market. 4 out of 5 consumers are choosing Cheyenne Cigars when purchasing filtered cigars in store.

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Impressive numbers that prove Cheyenne continues to be a market leader, never wavering on quality or taste.

LEADER IN SUPPORT For a retailer, there are many challenges to tackle on a daily basis and business has changed rapidly.

By providing unique programs that help stores gain the most from their valuable shelf space, Cheyenne makes it easy to do business. In addition to a seasoned sales force, Cheyenne also provides in-store merchandising and digital marketing support programs that go beyond the basics. By functioning as partners and collaborators, Cheyenne and retailers alike have made the Cheyenne Cigar brand a must-have in the OTP cigar category.

cstoredecisions.com

2022

Leaders in Convenience

Coca-Cola® On May 8, 1886, Dr. John Pemberton served the world’s first Coca-Cola at Jacobs’ Pharmacy in Atlanta, Ga. From that one iconic drink, we’ve evolved into a total beverage company.

More than 1.9 billion servings of our drinks are enjoyed in more than 200 countries each day. And it’s the 700,000 individuals employed

by The Coca-Cola Company and 225+ bottling partners that help to deliver refreshment across the globe.

To learn more about Coca-Cola foodservice, visit www.cocacolacompany.com.

The Coca-Cola Company PO Box 1734 Atlanta, GA 30301 Ph: 800.241.2653 W: ww.coca-colacompany.com

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IN JULY OF 2021, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar debuted a new recipe with bold new packaging to deliver an even more iconic Coke experience.

The new recipe optimizes existing Coca-Cola Zero Sugar flavors and existing ingredients. All listed ingredients and nutritional information remain the same.

The new, simplified packaging design features the iconic CocaCola logo and red cues with black script font that signals the Zero Sugar variety. Its “Now More Delicious” messaging highlights the new formula. Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, which launched in 2005, was reformulated in 2017 to bring its taste even closer to Coca-Cola. Since then, we have consistently delivered double-digit growth, and continue to innovate and differentiate to meet the ever-changing consumer landscape.

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AVAILABILITY AND PACKAGING:

• Cans - 7.5-oz. and 12-oz.

• Fridge packs • Bottles - 13.2-oz., 16.9-oz., 20-oz., 1.25-liter, and 2-liter Recognizing that tastes and preferences are always evolving, we’re focused on continuous improvement to give fans the besttasting Coca-Cola they want—with zero sugar or calories—offered in the most iconic packaging and powered by some of our most creative, consumer-centric marketing yet.

The new formulation, and a corresponding advertising campaign, launched this past summer to positive response from consumers.

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®

2022

Leaders in Convenience

Coin Cloud With a mission of providing Digital Currency for All™, and over 4,500 retail locations licensed in 48 states and Brazil, Coin Cloud operates the largest global network of 100% two-way DCMs. Founded in 2014, Coin Cloud offers more coins, languages and functions. It’s More Than Just a Bitcoin ATM™ with the option to cash out at every location and 24/7 US-based Client Support.

The full Coin Cloud ecosystem also includes online purchasing, OTC services, and the free Coin Cloud Wallet mobile app.

Coin Cloud Ph: 855.264.2046 E: Support@Coin.Cloud www.Coin.Cloud/Hosts

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COIN CLOUD DIGITAL Currency

Machines (DCMs) are the future of financial services, and a must in modern convenience stores. These DCMs are made in the US and empower customers to buy and sell Bitcoin and 40+ other digital assets with cash. Offering the latest technology, world-class compliance, more digital currencies and more functionality, plus a user-friendly customer interface, a Coin Cloud machine is More Than Just a Bitcoin ATM™.

RETAILER BENEFITS Coin Cloud DCMs turn your store into a destination location for more shoppers and more revenue with zero work and zero cost. Enjoy increased foot traffic, new and repeat shoppers, and monthly passive income while we handle the installation, service, maintenance, cash logistics, customer service and marketing.

All you have to provide is a 1.9 foot square of retail floor space and a power outlet. You get paid for your space, and never have to lift a finger in this highly profitable, no-cost turnkey system.

• Marketing strategy: We list your store on Google, Apple Maps, Facebook and more, providing top search results and positioning.

• Increased foot traffic: New customers looking for digital currency services choose your store over your competitors.

• Repeat foot traffic: Customers who want to buy more digital currency, or cash out what they own, come to you over and over as the only provider of these services.

• Increased revenue: Shoppers purchase other goods and services while at your store.

• Payment for your floor space: We pay you monthly for the CSTORE DECISIONS

privilege of using your little square of space. It’s the highest revenue per square foot in retail.

• Zero labor required: We deliver, install, set up, maintain and service the machine for you.

• 24/7 US-based Client Support: We help your customers any time by phone, email or chat.

SUPPORTED DIGITAL ASSETS Unlike a Bitcoin ATM, Coin Cloud DCMs support over 40 different digital assets, including Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, various stablecoins, DeFi tokens, and newsworthy coins like Dogecoin and Shiba Inu Coin. This attracts a wider audience and allows retail partners to serve a larger segment of the population. It’s the fastest and easiest way to buy and sell digital currency with cash.

Coin Cloud is the world’s leading Digital Currency Machine (DCM) company, with a network of over 4,500 advanced machines across the USA and Brazil.

You can be our next success story.

Find out how to get a free Coin Cloud DCM at www.Coin.Cloud/Hosts. cstoredecisions.com

2022

Leaders in Convenience

Core-Mark International CORE-MARK is one of the largest

marketers of fresh, food and broad-line supply solutions to the convenience retail industry in North America. Founded in 1888, CoreMark, part of Performance Food Group’s family of companies, offers a full range of products, marketing programs and technology solutions in the U.S. and Canada. Core-Mark services traditional convenience stores, grocers, drug stores, mass merchants, liquor and specialty stores, and other stores that carry convenience products.

MAJOR SERVICERS:

Fresh Foods, Foodservice, Product, Dairy Products, Fresh Bakery, Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages, Candy, Snacks, General Merchandise, Novelty Products, Snacks, Groceries, Tobacco Products, Health & Beauty Care and Automotive Products.

Core-Mark International www.core-mark.com

CORE-MARK INTERNATIONAL

Our Mission Is “To be the most valued marketer of fresh, food and broad-line supply solutions to the Convenience Retail Industry.” To meet this expectation for our Customers, we have created the Core-Mark Center of Excellence. This state-of-the-art collaboration space aims at combining forward thinking consumer trends within food, category innovation, and technology, to take on our industry’s future. In addition to this, we offer various retailer programs and solutions designed to grow your business, make you more profitable, and create efficiency in your store! For more information, visit www. core-mark.com. We are Core-Mark, the leader in fresh solutions delivered to the convenience store industry.

CATEGORY INNOVATION AND FOCUSED MARKETING INITIATIVE

Core-Mark’s Focused Marketing Initiative™ was created to improve our Retailer’s sales and profits. Each customized plan includes neighborhood trends and demographics, current store data analytics, program recommendations, and industry trends.

Once we understand a Retailer’s business goals, we leverage our distribution model, Vendor Consolidation Initiative (VCI), to optimize the Retailer and Supplier relationship. VCI will help generate sales increases with better gross profits while reducing costs via improved operational efficiencies.

FRESH

Our state-of-the art supply chain that features refrigerated docks and our fleet of tri-temperature trailers built specifically for delivery to convenience stores is part of our comprehensive platform and delivery model to enable the delivery of fresh foods to our customers. Whether it is grab-and-go or made-to-order, we offer a variety of products and programs that appeal to customers who are demanding convenient, healthier meal and snacking options such as salads, sandwiches, wraps and cut fruit with our exclusive partnership with Fresh & Ready.

FOODSERVICE

Convenience store foodservice options are continuing to evolve beyond the microwave. Today, more retailers are offering full-service programs, from pizza cstoredecisions.com

CSTORE DECISIONS

to fried chicken and other made-toorder concepts. Freshly prepared food that can satisfy any craving is becoming much more commonplace and we deliver with our turn-key food service program QuickEats. Along with food, customer preferences for dispensed beverage continues to evolve. With our fully branded turn-key dispensed beverage program, My Daily Crave, retailers can provide everything from frozen to hot beverage under a single branded program to meet their customers needs.

TECHNOLOGY

We offer a full array of industryleading, easy-to-use technology solutions designed to help grow and manage your business! Core-Mark’s strategic and exclusive partnership with PDI allows us to market loyalty and store operations products that will benefit independent, small and large retail chains! These products include loyalty programs and reporting, tobacco scan data, and PDI’s CStore Essentials, a cloud-based store operations software designed to improve operational efficiency. Our proven solutions also include CORE-SOURCE, a “one-stop-shop” streamlined solution containing the necessary tools to help support a successful partnership with Core-Mark. Within CORE-SOURCE, our customers have access to www. imarkportal.com, an online ordering platform that aligns with our mobile ordering applications (OrderPro – Apple; DroidPad – Samsung); Track My Order, a key tool that provides alert notifications to customers on the status of their deliveries; Retailer Analytics Dashboard application that leverages real-time, advanced data analytics to our customers; and (POD) Paperless Delivery that allows customers to view their delivery receipts online via the IMark Portal. As SKIP’s exclusive distributor partner in the wholesale channel, we bring a contactless mobile checkout solution that helps consumers feel safe in a COVID environment.

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DayMark® Safety Systems DayMark® provides foodservice and related industries with efficient and innovative systems in the areas of food safety, facility safety, employee safety, technology and support.

DayMark’s MenuCommand® kitchen automation platform delivers a truly affordable, real IoT solution for every foodservice kitchen. MenuCommand’s suite of applications include solutions for date code labeling, on- and off-premise food labeling, menu management, asset temperature monitoring, food checks, task management, inventory control, and more.

DayMark Safety Systems 12830 S. Dixie Hwy. Bowling Green, OH 43402 P: 800.847.0101 E: info@daymark.com W: www.daymarksafety.com/

KITCHEN AUTOMATION, FEATURING FOOD SAFETY LABELING MENUCOMMAND—DayMark’s

proprietary, cloud-based and appdriven kitchen automation platform— transforms how retail foodservice kitchens efficiently and safely prepare food for the public. The platform hosts several innovative applications that DayMark has developed to run your business better—and safer.

MENUPILOT®, the flagship application, coupled with streamlined corporate management of menu data via the MenuCommand web portal, reduces dependence on hardware and increases emphasis on platform. These provide a deeper understanding and improved management of back-ofhouse workflows such as receiving, daily tasks, cooler and freezer temperature monitoring, and food check monitoring.

DayMark also delivers a companion hardware bundle with the Matt85™ and Matt77™ direct thermal label printers, which are compatible with iPad and Android tablets and facilitate on-demand production of shelf-life, food rotation and complex grab & go product labeling.

TAMPER-EVIDENT DELIVERY LABELS

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Delivery has redefined what c-store operators can do to appeal to consumers who place a strong value on both convenience and access to healthier food choices. In a recent survey, “third-party delivery options” was named the top service that c-store operators said that they plan to add within the next year.

With this in mind, DayMark offers the TamperSeal™ labeling system: a line of tamper-evident labels for use in

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the food delivery service industry. The labels can be handwritten or used in conjunction with the MenuPilot app, allowing for date code information, a company logo, and other types of customized information to be printed on the label. TamperSeal labels feature an aggressive adhesive that sticks to most any packaging material safely and securely. Each label has security slits that cause the label to lose its integrity if someone attempts to open the container. If the seal is broken upon delivery, it is a clear indication that the food may have been tampered with.

TEMPERATURE MONITORING AND FOOD CHECKS

Employee turnover brought about by recent labor shortages has led to concerns for staff training regarding food safety. Teaching staff to be consistent with regular temperature monitoring is critical. Maintaining regular temperature checks, including cold holding in refrigeration units as well as food in hot hold situations must be kept as simple as possible.

In the past, monitoring temperatures was tedious and sometimes ineffective as staff manually checked and recorded temperatures in a handwritten log.

Automated systems such as the DayMark Temp Monitoring Solution, featuring the cutting-edge LoRa technology from JRI®, offer HACCPcompliance and provide food safety management and temperature monitoring through an intuitive and comprehensive web application. These systems eliminate the need for staff to manually check temperatures and are an accurate and reliable way to make sure all foods are stored and cooked correctly.

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2022

Leaders in Convenience

E-Alternative Solutions (EAS) Founded in 2014, E-Alternative Solutions (EAS) develops, markets, and distributes the high-quality innovative, research tested, and compliant products that adult consumers want.

The EAS product portfolio includes Leap® and Forth™. Our business pillars of understanding the marketplace, prioritizing customers’ needs, and providing reliable regulatory analysis have positioned us as a thoughtful respected retail partner.

E-Alternative Solutions 459 E. 16th St. Jacksonville, FL 32206 EalternativeSolutions.com

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IN 2018, EAS introduced Leap, an

innovative vapor brand which includes both rechargeable and disposable vapor devices. The pod-based Leap rechargeable delivers an unmatched vaping experience for adult smokers seeking a satisfying alternative. The Leap Go® e-cigarette is an ideal disposable option. It comes ready to vape and is one of the best values on the market.

Visit LeapVapor.com to learn more.

IN 2019, EAS brought ingenuity to the growing CBD industry with Forth. The brand features a comprehensive line of Juice Drinks, Disposable Vape Pens, and CBD + CBG Tincture Drops produced in enticing tastes and flavors with top quality, US-grown hemp. All items have been 3rd party lab tested and developed specifically for adult consumers seeking better relaxation, recovery, and focus.

Visit ForthCBD.com to learn more.

Regulatory challenges, sharpening consumer demand, and rapid growth are quickly shaping emerging, alternative industries. Our award-winning portfolio of research-tested products combined with our trade programs help you effectively maximize profitability and drive shoppers through your doors.

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Leaders in Convenience

Home Market Foods Home Market Foods has been creating delicious food products since 1957 using authentic recipes and the finest quality ingredients.

Our innovative, forwardthinking culinary team leads the industry with a commitment to providing craveable products for today’s discerning consumers.

With safety as our mantra and quality at our core, we are your go-to provider for all things “delicious.”

Home Market Foods 140 Morgan Drive Norwood, MA 02062 P: 800.367.8325 781.948.1500, Ext 529 E: info@HMFfoodservice.com W: www.HMFfoodservice.com

GROW YOUR FOODSERVICE

business with a large selection of roller grill favorites from Home Market Foods. With a focus on quality and incredible taste, Home Market Foods delivers craveable products EISENBERG™ aimed at driving traffic and loyalty for The Eisenberg family of your operation. Check out some of downright delicious dogs is our latest and most popular products: crafted from premium beef without MSG, phosphates, gluten, fillers, ROLLERBITES® by products, extenders or meat Bold! Different! Better! substitutes for an irresistible, Bursting with flavor and mouthwatering bite. packed with protein, RollerBites offer the perfect on-the-go BAHAMA MAMA® snack. Seasoned Complete your menu offering all-whitewith the epic flavor of Bahama meat Chicken Mama Sausages. Choose from RollerBites offered the fan favorite German Recipe, in a variety of bold hot-trending Jalapeño ’N Cheddar flavors have more protein than and the wildly popular Smoked any other chicken product on Cheddar Sausage.. Made from the grill. Try the NEW! Garlic premium cuts of beef and pork, Parmesan Chicken and the 100% real cheese and no fillers. best-selling, crowd-pleasing Cheesy Buffalo Ranch Chicken!

Our flame-broiled Cheeseburger RollerBites has that juicy homegrilled flavor that’s sure to satisfy and keep customers coming back for more. Reimagine your hot case and roller grill with our one-of-a-kind, all-day breakfast options: Maple Breakfast Scrambler, Cheesy Hash Browns & Sausage, and Buttermilk Ranch Chicken RollerBites.

COOKED PERFECT®

Taste is King, and Cooked Perfect is on top! Our new Gourmet Italian Meatballs are flame-broiled and seasoned with a balance of Romano & Parmesan cheese and proprietary Italian seasonings. Cooked Perfect beats all market leaders in taste preference and is the #1 frozen meatball brand in the nation.

Lette • PC LAM DESIGN • 06.04.15

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CSTORE DECISIONS Eisen • PC LAM DESIGN • Sep 03, 2020

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2022

Leaders in Convenience

Hoshizaki HOSHIZAKI is the world leader in the design, manufacturing, and marketing of a wide range of products for the foodservice industry including ice machines, refrigerators, freezers, prep tables, display cases and dispensers. With corporate headquarters in Peachtree City, Georgia, Hoshizaki America, Inc.’s continuous innovation and commitment to the highest standards ensures that our customers have exceptional quality products.

Hoshizaki America, Inc. 618 Highway 74 South Peachtree City, GA 30269 P: 800.438.6087 W: www.hoshizakiamerica.com

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HOSHIZAKI FOODSERVICE EQUIPMENT helps c-stores have

more efficient operations–saving energy and money!

Customers can have a variety of ice types with Hoshizaki crescent cubers and cubelet nugget-style ice machines. Available for use on top of dispensers, on bins or under the counter. Continuous innovation makes our ice machines more efficient with increased ice ice). Both produce ice consistently production and longer lifetime – and dependably to keep customers’ operation savings. Our refrigerators, drinks deliciously chilled. These merchandisers and prep tables have modular models are easily mounted features to maximize temperature on most major beverage dispensers. control and keep food safe – saving The old standard prepackaged on food and labor costs. sandwiches provided by a third party Dispensed drinks and freshly are still available; however, they prepared foods have a higher profit are quickly being replaced by fresh margin than their prepackaged sandwiches made on location and, counterparts have and are therefore in many cases, made to order. The a smart choice for c-store owners. menu is not limited to sandwiches There is continued growth in c-store – many other options have been beverage choices for the consumer.

This includes additional coffee flavors, added to the c-store menu such as pizza, wraps, bowls and salads. smoothies and a broader variety of Hoshizaki Sandwich Prep Tables, fountain drink options with flavor Mega Top Tables and Pizza Prep shots, teas, juices and sparkling Tables allow for quick food prep and waters. service while keeping food products C-store favorites include the KMDat ideal, food-safe temperatures.

530M_J, Crescent Cuber (crescent For sandwich, salad, or taco ice) and the FD-1002MAJ-C (cubelet prep, the SR48B-12D4 two-section refrigerated prep table with drawers features stainless steel interior and exterior. Hoshizaki’s line of glass door merchandisers come in 6 different sizes from 7 to 65 cubic feet of interior storage capacity.

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2022

Leaders in Convenience

Hunt Brothers® Pizza With 8,000+ locations in 30 states, Hunt Brothers® Pizza is the nation’s largest brand of madeto-order pizza in the convenience store industry. Hunt Brothers Pizza offers pizza available as a graband-go Hunk A Pizza® or as a customizable whole pizza that is an exceptional value with All Toppings No Extra Charge®.

Hunt Brothers Pizza 4020 Jordonia Station Road Nashville, TN 37218 P: 800.453.3675 E: info@hbpizza.com W: huntbrotherspizza.com

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AT HUNT BROTHERS® PIZZA, WE KNOW PIZZA. The Hunt Brothers® Pizza program was created specifically for convenience stores. With 30 years of experience serving the c-store industry, our branded pizza program is designed to make foodservice easy and profitable.

The program offers high quality, high margin products that take virtually no time to prepare. Most stores are able to handle our new program with existing employees and the program can be operated in as little as 59 square feet with flexible pizza shoppe and equipment options.

Hunt Brothers Pizza offers a 12˝ original crust pizza, thin crust pizza, breakfast pizza, bone-in chicken wings, and boneless WingBites®.

Our grab-and-go pizza option, Hunk A Pizza®, is one-quarter of a whole pizza that makes for a quick breakfast or lunch on the go. Our made-to-order whole pizza provides consumers who are looking to customize their pizza with a quick dinner option, providing all toppings at no extra charge.

A NATIONALLY BRANDED PROGRAM FOR A REASONABLE INVESTMENT With 8,000+ locations in 30 states, Hunt Brothers Pizza is a nationally recognized brand and the #1 brand in the c-store industry. Unlike many

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other branded foodservice programs, Hunt Brothers Pizza does not charge franchise, royalty or marketing fees.

Through a racing sponsorship of NASCAR Cup Series Champion Kevin Harvick, driver of the No. 4 Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing, Hunt Brothers Pizza provides its locations with free national branding to 75 million racing fans.

Our direct store delivery ensures pizza products are delivered on Hunt Brothers Pizza trucks. A dedicated Pizza Professional will rotate and restock inventory and refresh marketing each week. They will even prepare your order for you and confirm quantities before restocking.

To keep consumer interest high, Hunt Brothers Pizza offers several LTO (Limited Time Only) pizzas throughout the year. Fan favorites like Buffalo Chicken Pizza and Chicken Bacon Ranch keep customers coming back to your store.

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Leaders in Convenience

J&J Snack Foods, Corp.

J&J Snack Foods Corp. (NASDAQ: JJSF) is a leader and innovator in the snack food industry, providing innovative, niche, and affordable branded snack foods and beverages to foodservice, convenience stores, and retail supermarket outlets. Manufactured and distributed nationwide, our principal products include soft pretzels, churros, handheld snacks, baked goods, frozen beverages, novelties, and frozen desserts such as churros and funnel cakes. The company is consistently expanding its unique product offering while making families smile worldwide!

J&J Snack Foods Corp.

6000 Central Highway Pennsauken, NJ 08109 P: 800.486.9533 W: www.jjsnackfoodservice.com

*Frank’s RedHot® is a registered trademark of The French’s Food Company, LLC, licensed to J&J Snack Foods.

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CONVENIENCE STORE CUSTOMERS are looking

for the best of both worlds when it comes to convenience and great quality products. At J&J Snack Foods we have all the answers to your customers’ cravings – from artisan Soft Pretzel products to churros of all shapes and sizes, and even classic frozen novelties! We understand that consumers are looking for convenient products at an affordable price, fit for the on-the-go lifestyle. We’ve carefully crafted products that are easy to prepare at the operator level and are loved by convenience shoppers, like our latest introductions to the convenience channel: Pretzel Fillers® Individually Wrapped Stuffed Soft Pretzels combine convenience, portability, and mouthwatering flavor which is what we do to help make your life a little less busy.

Recently we have introduced a hot new flavor – Buffalo Cheddar Stuffed Soft Pretzel made with Frank’s RedHot®, America’s #1 Hot Sauce! It’s all in the details with this new item – white cheddar cheese infused with Frank’s RedHot® Sauce and lightly dusted with Ranch Dressing Powder. The Pretzel Fillers® Individually Wrapped items can be merchandised in a cooler case, with a 7-day refrigerated shelf life, or can be baked or microwaved and held in a hot foods case for up to 4 hours! Our Pretzel Fillers® line is stuffed and oozing with other crowd-pleasing flavors like classic Cheddar Cheese, Jalapeño & Cheese, and Sweet Cream Cheese, making them all you need in one SKU! CSTORE DECISIONS

The perfect pairing with any of our Soft Pretzels is an ICEE®! Now you can enjoy the classic ICEE® experience anywhere with our Frozen Cups! Made with 100% real fruit juice, this is the perfect treat both children and adults can enjoy. The ICEE® Freeze Cups come in a variety of three flavors; Cherry, Blue Raspberry and Frosted Lemonade and are a tasty alternative to ice cream! They’re also fat free, cholesterol free, dairy free, gluten free and Kosher. The ICEE® Float Cups come in two ICEE® flavors – Cherry Vanilla and Blue Raspberry Vanilla. These indulgent ice cream swirled frozen treats are also gluten free, with no high fructose corn syrup.

The ICEE® Float cups come with a heat-sealed lid and the ICEE® Freeze cups come heat sealed with tamper evident lids and a resealable top for convenience and portability!

Our goal is to offer great partnerships with you to provide products that will your make your store stand out amongst the rest as the go-to meal and snacking destination! We want to be your partner – whether that means working with you to get branded equipment or eye-catching pointof-sale materials, we want to be your go-to for convenient solutions! You can expect continued innovation and customized solutions to our valued partners in 2022 and beyond! #FunServedHere

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2022

Leaders in Convenience

Johnsonville Johnsonville® is dedicated to the C-store operator’s success.

No matter what store footprint, Johnsonville speaks the language and understands the issues operators face. As dedicated problem solvers, Johnsonville offers a complete line of products and programs designed to help the C-store business thrive.

Johnsonville employs approximately 3,000 members globally. Founded in 1945 by the late Ralph F. and Alice Stayer, the privately held company remains family owned today and is based in Wisconsin.

To learn more and see all Johnsonville C-store products, visit cstore.johnsonville.com.

Johnsonville PO Box 906 Sheboygan Falls, WI 53085 P: 800.837.5391 W: cstore.johnsonville.com

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Johnsonville® Offers Cravable Options to Drive Your Roller Grill Sales WITH A LEADING variety of

premium sausages and hot dogs to help make your roller grill a success, Johnsonville is the perfect partner for your C-store ready-to-eat dining experience. 47% of roller grill customers want a variety of product and flavor options.* Johnsonville offers one of the most extensive, and trusted, lines of roller grill sausage products available for your stores–in a host of cravable flavors and styles that will keep your customers coming back for more.

KEY FEATURES OF Johnsonville

Roller Grill Sausage; • • • •

Highest Quality Pork Hand-sifted Herbs and Spices On-trend Flavors Grilled Flavor & Appearance (Ultimate Sausages)

We offer a wide selection of delicious sausage flavors to provide a great sales opportunity for any daypart. We have flavorful options to provide your hungry customers, from traditional hot dogs, skinless sausages, beer brats to Cajun-style sausage. No other sausage comes close to our fresh off-the-grill flavor.

Johnsonville is constantly paying attention to emerging flavor trends as well, so you’ll have great sausage and hot dog options that your customers crave–from sweet and savory to hot and hearty!

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Our Ultimate Sausages replicate the coarse texture in our dinner sausage and are specially formulated for superior roller grill performance.

They bring that bold, premium flavor you can always expect from Johnsonville.

67% of consumers said items made by a national brand would make them more likely to purchase them at a C-store.** As America’s #1 sausage brand, Johnsonville is a name your customers already know and trust. Our products are the best in convenience and reliability: all are fully cooked and packaged to allow retailers to heat only what is needed, saving time and labor cost.

Whether you’d like help with merchandising to fit your store footprint, roller grill plan-o-grams, or ideas for seasonal promotions, just know that Johnsonville is here to help your business thrive. Our experienced C-store sales and marketing team is dedicated to our customers’ success.

To learn more, visit the Johnsonville C-Store product page at cstore.johnsonville.com * IRI 1/3/21 ** Technomic Proprietary Study, 2020.

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Leaders in Convenience

Kooler Ice With over 1,900 machines operating in 45 states, Australia, Canada, Bahamas, Caribbean and France, Kooler Ice machines are quickly becoming the standard in how retailers sell ice to their customers.

Kooler Ice machines make, store and automatically bag fresh ice on demand 24 hours a day. This eliminates bagging your own ice or relying on vendors to bring ice to your store. Kooler Ice manufacturers 4 different ice and water vending machines, from machines that vend 25 bags a day to upwards of 300+ bags per day. All machines offer an advanced remote monitoring system that provides owners the ability to remotely track sales, cash and other vital machine functions keeping track of all maintenance and machine interactions as well.

Kooler Ice, Inc. 510 Dunbar Road Byron, GA 31008 Ph: 800.858.3025 Ext. 1 for Sales E: sales@koolerice.com www.koolerice.com

WITH A KOOLER Ice machine

you can offer high-quality, fresh bagged ice in 10lb or 16lb bags and purified water in 1 gallon or 5 gallon increments - 24/7. Adding a Kooler Ice machine will allow you to lock in your ice costs for years, rather than being susceptible to ice delivery companies and their on-going price increases. By controlling your costs and increasing your sales with a higher quality product, you can increase your ice profits substantially over bagged ice purchased from a vendor.

With Kooler Ice there are no more supply chain issues, no more theft, no more locking and unlocking of ice boxes and no more freezer burned ice. You will have complete control over your ice business. The machine will attract customers and differentiate your business. Since the ice is automatically bagged inside of the machine by their “Touchless Ice Delivery System”, customers will feel good knowing they are the first person to touch the bag of ice.

Kooler Ice offers 4 different machine models to choose from depending on your sales volume and where you would like to place the machine. Whether you need a small, storefront machine or a larger standalone unit to place out by the road, they have a machine that best fits your business application.

Kooler Ice provides retailers with a better way to sell ice! Kooler Ice machines automatically make, store and bag fresh ice on demand 24 hours a day allowing store owners to be more efficient - saving time and money!

PRODUCTS PROFILE IM600XL

Their small, storefront machine model (IM600XL) has become a popular option for store owners with average sales volume and limited 94

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space. With a 3’ x 6’ footprint and the ability to vend up to 90+ ten lb. bags of ice daily, the IM600XL is a great solution for retailers looking to get high production out of a small machine model. Like all of their machine models, the IM600XL can also be equipped with a water vending station allowing you to offer purified reverse osmosis water. The unit can also be equipped with a credit card reader, heater and LED lights.

IM1500

For big production requirements where space is limited, the IM1500 is the go-to machine for retailers.

With a 1500lb ice storage bin, the IM1500 can be equipped with 1 or 2 ice makers providing retailers the ability to sell 200+ 10lb bags of ice every day. While the IM1500 is very productive, it is only 6’x 8’ in size, perfect for setting along-side the building or out front by the air/ vac. The IM1500 offers a high quality lexan finish that is easy to clean with a very bright LED light package for safe nighttime vending. The unit can be equipped with heaters, a credit card reader and a water vending station that allows owners to also offer purified water all in one machine.

Since it’s inception in 2019, the IM1500 has become Kooler Ice’s most popular machine providing retailers with the perfect blend in production, price and performance! cstoredecisions.com

2022

Leaders in Convenience

Kretek International Kretek International is America’s top importer, marketer, and distributor of specialty tobacco products.

For over 36 years, Kretek has set the standard for quality and innovation in the specialty tobacco market. With a portfolio of top brands, loyal customers, and keen insights on consumer trends, Kretek has built a strong network of relationships across the U.S. and Canada.

DJARUM Prominently positioned in the Kretek product portfolio, Djarum cigars continue their standout status in distribution channels, with over 215 million sticks sold in more than 100,000 retail stores over the past 12 months. Djarum is a go-to brand for cigar smokers who earn more and spend more in your stores. Proudly stock and sell Djarum. The “must have” brand for your packaged cigar section.

CUBAN ROUNDS Cuban Rounds, a Kretek top performer, is experiencing exponential growth in popularity and distribution. Offering exceptional quality and value to retailers and consumers, these traditional premium cigars are handmade and rolled Old Havana style for smoothness and aged flavor.

Kretek International Ph: 1-800-358-8100 Fx: 1-800-887-2792 E: salesinfo@kretek.com www.kretek.com

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HIGH TEA The Evolution of Rolling has arrived! Enhance your customer’s blunt wrap experience without the nicotine buzz of a tobacco wrap.

Kretek is proud to bring you High Tea Wraps, a hemp-free, nontobacco, nicotine-free herbal wrap that delights the senses. High Tea Herbal Wraps are offered in 8 exciting flavors, and come with 5 wraps per pouch, and 25 pouches per carton. Made in Brazil from Mate tea, Chamomile tea, and Cacao.

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Krispy Krunchy Foods Established in 1989, Krispy Krunchy Chicken® is the fastest-growing premium c-store based quickservice restaurant (QSR) concept in the country with approximately 2,700 retail locations in 48 states.

Krispy Krunchy® features Cajunstyle chicken, which is infused with Krispy Krunchy’s® proprietary marinade, and fried in zero transfat oil, along with signature sides and delicious honey butter biscuits.

Krispy Krunchy Chicken® is always…

Freshly Made. Perfectly Cajun.

Krispy Krunchy Foods P: 318.483.4343 E: info@krispykrunchy.com www.KrispyKrunchy.com

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KRISPY KRUNCHY CHICKEN is one of the largest branded convenience store foodservice programs in the United States. Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Louisiana, KKC partners with retail operators, primarily within convenience stores, to provide a branded QSR-style foodservice offering in a flexible format. The Krispy Krunchy menu features proprietary Cajun fried chicken and an assortment of signature sides. Over its 32 year history, KKC has grown to serve customers in 48 states.

KRISPY KRUNCHY FOODS, LLC announces another record-breaking year in 2021, adding more than 350 new locations to its growing family of over 2,600 stores within its branded fried chicken program. Also, this year, Krispy Krunchy received a strategic growth investment from Main Post Partners, a leading private equity investment firm with deep experience partnering with iconic brands and multi-location foodservice platforms. The substantial opportunity to further unlock the brand’s potential and grow awareness of Krispy Krunchy’s craveable, convenient products is unlimited, so now is the time to partner with the fastest growing c-store foodservice concept in the country! For more information on partnering with Krispy Krunchy Chicken®, visit krispykrunchy.com/partnering or contact info@krispykrunchy.com.

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High quality shouldn’t mean a higher price tag. That’s why Eagle 20’s is the

#1 VALUE PRICED CIGARETTE BRAND IN THE COUNTRY FOR THE THIRD YEAR RUNNING.* With Eagle 20’s, your customers can feel good about a great product at the right price.

Join more than 80,000 retailers and grow your business today.

Call 1-877-415-4100 to order, or contact your LVB rep today.

Liggett Vector Brands is the exclusive sales, marketing and distribution agent for Liggett Group and Vector Tobacco. © 2022 Vector Tobacco MSA Participant *Based on YTD December 2020 MSAi retail shipment data: value priced category includes all brands with manufacturing list price of $35 per carton or less.

2022

Leaders in Convenience

Lindt – Premium Chocolate, Exceptional Taste Lindt & Sprüngli has been enchanting the world with chocolate for over 175 years. The traditional Swiss company with its roots in Zurich is a global leader in the premium chocolate sector.

Today, Lindt & Sprüngli produces quality chocolates at its 11 factories in Europe and the USA. With more than 13,500 employees, the Lindt & Sprüngli Group reported sales of over $4.0 Billion in 2020.

Lindt & Sprüngli (USA), Inc is headquartered in Stratham, NH, home to both the corporate team and US manufacturing.

Lindt & Sprüngli (USA), Inc. One Fine Chocolate Place Stratham, NH 03885 www.lindt.com

LINDT MANUFACTURES A

broad portfolio of premium chocolate brands including LINDOR, EXCELLENCE, CLASSIC RECIPE and GOLD BUNNY. Lindt chocolate embodies the passion and expert craftsmanship of Lindt Master Chocolatiers for a luscious and rewarding chocolate experience.

Experience the ultimate chocolate indulgence with irresistibly smooth Lindt LINDOR Chocolate Truffles. Whether celebrating with colleagues, relaxing with family or savoring time to yourself, these fine Lindt LINDOR Truffles are an elegant accompaniment to all of life’s little moments. Available in variety of flavors. Made to Melt You. Anytime. Anywhere.

The Lindt LINDOR Chocolate Truffle Bar is perfect as a midday treat, special indulgence for yourself or a gift for someone special. Inspired by Lindt LINDOR chocolate truffles, this chocolate bar features a smooth, melting center guaranteed to melt the heart of every chocolate connoisseur. Available in Milk and Caramel varieties.

Indulge in the smooth, creamy taste of our NEW Lindt CLASSIC RECIPE Whole Hazelnut Milk Chocolate Bar. Expertly crafted with whole hazelnuts, toasted to perfection, surrounded by smooth hazelnut creme and enrobed with exceptionally creamy milk chocolate. Made with the finest ingredients, this hazelnut chocolate stick is a great snack for any chocolate lover. Available in an 18 ct PDQ and 36ct counter unit/ wing display.

Lindt USA is committed to offering our portfolio of products to the convenience channel across the US via direct shipment to warehouse or through our partner distributors.

We Enchant the World with Chocolate

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Leaders in Convenience

Liquid Barcodes Liquid Barcodes is a leading global loyalty and digital marketing technology company specializing in the convenience store and foodservice industries.

Our proprietary cloud-based technology platform allows retailers to create and manage their digital marketing campaigns with a proprietary process we call the “customer connection cycle” to engage, promote and reward customers’ activities in real-time across digital and media channels.

Liquid Barcodes 2345 Yale Street, 1st FL, Palo Alto, CA 94306 United States Ph: +1-703-745-7795 E: Saurabh.swarup@liquidbarcodes.com www.liquidbarcodes.com

WE POSITION YOU TO BE THE LEADER IN THE INDUSTRY

We have developed the most advanced loyalty and digital marketing technology platform specifically for convenience store and foodservice retailers globally.

THE FUTURE OF LOYALTY IS ENGAGING Rewards help you build a strong foundation for your loyalty program. Reward your customer’s loyalty with points or stamps – or both. Your loyalty member can earn points per $ spent, by purchasing specific products, by visits, and by behavioral actions you want to encourage, such as referring a friend.

Retailers use our self-service dashboard to create and manage loyalty driven marketing campaigns that increase purchases with their existing customers, as well as effectively target and acquire new customers through partners or paid media channels.

THE FUTURE OF LOYALTY IS CONVENIENT Subscription ensures recurring revenue by recruiting returning, highvalue customers for your convenience retail store. By buying a subscription to coffee or carwash, you make these regular purchases as convenient as possible for your customer.

When buying a monthly subscription in the app, your consumer can skip the line: Quick and easy – the ultimate convenience. This allows you to simplify your operation and handle peak hours more smoothly.

THE FUTURE OF LOYALTY IS FUN One core component of live loyalty is Gamification. We have gamified branding, loyalty and promotions. We believe this approach is essential in order to get customers’ attention and ultimately truly engage them with repeatable actions thereby winning their loyalty.

Our Gamification product contains a range of features, such as Scratch card, Wheel of fortune, Slot machine, and Quiz. The games are usually set to be played daily, so the consumer has your brand in the palm of their hand every day.

THE FUTURE OF LOYALTY IS INTELLIGENT By utilizing customer data, Machine Learning can help you understand your customers and personalize how you connect with them – ensuring optimal relevance and timing for your offers and communication.

Tap into the endless opportunities our AI provides to increase the lifetime value of your loyalty members and subscribers and optimize your customer connection cycle.

THE FUTURE OF LOYALTY STARTS HERE! From planning an engaging reward program to unlocking the power of subscription on your best-selling products, we are here to help. Let us be your partner in the journey of elevating the customer experience and growing your brand. Visit www.liquidbarcodes.com today to get started!

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Leaders in Convenience

LK Packaging A company of bright and dedicated professionals, LK® Packaging provides stock and custom solutions through an efficient supply chain, including the right films, bags, containers and more, all designed for discerning buyers, merchandisers and category managers who serve food processing, food retail and food service businesses.

Since 1968, LK has partnered with distributors and end users from its offices and distribution centers in eight major-market locations across the United States.

LK Packaging Los Angeles | San Francisco | Seattle Dallas | Denver | Chicago Philadelphia | Atlanta Ph: 800.809.8393 www.LKpkg.com

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RIGHT PACKAGING, RIGHT PROFITS

The evolving role of packaging has gone well beyond serving traditional needs. Finding the right packaging to address modern demands for food prep, convenience, and overall versatility can be daunting. A reliable supplier is good to have on speed dial.

And a reliable resource for packaging that can actually help you grow business is not as hard to find as you might imagine.

At LK® Packaging, we understand that outstanding product innovation only matters if it bolsters efficiency and boosts revenue. That’s why the people at LK analyze every potential impact the right products can have on a business before building a partnership and offering a tailored packaging program – becoming a reliable resource for performance packaging.

PERFORMANCE PACKAGING Much more than the bin liners and zipper bags in the back of house, which LK also has on hand and in abundance, the consumer-facing food packaging is a tangible component of an operator’s service. Bags and containers that present your products in an attractive way begin making connections and delivering important messages about a brand’s relationship with its consumers from the moment they’re put in the case filled with product. That initial attraction is only the beginning, because while packaging carries a great story, consumers carry that story home. In fact, the packaging, combined with the perfect food product, is crucial to compelling a customer’s return.

Foods packed to meet the CSTORE DECISIONS

demands of consumers and businesses in food retail and food service environments must be optimized under some core principles of packaging performance, including protection, preservation, presentation and practicality. It takes real experts to create new, more efficient ways to put packaging to work, and help keep stores earning and customers returning.

ACCESSIBLE INNOVATION Offering both made-in-store or commissary packaging solutions, including bags, films, containers and more, LK can help you establish a program for a steady supply of manual or machine-ready packaging solutions.

LK’s outstanding solutions can help make you a stand-out, through packaging technology that gives you new abilities, like easy heat-seal production, high-speed wrapping, anti-microbial materials, extended shelf life, tamper-evident closures, sustainability, versatility, portability and always marketability.

Ask your supplier for LK Packaging.

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Leaders in Convenience

Loomis U.S. Loomis is a global leader in cuttingedge cash management products and solutions. Our business is built on trust and integrity, and our vision is to continually expand our offerings to find the right solutions for our retail customers so that they can cut costs, improve efficiency, boost profitability, and protect their cash.

Loomis U.S. 2500 City West Blvd. #2300 Houston, TX 77042 P: 713.435.6700, option 2 www.loomis.us

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EVEN WITH THE AVAILABILITY of alternative forms of payment, convenience stores are still predominately cash-run businesses, with cash accounting for 60 percent of purchases. But having large amounts of cash on hand leaves businesses vulnerable to risks such as internal and external loss or theft. Additionally, outdated and manual cash handling processes are time-consuming and financially draining.

Fortunately, there’s SafePoint by Loomis—a complete cash management ecosystem that helps convenience stores streamline cash processes, increase security, and save money.

SafePoint combines cutting-edge smart safe and cash recycler technology, dedicated IT support, system monitoring, armored transport, and customer service to address every cash management need with ease.

The SafePoint Titan family of smart safes (the flagship Titan model, Titan C, and Titan X expansion peripherals, plus the newest Titan S and Titan Z models) are the most advanced and secure on the market and are built to accommodate the needs of any size business. Features like remote support, a user-friendly interface, and built-in tutorials make for seamless integration in a store environment, and minimal downtime for training.

The Titan R line of cash recyclers introduce a new wave of benefits for retail customers, allowing them to automate nearly all steps in their cash-handling processes. Gone are the days of spending hours in the cash room—with the Titan R, employees can spend more valuable time on the sales floor assisting customers. And with sizes ranging from under-counter options to large-scale options for large retail operations, the Titan R line is designed to suit businesses of any size, helping them maximize their ROI while closing the loop in their cash management process.

“The great thing about the SafePoint product line is that we’re truly able to offer our clients the right solution for any business situation,” says Lenny Evansek, senior vice president of national retail development for Loomis. “From low-value and lowrisk cash environments to those that need complete in-store automation CSTORE DECISIONS I

around deposits and change order management—there are more than 60 different options available that can be used together with one common interface and platform.”

SafePoint customers also have total access to their cash data with Loomis Direct. This online customer portal features equipment management capabilities and provides complete visibility of and near-real-time access to account information, cash reporting, and tracking information, from pickup to delivery.

In addition to complete visibility, SafePoint customers also benefit from PlatformSync. PlatformSync is an API platform that is a direct link between the SafePoint smart safe or cash recycler and the convenience store’s back office departments. It records raw information from each safe, and then reports the store’s cash situation back to the brand in near-real time, along with other information, such as cash drops, courier events, coins and bills dispensed, and door events.

Convenience stores then have the flexibility to feed that information to any reporting system they choose for easy access to analytics, reconciliation, and cash discrepancy resolution.

Finally, when customers choose SafePoint, they gain access to Loomis’ industry expertise and cash management services portfolio, which includes secure armored transport, hundreds of provisional banking partnerships, and a dedicated national customer support team.

“SafePoint is a technology-driven onestop shop for our customers, and we strive to provide service that’s second to none,” says Moises Gonzalez, vice president of product development for SafePoint by Loomis. “It’s about becoming a partner for our customers and letting them know that we will always go above and beyond.”

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Mako Networks Mako Networks is a leading network technology vendor with expertise in PCI DSS security, SASE SD-WAN connectivity and cloud management.

Our award-winning Mako System is a secure, managed networking solution designed specifically for distributed enterprises. With headquarters in the United States and presence in the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, Mako Networks and its partners serve customers worldwide by streamlining and securing their networks, improving network performance and reliability, and shifting network management and reporting tools to the Cloud.

Mako Networks 1355 N McLean Blvd Elgin, IL 60123 Ph: +1 (888) 777-5413 www.makonetworks.com

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Upgrade Your C-store Network to the Mako System MAKO NETWORKS HELPS

C-store brands modernize their connectivity infrastructure to enhance security and reliability.

Upgrade to The Mako System to connect and manage from ten to 10,000+ C-store locations in a global, high-performance, carrierindependent network that is secure, reliable, scalable and cost-effective.

The Mako System provides simple, highly secure networks for distributed enterprises by integrating cloud management, SDWAN connectivity, cellular failover, high availability, next-gen firewalls, secure Wi-Fi, seamless VoIP and end-to-end PCI DSS certification in one easy-tomanage SASE solution with 24/7 support.

The Mako Central Management System (CMS) is a “single pane of glass” enterprise network management application available to authorized users at any time on any device with a web browser and an Internet connection.

Mako devices are exclusively managed via the Mako CMS, preventing accidental or malicious local misconfiguration. Types include security gateways with next-gen firewalls, onprem and virtual VPN concentrators, Wi-Fi 6 access points and managed switches with up to 48 ports.

Mako Networks is the only network management company in the world with a PCI DSS certification that is extensible to merchant networks. With a PCIcertified network and cloud-based PCI compliance tools, the Mako System offers you the easiest path to achieving and demonstrating PCI compliance.

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Contact us to schedule a demo and see why three of the top 12 Fortune 500 companies have chosen Mako Networks technology to boost security, reduce audit scope and simplify network creation and management.

KEY FEATURES • Designed specifically for distributed enterprises like C-store brands • End-to-end PCI DSS certified network secures all your retail locations • Easy, secure Mako VPN Cloud SD-WAN connects retail locations, offices, payment/loyalty vendor services and more • Integrated cellular failover for high availability, or use any combination of broadband carriers or connection types (Ethernet, cable, XDSL, etc.)

• Role-based cloud management and monitoring with MFA • Templated settings for simple deployment and easy maintenance • Advanced VLAN segmentation • PCI-certified Wi-Fi with guest analytics • Next-generation firewalls with IDS/IPS • Mako Voice VoIP service meets E911 regulations and can save you thousands of dollars • Data logging for alerts, reports and diagnostics • Automated software and firmware updates

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Leaders in Convenience

LULA DELIVERY

WE POWER DELIVERY FOR CONVENIENCE STORES DO YOU DELIVER?

By 2023, nearly 60 million people will use a food delivery app in the U.S. With so many customers shopping for convenience goods online, it’s important for you to offer delivery from your store, too.

EASY ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT

All incoming orders from multiple delivery apps will appear on just one tablet provided by Lula, so accepting online orders is simple.

At Lula, we’re inspired by a single goal: empowering every store to deliver locally.

Lula provides delivery solutions for convenience stores, pharmacies, and brands that do not have a secondary sales channel, offering the first multi-vendor 30-minute delivery platform with 0% commission delivery.

WHAT IS LULA?

When you partner with Lula, you can reach thousands of additional local shoppers by selling your products through 5+ online delivery apps.

0% COMMISSION Because of our partnerships with existing delivery platforms, we also eliminate the 15% to 30% in fees that other services charge you.

WHAT WE DO FOR YOU

We set up your inventory online and make your items available to shoppers across Uber Eats, DoorDash, Postmates, and other apps.

Lula also helps you to manage inventory realtime, track monthly earnings, quickly update store information, and more.

Sell an additional $1,000 to $5,000 in monthly deliveries when you partner with Lula.

GET IN TOUCH

www.luladelivery.store P: (267) 263-7197 E: info@luladelivery.com Tell our team you found us in CStore Decisions to get your first 2 months of Lula FREE!

2022

Leaders in Convenience

McLane Company, Inc. McLane Company, Inc. is one of the largest supply chain services leaders in the United States, providing grocery and foodservice solutions for convenience stores, mass merchants, drug stores and chain restaurants. Through McLane Grocery and McLane Foodservice, McLane operates over 80 distribution centers and one of the nation’s largest private fleets. The company buys, sells and delivers more than 50,000 consumer products to nearly 110,000 locations across the U.S. Additionally, McLane provides alcoholic beverage distribution through its subsidiary, Empire Distributors, Inc. McLane is a wholly owned unit of Berkshire Hathaway Inc (NYSE: BRK) and employs 20,000 teammates.

McLane Company, Inc. 4747 McLane Pkwy Temple, TX 76504-4854 P: 254.771.7500 800.299.1401 W: www.mclaneco.com

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McLANE IS YOUR supply chain advantage in action. Since 1894, McLane has made an unmatched investment in the profitability of our customers, whether they are single store operators, emerging multi-store operators, or large chains. With a powerful combination of retail supply chain and category experts, world-class infrastructure, nationwide buying power, and innovative technology services, we enable our customers to move beyond price-based competition and maximize their profitability.

NATIONWIDE BUYING POWER To effectively service nearly 110,000 retail locations, we work closely with thousands of manufacturers to offer the widest range of products to our customers. In fact, we are one of the largest worldwide purchasers of products in such key retail categories as tobacco, candy, and salty snacks.

This kind of buying power means that we can assist you in getting the best manufacturer buying brackets possible.

MERCHANDISING SOLUTIONS AND MARKET INSIGHTS A key advantage of working with McLane is the depth of our information resources and market insights. Our experienced category managers are ready to help with merchandising needs including inventory, pricing, category analysis, and product promotion. Solutions range from a 24x7 merchandising portal to an online (or mobile) virtual trade show, as well as center store profit-building programs, planogram services, and store resets.

Our extensive data warehouse provides objective sales data and market insights

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to determine the best product mix scenarios and identify key selling opportunities.

CONSUMER VALUE PRODUCTS (CVP) McLane’s private label products subsidiary, CVP, offers a wide range of high quality, low cost products with over 240 SKUs in all major categories. CVP was created with our customers and the conscious consumer in mind who want great value for a reasonable price.

Lower costs for consumers and higher margins for retailers are a true win-win opportunity.

FOODSERVICE-AT-RETAIL McLane Kitchen is a solution developed for c-stores that want to take advantage of the growing foodservice-at-retail opportunity. It offers easyto-implement turnkey solutions as well as comprehensive, custom solutions to generate optimum sales and profits for retailers. McLane Kitchen also encompasses the Fresh Produce+ program that provides fresh produce, cut fruit, snack trays, and produce racks to c-stores, regardless of location.

TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS McLane’s technology solutions are designed to help customers buy better, sell smarter, and profit more.

Grocery retailers have the never-ending challenge of dealing with thousands of SKUs, dozens of technology applications and various front and back office systems. Fortunately, our dedicated team of IT professionals is ready to help. Not only do we provide a broad range of custom applications, but we also help ensure that they integrate with major enterprise applications and POS hardware systems. cstoredecisions.com

2022

Leaders in Convenience

MDI Worldwide MDI Worldwide is an industryleading company with extensive experience designing and producing custom display solutions, merchandisers, fixtures, and cuttingedge illuminated signage for convenience stores and petroleum stations.

Our products include pump toppers, bollard sign systems, WindMaster® curb sign stands, window mounted PosterGrip® frames and lit signs, column cladding and valances.

We collaborate with you so your customers buy something for the road.

COLUMN CLADDING, VALANCES, AND PUMP TOPPERS: • Steer customers to your fuel and store • Enhance structural elements with custom graphics • Add brand recognition to columns and dispensers • Promote programs with interchangeable signage

BOLLARD SIGN SYSTEMS: • Feature front-loading frames for simple changeouts • Include clear overlays for weather protection • Mount cleanly to walls, poles or bollards

MDI Worldwide 38271 W 12 Mile Rd, Farmington Hills, MI 48331 P: 1.800.228.8925 W: www.mdiworldwide.com

WINDMASTER® CURB SIGNS: • Draw and move customers from pump to store • Feature durable legs or robust rolling bases • Boast best-in-industry wind resistance • Includes frames with mitered or rounded corners

WINDOW MOUNTED POSTERGRIP® FRAMES: • Front-loading frames mounted directly to the glass • Replace static cling graphics inside and out • Reduce average changeout time from 3 hours to 10 minutes

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Modern Store Equipment Over 60 years ago, the Dunigan family founded Modern Store Equipment. Now in their second generation of leadership, they continue to design and build profitable store interiors for category leaders. Among their clients are the nation’s largest liquor chain, most of the nation’s top 10 liquor chains, and many other successful independents.

Their expertise in the beer & spirits industry gives them a unique advantage in c-store design.

Modern Store Equipment Ph: 877.532.8433 Fax: 609.543.9492 E: cstore@modernstoreequipment.com W: modernstoreonline.com

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MODERN STORE EQUIPMENT

has developed a unique system of fixtures specifically for c-stores: MOCO Modular C-Store System.

This extensive line offers you a truly custom look at an affordable massproduced price. And everything is built in the USA. MOCO units can be ordered for self-install or you can trust Modern Store to do everything. Their experienced team ships and installs across the Continental US. MOCO’s sleek units are designed in modular sections to mix and match to fit the size of your store and the scope of your project. All elements are durable and easy-to-clean so they’ll continue to look great for years. The interiors and exteriors are smooth, leaving nowhere for dirt to accumulate.

There are no ridges or welds where mold, germs and dirt hide. Doors and kicks can be easily removed for cleaning and service access. Every piece can handle heavy equipment without additional support.

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Coffee & Beverage Prep Islands and Wall Stations are available in a wide array of sizes. Self-Serve Beverage Walls contain ample room for cup display and supplies storage. Checkout Counters are available with curved or angled corners, merchandising or storage fronts, and plenty of storage in back.

The Sandwich Prep & Prepared Food Counters are compact and easy-toclean. The Cigarette Merchandisers are sleek and easy-to-load.

To make it easy on you, Modern Store offers full turnkey fixtures packages.

As one of the largest distributors of walk-in coolers and shelving in the country they have unmatched buying power. They can coordinate your entire equipment package to remove the stress of coordinating multiple vendors for delivery and installation. In this era of quickly rising freight costs they also coordinate everything to arrive efficiently in fewer truckloads.

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Leaders in Convenience

National Carwash Solutions NCS is proud to offer the best brands to our customers. Our brands, the strongest in the industry, provide a solution for all car-washing needs. In addition to the best systems and equipment, we offer nationwide support from skilled technicians as well as a complete chemical line to complement your investment. Combined all together in our Partners In Profit program to give you the convenience of getting all your car wash solutions from a single company.

National Carwash Solutions 1500 SE 37th Street Grimes, IA 50111 Ph: 1.833.NCS.WASH https://www.ncswash.com/

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NATIONAL CARWASH SOLUTIONS is your one-stop-shop

for your convenience store car wash needs. We have what you need from the top equipment, vacuums, chemicals, and marketing.

Does your site need a customized solution? The MacNeil express tunnels can be customized to fit your site! Only have a small space, no problem. Add in marketing solutions from TSS, and we can elevate your customer’s experience at your wash to the next level. Rounding out the tunnel solutions is the chemistry that our CSI and Vehicle Care brands offer. We will help you find the right chemistry to get your car wash operating at peak performance.

If you have an In-Bay wash that needs refreshing, look no further than the Ryko SoftGloss MAXX5 or the Radius machines. Available in 2022 on all machines from Ryko is our connected solution. With the feature, wash owners will view wash counts and the wash packages while on a phone or computer!

Does your car wash site need a vacuum? The C-Vac has the reliability you know from NCS formatted to fit in the convenience store footprint. The C-Vac offers more power, better performance, and improved customer CSTORE DECISIONS I

experience to bring customers back again and again. Each machine is equipped with a filter maintenance indicator light to let the operators know when the filter needs to be changed. With the longest motor lifespan in the industry, the C-Vac lasts 5-10 times longer than your traditional canister vacuums, approximately 5,000 hours or 3-5 years!

Look no further than NCS when looking at your chemical needs.

From Cleantouch to Lustra and Armor All, Blue Coral, and Rain-X, NCS has what you need to get the best wash for your location!

Working with NCS will ensure your wash will build a loyal repeat customer base to maximize your profits!

National Carwash Solutions is your one-stop shop for all your convenience store car wash needs!

To find out more about NCS or request someone from our sales team to set up a meeting, please contact us at ncswash.com today.

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National Retail Solutions (NRS) National Retail Solutions (NRS) is a leading USA provider of point of sale and credit card processing for independent gas stations and c-stores. NRS Petro (nrspetro. com) offers a unique, affordable program for gas stations; a gas pump-integrated POS system plus mess-free, no-renovations-required EMV-compliance to protect pumps from fraud, and NRS Pay credit card processing for the best payment acceptance value. The NRS Petro POS system also integrates with a money-saving EBT Unlimited! program (nrsebt.com) and eWIC (nrsewic.com). Through NRS Funding, a gas station owner can quickly and easily secure $2,500$500K+ cash advance to purchase a new POS, upgrade pumps for EMV, stock inventory or other uses.

NRS OPERATES A NATIONAL POINT OF SALE (POS)

network plus NRS Pay credit card processing for small and midsize independent retailers. Its NRS Petro program offers a pump-integrated POS that’s custom built for gas stations and c-stores, with durable hardware and powerful, user-friendly merchant software. It offers a total checkout POS and Pump-EMV-Compliance ecosystem for service stations, with sales, inventory and users tracking, remote management via app & web, its 1-touch Boss Revolution® portal, and a free, built-in customer loyalty program.

Optional Premium add-ons include Tobacco Scan Data, ID License Scanning, e-Commerce, Unlimited EBT, Employee Time Clock, Advanced Data, NRS’ patented POS Panic Alarm Button and more. NRS is a subsidiary of IDT Corporation (NYSE: IDT).

National Retail Solutions (NRS) 520 BROAD STREET Newark, New Jersey 07102 www.nrspetro.com

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Leaders in Convenience

Naughty Chili/ Tres Picosos Tres Picosos was born in 2006 when a large Colorado retailer asked Jane and Shultz Hartgrove’s food company to produce a breakfast burrito. With authentic formulas from Mexican chefs, Tres Picosos was established and rapidly began servicing convenience retailers around the US. In 2011, Jane bought the brand from the family company and in 2021, in celebration of its 10-year anniversary, Tres Picosos received certification as a Woman Business Enterprise.

Tres Picosos LLC 2200 Ivanhoe Street Denver, CO 80207 P: 303.329.0900 W: trespicosos.com

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BURRITOS ARE THE perfect convenience food: portable, wrapped, compact and flavorful!

Covering all dayparts, Mexican food is growing even more popular in the U.S., and for convenience and travel retailers, burritos on the go have una especial place with foodservice offerings. Unlike ordinary burrito brands, Tres Picosos burritos are handmade, hand-rolled, and hand-wrapped. With eco-friendly kraft paper packaging and street art-designed labeling, Tres Picosos burritos exemplify authenticity, just like abuela used to make.

“We’ve never compromised our high-quality ingredients and recipes,” said Jane Hartgrove, founder and owner. Still today, Tres Picosos doesn’t add fillers or stretchers. The brand uses its original 3-oz specially formulated hot-hold tortilla and pairs it with 5-oz of delicious fillings. “This tortilla-to-filling ratio differentiates Tres Picosos, because we always want to offer the customer better food.”

Customers today are more particular about the foods they eat, Hartgrove added. “There’s a place for lower-priced items, but younger generations place value on getting a high-quality burrito for the right price, not just a low price. And they’re adventurous with bold flavors.”

Tres Picosos burritos rock the hot case. Retailers frequently merchandise them in the open air cooler, and also heat a certain number per daypart to merchandise in the hot grab and go display.

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During the quarantine, Tres Picosos expanded with new flavors, rounding out the brand portfolio with three flavors for breakfast - Bacon, Sausage and Western Breakfast; and five for the rest of the day - Picadillo Beef, Pork Carnitas, Chicken Fajita, Taco Beef and Chipotle Chicken.

Tres Picosos burritos are available nationwide. In the coming year, the company will launch five flavors in generic flow-wrap packaging for retailers who want to label burritos with their store brand. Also on deck is a larger-sized offering under the company’s Mucho Muncho™ brand.

Hartgrove is excited about el futuro, and is a committed brand champion. “I love Mexican food and culture,” she says. “It’s impossible not to smile when you’re wearing a sombrero and eating a burrito delicioso.”

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Novamex We may not be perfect, but we strive to be our best in the way we know how, through our products: Jarritos, Mineragua, Sangría Señorial, and Mundet, which are made with natural flavors and real sugar. We not only export products, we export our culture to the world. Each unique taste is a delicious slice of our Mexican heritage.

“Be Super Good & Stay Unique” aren’t just words, they’re a philosophy that we proudly infuse into our business. ¡Salud!

JARRITOS IS SUPER GOOD!

Exclusive Mexican flavors made with natural flavors make Jarritos a delicious fruit flavored, caffeine-free soda that is the perfect complement to your Mexican fare and favorite dishes. Served in iconic glass bottles since 1950 and available in 12 natural fruit flavors (mandarin, tamarind, fruit punch, pineapple, lime, grapefruit, passion fruit, mango, guava, watermelon, strawberry, and Mexican cola). As Jarritos has grown over the years, we’ve always sourced as much fruit as possible from different Mexican regions. We even have our own mandarin groves in Yucatán.

Also, the Jarritos Family has a complete range of beverage options for your store: bottled beverages (available in 16 flavors), fountain beverages (available in 5 flavors) and frozen beverages (available in 5 flavors). The Hispanic population and purchasing power in the United States is growing very fast. Jarritos is the #1 Hispanic Soft Drink with a 74% market share! Our soft drinks will make the perfect addition to your store.

MINERAGUA: LIFE, WITH SPARKLE

500 W. Overland, Ste. 300 El Paso, TX 79901

Mineragua is a refreshing, crisp sparkling water that allows a guilt free sensation of freshness. The highest carbonated sparkling water out there.

Our sparkling water packs in natural fortifiers like potassium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, and sodium chloride.

This perfect blend of minerals gives Mineragua its effervescent flavor and serves as a daily dose of life, with sparkle!

Ph: 915-594-1618 www.novamex.com

STAY UNIQUE WITH SANGRÍA SEÑORIAL

Novamex

Established in Mexico in 1960 and in the U.S. market since 1987, Sangría Señorial is a sophisticated, upscale change of pace beverage. Its refreshing and unique, alcohol free, fruity Sangría flavor makes it an anytime, any occasion beverage treat.

MUNDET, THAT’S APPLEMAGIC!

A favorite among Mexico’s beverage culture since 1902, Mundet is the #1 Hispanic apple soft drink in Mexico and the United States. Made with real sugar and featured in its iconic glass bottle, your customers are sure to enjoy our unique apple offering. Also available in Green Apple Flavor.

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Leaders in Convenience

Perfetti Van Melle IMAGINATION, TASTE & PASSION

Perfetti Van Melle is one of the world’s largest manufacturers and marketers of confectionery and chewing gum.

We’re always innovating and creating imaginative products and brands that are enjoyed in more than 150 countries around the world.

In the U.S., Perfetti Van Melle operates out of Erlanger, KY, where we proudly manufacture Airheads Bars and Airheads Xtremes Belts and Bites. We also package and distribute Mentos Gum and distribute Mentos Mints, Fruit-tella Soft Gummies and Chupa Chups.

Perfetti Van Melle www.perfettivanmelleus.com

IN 2021, PERFETTI Van Melle USA, Inc. took over U.S. distribution and marketing of the company’s fun, colorful and flavorful Chupa Chups Lollipops that already enjoy tremendous popularity around the globe. As the second largest Lollipop brand globally, Chupa Chups is excited to offer U.S. retailers new pack formats and most-loved flavors, including Cremosa Creamy Strawberry and Choco-Vanilla and fruit favorites like strawberry, orange, watermelon and more.

In addition to the delicious unique flavors, each Chupa Chups lollipop is like a piece of artwork, with its premium experience in wrapper design and shape. Many people already recognize the bright and happy Chupa Chups flower pattern package graphics, based on the iconic logo designed by famous Spanish artist Salvador Dalí.

In a short time, the Chupa Chups brand already ranks #8 among Total Lollipops on Amazon.com and is fast-growing in the U.S. Lollipops segment of the Non-Chocolate Candy category2. The U.S. is the top Lollipop market worldwide at 37% of total market value3.

We’re already seeing success with new retail customers listing Chupa Chups products, which is a testament to Chupa Chups’ rich heritage and truly global awareness. We’re happy to bring Chupa Chups lollipops to new consumers and have them fall in love with the taste and quality.

Chupa Chups are available now in the U.S. in a variety of formats including 25pc lay down bags with 2 great flavor assortments, a stand up bag featuring 240 mini Chupa Chups, and a 60pc drum display with an assortment of 5 of Chupa Chups ‘best of’ flavors. Consumers can find Chupa Chups, as well as other Perfetti Van Melle USA brands, on Amazon.com, select Walmart locations, regional retailers and convenience stores.

Source: Nielsen GT1, MAT ending DEC 2020 2 One Click Retail, Amazon last 52 Weeks ending May 16, 2021 3 IRI MULO+C Calendar Years 2016-2019, Latest 52 Weeks Ending 8/2/20

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Premier Manufacturing, Inc. Premier Manufacturing, Inc. distributes national brands such as Manitou®, Wildhorse®, 1839®, Shield®, 1st Class®, Ultra Buy®, Traffic® and Belmore Premium Cigars®. Premier brands are manufactured in North Carolina.

All of Premier’s products: cigarettes, RYO tobacco and cigarette tubes provide the adult age consumer with a high quality tobacco product at the very best value; plus they are guaranteed 100%.

Premier Manufacturing, Inc. 629 Cepi Drive Chesterfield, MO 63005 P: 800.272.8656 W: www.gopremier.com

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MANITOU IS A SUPER-PREMIUM CIGARETTE from Premier

Manufacturing, that uses 100% fluecured tobacco and is made with only tobacco and water. Additionally, Manitou cigarettes are made in the U.S., from hand-picked tobacco from the upper part of the stalk, which provides the best flavor experience.

While additive-free cigarettes are not safer than traditional cigarettes, many consumers prefer them because they feel they taste better or are more enjoyable for other reasons.

For convenience store retailers, it’s important to offer an array of options for shoppers—both for those who have a favorite brand and for those who are looking for their new favorite.

The tobacco in Manitou retains its natural tannins that create the slightly sweet, mild taste and smell of smoked tobacco, and is higher in sugar with medium to high levels of nicotine, all of which contribute to a superior smoking experience. Best of all, Manitou cigarettes are available in six different varieties, each offering a different smoking experience. This not only ensures every smoker has the chance to find the best one for their preferences, but also means interested

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adult smokers can try a variety before choosing their favorite.

Premier also manufactures and distributes roll-your-own tobacco, pipe tobacco, premium cigars, and cigarette tubes. Premier Manufacturing offers other brands such as Wildhorse®, 1839®, 1st Class®, Shield®, Traffic®, Ultra Buy® and Belmore Premium Cigars®.

More information on the company is available at GoPremier.com.

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Leaders in Convenience

PRICEVISION SMART LED PRICE SIGN SYSTEM

PriceVision, Inc. PriceVision, Inc. is a leading LED price sign technology specialist with the primary focus of addressing the requirements of the Petroleum Retail and Convenience Store industries. With operations located in Carrollton, Texas, PriceVision has been an industry leader in LED price signs for over 20 years. Recognized for originating change in both technology and the market structure of fuel price signs and control systems, innovation is our way of life! PriceVision was the FIRST to introduce LED price signs to the fuel retail industry and will continue to deliver industry leading solutions using the most advanced technology to meet present and future requirements.

PriceVision, Inc. 1505 Wallace Dr. Suite 140 Carrollton, Texas 75006 P: 972.770.0000 E: sales@PriceVision.com www.PriceVision.com

PRICEVISION’S NEXT GENERATION LED fuel price signs takes digital fuel price signage to the next level. Designed to light up your bottom line, these systems will give you peace of mind and provide the best overall value for now and well into the future. Featuring the industry’s most advanced SMD technology and design standards, PriceVision systems are literally Smarter, technically Brighter, and economically Better.

PRICEVISION SMART DIGITS® PriceVision Smart Digits® set the highest standard for performance and durability. The smart digits’ brilliance extends beyond their luminescence.

Each digit operates independently and is equipped with built-in intelligence to verify the performance of each one of its LEDs. PriceVision Smart Digits® incorporate impactful high-definition digit fonts approved by all major fuel brands.

EASE OF INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIVITY The PriceVision Integrated Plug-andPlay Smart Port® hub simplifies sign installations and support. The smart port enables intuitive, faster, easier installation and more reliable operation.

PriceVision offers signage mounting solutions to match every sign type and image requirement.

EXTENSIVE END-TO-END FUEL PRICING MANAGEMENT

PriceVision is the leader in Centralized Fuel Pricing Management. PV Fuel Pricing is a subscription-based Mobile/Desktop application which allows Fuel Pricing Managers and Operators to remotely push prices and confirm the integrity of the Fuel Pricing System from POS to Price Signs and Dispensers. PV Fuel Pricing is the latest generation of SMART technology developed by PriceVision. cstoredecisions.com

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SMART REMOTE MONITORING AND SUPPORT PriceVision’s remote price sign monitoring and diagnostics ensure your price signs are always fully functional. If needed,assessment for corrective service is performed remotely minimizing travel and site visits.

PriceVision’s real-time site information offers the ultimate control solution for centralized fuel pricing operations.

RESPONSIVE SERVICE AND SUPPORT Our products are backed up with a fast and efficient, customer-oriented help desk and technical support team.

We offer 24/7 support and next day parts availability. We offer warranty coverage up to 5 years for parts and field labor.

DOMESTIC PRODUCTION, FAST AND FLEXIBLE DELIVERY PriceVision products are proudly produced in the USA. We offer fast and efficient product delivery to meet your timeline requirements.

SEE PRICEVISION FOR YOURSELF Contact us today to learn more about how PriceVision’s advanced price displays and management systems can take your convenience store or fuel retailing operations to the next level.

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Primary Colors Corporation

Primary Colors Delivers Sweets and Treats Featuring All Your Favorite Characters

Located in Ashland, Ohio, Primary Colors Design Corp makes snack time fun! For over a decade, we’ve delivered sweets and treats featuring kids’ favorite characters, including Disney, Nickelodeon, Hasbro, Paw Patrol, Peppa Pig, Squishmallow and many more.

TODAY’S TREND-SAVVY CONSUMERS like to stay ahead of

Having in-house product development, art, logistics, sales and customer service teams, Primary Colors is committed to building retailer relationships that will grow into long lasting partnerships. We look forward to welcoming you into the family!

the fun curve. When it comes to their kids, that means inviting the hottest characters into everyday activities, including snack time. From Disney, Nickelodeon, Hasbro, Paw Patrol, Peppa Pig, Squishmallow and many more, Primary Colors brings everyone’s favorite entertainment brands to life in the form of fun delicious products the whole family can enjoy.

Our trusted brands are carried by the most recognizable names in grocery, convenience, specialty, mass, and department stores nationwide. Offering a product portfolio ranging from Cookies, Lollipops, Gummy, Marshmallow, and many more with retails from $1.99 up to $19.99 we have something for every retailer, occasion, or season.

Join us in keeping snack time FUN!!

Primary Colors Corporation 1191 Commerce Parkway Ashland, Ohio 44805

Learn how to join top convenience retailers in reaching today’s consumers with the trendiest characters and brands.

Ph: (419) 903-0403 Email: sales@primarycolorscorp.com www.primarycolorscorp.com www.crazymonkey.com

Crazy Monkey Granola Bites

PJ MASKS and PEPPA PIG TM & © 2022 Hasbro. © Disney

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Crazy Monkey Granola Bites are the perfect combination of granola and cookie and have become the go-to alternative for healthier on-the-go snacking.

12 incredibly delicious flavors are available in 7.5oz resealable and 2oz single serve bags. Unlike loose granola, these bite sized pieces are great for in-the-car or on-the-go

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snacks as well as breakfasts and desserts.

They offer 17g of whole grains per serving and are made with ingredients that are easily recognizable and found in your pantry. With customer comments like “The best granola I’ve ever had”, Crazy Monkey has transformed granola forever.

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Leaders in Convenience

ProAmpac ProAmpac is a leading global flexible packaging company with a comprehensive product offering, providing creative packaging solutions, industry-leading customer service and awardwinning innovation to a diverse global marketplace. ProAmpac’s approach to sustainability – ProActive Sustainability® – provides innovative sustainable flexible packaging products to help our customers achieve their sustainability goals.

Visit ProAmpac.com to learn more.

ProAmpac www.ProAmpac.com

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CONVENIENCE STORES OFFER

consumers a wide range of fresh food options that are easy to grab and enjoy on the go. However, consumers are looking for package options that keep food fresh, and are easy to eat from, heat, and carry. In addition, packaging sustainability is becoming a critical buying criterion.

To keep in pace with convenient consumption and sustainability, convenience stores should strive to offer easily recyclable packaging options to reduce package waste to landfill. In addition, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) offers the ability to extend product freshness to minimize food waste to landfill.

Filling the market gap for convenient, productelevating and sustainable packaging are ProAmpac’s fresh-food-to-go solutions.

EASY TO USE The hallmark of fresh food on-thego should be easy-to-use packaging.

ProAmpac’s packaging allows consumers to easily open, handle, and enjoy without food mess. Their HandRap™ offerings for hot and cold foods allow consumers to open the package while using the carton board sleeve to hold the product, protecting hands from hot food and reducing risk of getting food onto clothes. Next their RapTray™ includes an easy open solution and offers a neat food container for consumers. In addition to being easy-to-use, ProAmpac’s fresh-food-to-go solutions maintain freshness while also making a strong brand statement on shelves. The CSTORE DECISIONS I

ability to direct print on packaging helps to create a cohesive product presentation and reduces the need for additional labels or branding sleeves.

MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE (MAP) TECHNOLOGY ProAmpac’s MAP packaging extends the shelf-life of fresh food in a sleek and unified design with various customization options. With the world’s first hermitically sealed carton food tray, ProAmpac’s MAP packaging can be used in upstream food production, through the supply chain, and used by the end consumer.

The MAP technology can keep food fresh for up to 30 days (subject to trial) and is available in trays and sandwich wedge formats.

WIDELY RECYCLABLE IN CURBSIDE PAPER STREAMS Each product in ProAmpac’s fresh-food-to-go portfolio strives to remove avoidable plastics; use the least amount packaging possible; and be widely recyclable in curbside paper streams. By weight, the largest component of ProAmpac’s fresh-foodto-go packaging is paperboard from certified well-managed forests.

By combining packaging performance with sustainable innovation, ProAmpac’s fresh-food-togo packaging products help retailers offer consumers convenient and recyclable solutions that reduce food and packaging waste.

Learn more about ProAmpac’s Fresh-Food-To-Go packaging line at proampac.com/fresh-food-togo/ or contact us at marketing@ proampac.com.

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Procter & Gamble Making every day more than ordinary Our brands are trusted in millions of living rooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and bathrooms—and have been passed down from generation to generation. Over the course of 181 years, they’ve challenged convention, led innovation, and helped shape culture. But no matter how much we grow, we always keep ourselves grounded in our deep-rooted purpose, values, and principles.

We’ve done it for over 66,000 days, and we don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.

Procter & Gamble Company Visit www.pgconvenience.com for more information

VICKS DAYQUIL AND NYQUIL SINGLE DOSE- 1 OZ.

Stock new 1 Dose Liquid DayQuil and NyQuil. Order a pegboard display today!

Make space in your immediate consumption section for the new single dose DayQuil/NyQuil bottles.

Designed for the convenience shopper who prefers liquid on the go, this hot new product is the only single dose liquid in cold & flu.

Eliminates consumer concerns of product expiration with an expected margin range of 35% to 50%.

VICKS NYQUIL SINGLE DOSE- 1 OZ.

Same formula as Large size Nyquil Severe in a 1 oz., Single Dose.

NyQuil™ SEVERE delivers maximum symptom-fighting ingredients to relieve your ugliest, nastiest, roughest, toughest cold symptoms at night*.

TEMPORARILY RELIEVES COMMON COLD/FLU SYMPTOMS:

• Nasal congestion • Sinus congestion & pressure • Cough due to minor throat & bronchial irritation • Cough to help you sleep • Minor aches & pains • Headache • Fever • Sore throat • Runny nose & sneezing • Reduces swelling of nasal passages • Temporarily restores freer breathing through the nose • Promotes nasal and/or sinus drainage

VICKS DAYQUIL SINGLE DOSE- 1 OZ.

Same formula as Large size Dayquil Severe in a 1 oz., single dose.

DayQuil™ SEVERE Cold & Flu Relief delivers maximum symptom-fighting ingredients to relieve your worst cold symptoms.* TEMPORARILY RELIEVES COMMON COLD/FLU SYMPTOMS:

• Nasal congestion • Sinus congestion & pressure • Cough due to minor throat & bronchial irritation

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• Cough to help you sleep • Minor aches & pains • Headache • Fever • Sore throat • Runny nose & sneezing • Reduces swelling of nasal passages • Temporarily restores freer breathing through the nose • Promotes nasal and/or sinus drainage • Helps loosen phlegm (mucus) and thin bronchial secretions to rid the bronchial passageways of bothersome mucus and make coughs more productive VICKS VAPOCOOL SEVERE DROPS

We build brands whose efficacy is backed by clear, clinically supported data and are manufactured to the highest standards of quality and regulatory compliance.

We are committed to developing technologies that will step change category growth long term. We are investing in innovation comprised of new product forms as well as active ingredients that deliver faster, longer, better consumer benefits.

• FROM THE MAKERS OF VICKS: the world’s #1 selling cough & cold brand.

• COOLING RELIEF with a powerful rush of Vicks Vapors to soothe your sore throat.

• MAXIMUM-STRENGTH RELIEF: a powerful rush of Vicks Vapors with 33% more medicine.

• A TRUSTED CHOICE in Drops for over 85 Years.

• WINTER FROST Flavored Oral Anesthetic.

Trusted Vicks Vapors in a powerful drop! Vicks VapoCOOL SEVERE Medicated Drops with 33% more medicine* deliver a powerful rush of Vicks Vapors to soothe your worst sore throat for maximum-strength relief.

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Leaders in Convenience

Republic Brands The world’s leading rolling company, Republic Brands offers the largest and iconic brand portfolio in roll-your-own and make-your-own products including JOB®, OCB®, e-z wider®, TOP®, Largo®, “Bull” Durham®, DRUM®, Gambler®, and Premier® brands.

With a 200-year-old legacy, the family-owned, vertically-integrated company known for product innovations such as sustainable bamboo, rice, hemp and flax fiber papers and cones, natural acacia gum and internationally recognized ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 and GMP standards. Republic Brands offers the best experience from “Plant To Puff” by combining oldworld artisan quality with modern sensibilities.

Republic Brands

2301 Ravine Way Glenview, IL 60025

MAIN 847-832-9700 REP & ORDER INFO: 800-288-8888 www.republicbrands.com TWITTER @republicbrands INSTAGRAM @rollwithrepublic

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GET AHEAD OF Growth in RollYour-Own with Republic Brands.

Republic Tobacco is now Republic Brands, the world’s leading rolling company. Why the name change?

Republic Brands changed our name to better represent our wider portfolio leadership in the MYO and RYO categories. Our research shows us that adult consumers want more choices, and they’re increasingly seeking them from the convenience channel. With brands like OCB®, JOB®, e-z wider®, TOP®, Gambler®, Premier®, and more – Republic Brands provides sales-driving solutions in traditional and alternative markets that today’s 21+ consumers are actively shopping.

“The historic category shift we are now experiencing in the United States opens valuable growth opportunities and the ability to connect with consumers in new ways.” said President and Chief Marketing Officer Paul Marobella, who was appointed to his role in 2021. “This exciting

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new era in RYO and MYO is a growth opportunity for c-stores across the United States, which offers a unique one-stop-shop opportunity by offering the products consumers want – where and when it’s more convenient for them to shop.”

As a vertically integrated manufacturer, Republic Brands leverages its “Plant To Puff” supply chain with factories and paper mills upheld by ISO and GMP standards of sustainability, ethics and environmental responsibility to meet rising demand for RYO and MYO paper and accessories. Plant To Puff ensures this portfolio of brands reaches into a greener world with products that are contemporary, smart, and sustainable.

Building on its legacy of making and marketing OCB®, JOB® and e-z wider® plus RYO/MYO mainstays TOP®, Gambler®, and Premier®, Republic Brands is poised to lead the ongoing transformation in rolling products, accessories, and merchandise.

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Royston Group Royston Group brings together a collection of industry leaders to enhance your brand and increase sales. Royston provides modular fixtures and kiosks designed specifically to get the most out of your square footage. Southern CaseArts brings innovative designs to all your refrigerated case needs.

And SignResource will draw customers into your store with vibrant signage and graphics.

ONE COMPANY - THREE INDUSTRY LEADERS ROYSTON GROUP PROVIDES

everything you need to make your store stand out from the competition, inside and out. We can design, build, install, and maintain dynamic environments created to drive greater sales.

Whether you need customized solutions or standard catalog elements, we deliver coast-to-coast.

Royston Group ROYSTON GROUP PROVIDES

One Pickroy Rd Jasper, GA 30143

innovative ways to address challenges facing c-store owners.

Interactive and digital signage kiosks add convenience, not just for customers but for your employees. Kiosks can be utilized for digital signage providing targeted ads, self-checkout to help expedite customer purchases, contactless food orders, and HR functions such as applications, employee time clock, employee handbook, etc. The possibilities are endless!

P: 800.334.1766 E: info@royston-group.com W: www.royston-group.com

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Leaders in Convenience

S. Abraham & Sons, Inc. S. Abraham & Sons, Inc., together with its parent company, Imperial Trading Company is a full-line distributor serving the grocery, tobacco, candy, general merchandise, and food service needs of convenience retailers in seventeen states spanning from the Gulf of Mexico to the Canada border. Quality, Value and Service are the basic principles which have helped SAS attain its leadership position in the distribution industry. We continue to build upon these principles to help our customers achieve success. As a full-service supplier, our energies are directed to providing each retailer with the tools to build a flourishing and profitable business.

S. Abraham & Sons, Inc. 4001 Three Mile Rd NW Grand Rapids, MI 49501 P: 800.477.5455 W: www.sasinc.com

SOLUTIONS TO THE CONSOLIDATION OF VENDORS We have many programs and over 12,000 products that can be utilized to eliminate many DSD vendors, saving time and money.

SOLUTIONS TO FRESH, QUALITY PRODUCTS We offer several new and innovative programs that provide a variety of fresh food products.

SOLUTIONS TO MARKETING AND PROMOTIONS With numerous tools available, we give the retailer the opportunity to buy, sell, promote, and profit in every market, every day, for every season.

SOLUTIONS TO TECHNOLOGY Our customers have the opportunity to utilize an ordering app that can be downloaded on a tablet or cell phone. This allows the retailer the ability to efficiently order, track purchase history, view available promotions, electronically check-in invoices, and access a web portal to gather key store data, enabling the retailer to increase productivity and profitability. Another solution is a Customer Portal, providing online access to invoice document retrieval, retail price changes, item maintenance and general communications.

19 STATES

Stretching from the Canadian Border to the Gulf Of Mexico

PO Box 1768 Grand Rapids, MI 49501-1768 P: 800-477-5455

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Safecid Corporation Safecid Corporation is the leading innovator of “powerful yet safe” cleaning chemicals. Safecid products are patented, safe, and synthetic. Nothing else on the market has the strength of Safecid products along with a 0-0-0 hazmat safety rating. Our products will not burn the skin, harm eye tissue or lungs.

Safecid products are used by restaurants, breweries, beer line cleaners, grocery stores, hood cleaners, grill cleaners, military, hotels, and water parks. Safecid products are safe for people and the environment without sacrificing cleaning power.

SAFECID C-STORE PRODUCTS are

the answer to your toughest cleaning challenges. Take cleaning to a whole new level of STRENGTH and SAFETY. The power of Safecid saves scrub time, which saves money. The safety of Safecid protects your employees from dangerous chemicals, chemical burns and noxious fumes.

DIESEL FUEL RESIDUE REMOVER Tired of your diesel and gas pumps looking like this? Make your fuel islands shine! Deezy Diesel & Fuel Residue Remover is a powerful product that easily cleans your diesel fuel and gas pumps, tanks, hoses, nozzles, and concrete. Deezy is easy to use, highly effective, and safe for your employees. The best part? It’s as easy as spray, pause, and rinse clean with water.

Safecid Corporation 864 West Street Watertown, WI 53094 P: 800.407.1173 F: 262.565.2291 W: www.safecid-c-stores.com

KITCHEN DEGREASER Safecid Degreaser is a multipurpose kitchen cleaner that cleans and degreases cookware and kitchen surfaces. Designed to use in ovens, pizza ovens and microwaves, grills and grill grates, stovetops, fryer surfaces and surrounding area (not a vat cleaner).

Safecid Degreaser beautifully shines stainless steel surfaces and sinks, and is great at cleaning coffee and tea stains from equipment in your coffee service area.

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No more soaking pots, pans and other hard to clean kitchen equipment overnight. Safecid Degreaser is odorless and does not leave cleaning cloths with an off-putting odor like the leading degreasers do.

Our customers experience a 1-4 hour per day reduction in cleaning times.

Manage your bottom line with effective cleaning products that save time.

TOILET & URINAL CLEANER

Clean bathrooms are an effective tactic for customer retention. Keep your toilets and urinals sparkling clean with Safecid Toilet & Urinal Cleaner, and say goodbye to toilet rust.

Safecid Toilet & Urinal Cleaner eliminates germs and odors and easily cleans calcium, scale, and rust from toilets and urinals. Save employee manhours with no scrubbing. Safecid Toilet & Urinal Cleaner is an excellent solution to problem with water with high calcium and rust content.

No more scrubbing to remove rust and scale from your toilets. No more dangerous chemicals or noxious fumes that put your employees in harms’ way and jeopardize their health. Safecid Toilet & Urinal Cleaner is strong enough to easily remove urine stone from urinals and will not burn human skin or tissue.

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2022

Leaders in Convenience

Sbarro Sbarro is the leading QSR brand in the impulse pizza category, best known for their Original XL New York slices since 1956.

Sbarro has grown from one Italian Salumeria in Brooklyn into a chain with more than 600 corporate and franchise restaurants in 24 countries. Sbarro operates in venues such as shopping centers, convenience stores, universities and transportation sites.

Contact us to find out more at https://franchise.sbarro.com/

Sbarro 1328 Dublin Road 2nd Floor Columbus, OH 43215 Bob Cullinan 614-406-8120 E: bcullinan@sbarro.com W: https://franchise.sbarro.com/

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THE LEADING PIZZA-BY-THESLICE QSR brand has a fresh

approach to convenience. If your existing pizza concept has gone stale, or if you want to invest in an established brand for your c-store, Sbarro can add dough to your bottom line.

Sbarro’s not new to convenience— we’ve been serving handmade XL NY slices to customers on-the-go since 1956.

Our experience, economical business model, and position as the global QSR leader in the impulse pizza category, make c-stores a natural fit for Sbarro.

A FRESH APPROACH Foodservice is the fastest growing category in the c-store industry and produces the highest margins.

Sbarro not only optimizes the sales and profit potential within c-stores, it also attracts customers to your store for incremental fuel and retail purchases.

Sbarro’s appeal in “on-the-go” venues is due to our high-quality offerings. Our pizza is only made with fresh, handstretched dough, 100% whole milk mozzarella cheese and premium ingredients.

Our quality pizza and Stromboli generates strong sales and outstanding returns that will attract more customers to your stores.

So, fresh dough for them means more dough for you.

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OUTSIDE OF THE BOX APPROACH Sbarro doesn’t take a “one size fits all” approach. Instead, we customize menu offerings and site design to optimize sales and profit for our franchisees.

Menu recommendations vary based on site and market demand, including pizza, Stromboli, subs, Italian entrees, breakfast specialties and more.

Additionally, more than 60 years of experience in all types of venues allows us to get creative with location and site flexibility. Whether designing a 300 sq ft or 3,000 sq ft restaurant, our goal is the same—to provide a cost-effective, custom build that allows franchisees a quick ROI, store profitability, and menu variety to drive customer frequency.

Sbarro’s current global footprint in c-stores provides new franchisees with a turnkey program, and a new store opening process to meet fast opening deadlines.

It’s proven that concepts with high brand recognition draw more customers into the store.

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SHOPCO U.S.A. At SHOPCO U.S.A., we are dedicated to providing our customers with the best customer service experience possible. We take pride in our high-quality, versatile, and long-lasting retail merchandising systems which include; Metal Food Service Cabinets, Metal Sales Counters, Tobacco Fixtures, Gondola Systems, and other Specialty Fixtures.

Providing customers with the shortest lead time in the store fixture and shelving industry is just one of many elements contributing to our excellent customer service. It is this commitment to providing exemplary customer service, superior shelving and counter products, creative fixture design, and speedy lead times that have allowed SHOPCO U.S.A. to serve the C-Store industry for over 36 years. Come and Discover the SHOPCO Difference!

SALES COUNTER SYSTEM

The Sales Counter System is a unique component counter design.

Design your sales counter to fit your customer’s specific needs while improving the efficiency of your team members. Our Sales counters provide retailers with the ability to increase their merchandising space while maintaining a clean and organized feel at the checkout.

Increase your impulse sales with SHOPCO sales counters, available in Shop-Flex and 4D. METAL CABINET SYSTEM

SHOPCO U.S.A., Inc. Headquarters

7171 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. N. Houston, TX 77040 Ph: 713.934.2900 Fx: 713.934.2929 www.shopcousa.com

SHOPCO U.S.A., Inc. offers a full line of all-metal cabinets with options such as prep, low prep, beverage, condiment, waste, and microwave units.

These cabinets are ideal for quickserve food service applications in convenience stores and restaurants.

Our CAD team will assist you in designing your foodservice application for your store.

GONDOLA SHELVING SYSTEM

The Gondola System comes in a variety of all-metal lengths, depths, and heights to meet all of your

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merchandising needs. Choose from metal, smooth, pegboard, slat wall, and mini-slat wall panels.

Traditional or curved gondolas are available in stock and ready to ship in Black, White, and Beige. SHOPCO gondolas are constructed for quality and are powder-coated with electrostatic technology to ensure longevity.

TOBACCO FIXTURES

Introducing the latest innovation for Tobacco Fixtures from SHOPCO U.S.A. This patent-pending design features an all Metal Frame based on SHOPCO’s award-winning component system, aluminum lighted header snap frame (with lift-up and retractable capability), aluminum LED/non-LED internal snap frame flip sign (non-spring movement for long life), innovative Flex-Tray for Moist, Vapor, Cigars, CBD, etc. (adjust to make your own fit), 10 Column standard spring loads per two-foot fixture (versus 9 Column spring loads in competitive offerings), and much more…..

SHOPCO’s new Tobacco Fixtures are designed for a 20 plus year service life!

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2022

Leaders in Convenience

Sigma Foodservice USA Sigma Foodservice USA enables convenience stores and restaurants to serve their customer’s cravings with superior ingredients, business insights, and a collaborative approach to help their business thrive, now and long-term.

Apart of a global food company, we work to help local and national restaurants and convenience stores grow their business through innovative foods, quality ingredients, and solutions that lead to new opportunities.

Sigma Foodservice USA Michael Stremlau, National C-Stores Sales Director 5090 N. 40th Street #300 Phoenix, AZ 85018 Ph: 520.336.7559 Email: mstremlau@bar-s.com www.sigmafoodserviceus.com

Our portfolio includes a variety of prepacked and bulk cooked meats, dairy, and frozen entrées including Franks, Sausages, Corn Dogs, Burritos, Hispanic Cheeses and Creams, Roller Grill and Hot Box Solutions, Deli Meats, and Plant-Based Alternative Proteins.

HOT SAUCE FLAVORED FRANKS

Perfect for roller grills, our hot sauce flavored pork and turkey hot dogs feature the tangy, smoky, spice of hot sauce.

They’re gluten free and contain no artificial flavors, colors, or ingredients. Our 3.2 oz. premium pork and turkey hot dog is perfect for vendors or concessionaires, with 25 hot dogs per package and 50 hot dogs per case.

HONEY BATTERED CORN DOGS

Our sweet, honey-battered, crispy, breaded 4 oz. corn dogs are made with chicken, pork and beef hot dogs and are a convenient, on-the-go solution, with 8 corn dogs per package and 72 corn dogs per case. The classic honey-battered flavor will bring you back to the local fair! Perfect for vendors and concessionaires. Sleeves can be provided for easy transport.

HOT SAUCE & CHEDDAR FLAVORED FRANKS

Perfect for convection ovens, steamers, flat top grills, and roller grills, our 3.2 oz. hot sauce and cheddar flavored franks, made with pork and turkey, feature the tangy, smoky spice of hot sauce, paired with creamy, smooth cheddar cheese to help balance the heat. Our franks are gluten free and perfect for vendors or concessionaires, with 25 hot dogs per package and 50 hot dogs per case.

JALAPEÑO & CHEESE CORN DOGS

Our zesty, creamy take on the classic corn dog, with an infusion of jalapeño pepper that you can both see and taste, paired with cheese to help balance the heat, with 8 corn dogs per package and 48 corn dogs per case. Our 4 oz. corn dogs are a convenient, on-the-go solution, and are a great option for vendors and concessionaires.

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Smokey Mountain Chew, Inc. For more than 20 years, Smokey Mountain Chew, Inc. (SMC) has developed and marketed premium tobacco-free products to assist adult tobacco consumers who are looking for tobacco-free alternatives. Our brand is America’s Original and Best-Selling TobaccoFree Smokeless and has garnered multiple industry awards. We are proud to be considered the market leader and innovator in this fast-growing tobacco-free category, and we are thankful for our distributor and retail partners who provide us the space to bring “Better for You” and “Community Friendly” tobacco-free alternatives to consumers.

Smokey Mountain Chew, Inc. Ph: 800.762.2439 Fax: 651.462.4118 www.smokeysnuff.com

SMKY MTN IS closing out another great year and we are excited to share some exciting news for 2022. As expected, our NEW Wintergreen and Mint Pouches, launched in March 2021, have been a tremendous success so we are launching additional flavors in the first-half of ‘22. Doing so will align us, and our wholesale/retail partners, to capitalize on the ever-growing tobacco/nicotine-free pouch segment.

In addition to the expanded pouch line, SMKY MTN’s eight snuff flavors: Wintergreen, Classic, Straight, Arctic Mint, Cherry, Peach, Citrus, and Grape continue to be the products of choice for smokeless tobacco consumers who have reached their “it’s time to get off smokeless tobacco” stage. SMKY MTN’s flavor, cut, look, and mouthfeel emulate smokeless tobacco products, so they are extremely helpful fulfilling the “habitual” dipping sensation. Made with food-grade ingredients in an FDA inspected facility, all Long Cut and Pouch items are the perfect alternative dips.

Our Pouches expansion and continued distribution of existing items will have tremendous marketing support. SMKY MTN provides the strongest advertising support of any tobacco-free smokeless brand.

We have a national television campaign on Discovery, Outdoor, and the Sportsman Channel, featuring our partnership with Major League Fishing and our pro Josh Bertrand. We also partner with Major League Bow Hunters, starring Hall-of-Fame baseball star Chipper Jones (pictured) and former MLB pitcher Matt Duff. We also continue to proudly partner with Hall of Fame football legend Randy White, who has been a Smokey Mountain spokesman for more than 20 years.

Energize your profits with SMKY MTN Long Cuts and Pouches that deliver long-lasting great taste and are backed by our always fresh guarantee. For more information contact Adam Carr: acarr@ smokeyusa.com

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Leaders in Convenience

SPC Retail For over forty years, SPC Retail has been designing specialty fixtures made from post-consumer recycled plastic. Our team has a collaborative attitude and an energetic process that allows us to work side by side with clients to find a long-lasting, practical solution with superb value. Just as we rejuvenate old materials to make our displays, we’ll help you refresh and optimize your store’s layout and merchandising strategy.

SPC Retail 3401 Chief Drive Holly, MI 48442 P: 800-523-6899 F: 810-953-9440 E: zclements@spc-retail.com W: spc-retail.com

AN SPC RETAIL DISPLAY is modular

in design yet durable in structure.

With features such as no-tool assembly, weather-resistant material, lightweight design, and graphic integration options, our fixtures will help retailers quickly achieve their merchandising goals. Featuring various configurations and sizes, we have display solutions for indoor and outdoor merchandising.

OUTDOOR MERCHANDISING With merchandising space in-store becoming overrun with more products than can be displayed, retailers need to expand the sales floor by implementing an elevated outdoor merchandising strategy. By keeping products front and center, you can capture the outdoor audience and pull them inside for more add-on sales.

From small merchandise to bulk items, our versatile line of outdoor displays will allow you to organize and transform your selling space without sacrificing style. Choose from our platform, multi-tier, and mobile display configurations for maximum merchandising space, open sightlines, and product showcases.

displays that will capture attention from the second your customers walk in the door. Our small-footprint display solutions will fit into small spaces to organize and lift products off the ground.

LAYOUT & DESIGN SERVICE When you work with SPC Retail, you’re our top priority. From the moment you contact us to the delivery of your new display, our team will make you and your store the center of our attention. We understand that your retail display goals are specific and important. To meet those goals, we’ll collaborate with you to tailor our solutions to your needs. We’ll provide layout and design recommendations, narrowing in on our most valuable display recommendations that will work in your space to create a wonderful experience for your customers.

INDOOR MERCHANDISING When it comes to an interior merchandising strategy, an effective store layout and product organization is imperative. SPC Retail offers compact and brandable cstoredecisions.com

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Sprockets Sprockets’ AI-powered platform empowers c-store owners and operators to quickly stabilize staffing levels by revealing which applicants will succeed like your top-performing employees.

We generate a Fit Score for every potential hire based on the characteristics of your top performers before you view a resume. Our solution is proven to work based on average results of our end-users, including a 43% improvement in 90-day employee retention, 37% less time spent on hiring, and a 22% reduction in annual employee turnover.

43

%

Improvement in 90-Day Employee Retention

40/43 (93%) 40

3

MATCH. HIRE. RETAIN.

The power to be selective is possible when you match, hire, and retain the best c-store employees with Sprockets. Our hiring platform gives you the tools necessary to boost retention and allocate resources to other aspects of your business. We use artificial intelligence, natural language processing, and over 50 years of psychological research to predict employee performance.

analysis, discounted background checks, sourcing, and more!

50% OFF BACKGROUND CHECKS

C-store owners and operators can also hire with confidence all in one, easy-to-navigate place.

Check applicants’ pasts and predict their futures while saving 50% off background checks compared to leading providers.

Understand who you are hiring to reduce liability and avoid any legal issues.

WORK OPPORTUNITY TAX CREDITS

Sprockets PO Box 1555 Folly Beach, SC 29439 Ph: (843) 508-3027 https://sprockets.ai

HIRE MORE EMPLOYEES LIKE YOUR BEST

Our Applicant Matching System assigns your top performers a one through ten Fit Score which is then used as a benchmark for all incoming applicants. A brief, three-question survey reveals which potential hires share characteristics similar to your best employees. We’ll instantly notify you of a great fit, empowering you to predict applicant success without a resume and before an interview.

TECHNOLOGY FEATURES

In addition to our Applicant Matching System, Sprockets offers several features to further enhance the hiring process including Work Opportunity Tax Credit

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Easily humanize your hiring process, prevent bias, and gain overall diversity with Sprockets’ Work Opportunity Tax Credits. Our mission is to provide an equitable hiring process for all.

Sprockets reveals which employees qualify will perform like your best employees and WOTC, so you can provide opportunities to individuals who would otherwise face bias.

ENHANCED SOURCING

Post to popular job boards like ZipRecruiter for free and reach millions of job seekers without any additional fees. Save an average of $400 and increase applicant flow. Potential hires will appear in your dashboard with Fit Scores, so you can easily see which applicants will succeed and stay longterm. cstoredecisions.com

2022

Leaders in Convenience

Sunny Sky Products Beverage Solution Provider Sunny Sky Products is a Beverage Solution Provider for the convenience store and foodservice industries offering an extensive portfolio of licensed and in-house brands with the ability to create custom solutions for made-to-order and private label.

Beverage Expertise • Hot Dispensed • Cold Dispensed • Frozen Dispensed • Beverage Enhancers • Made-To-Order • Private Label

Sunny Sky Products 11747 Windfern Road, Suite 100 Houston, TX 77064 Ph: 877-235-6466 www.Sunnyskyproducts.com

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SUNNY SKY PRODUCTS is a

leading manufacturer of dispensed beverage solutions, specializing in liquid and powder concentrates for hot, cold, frozen, and beverage enhancer products. We measure our success by the success of our customers, which is why we pride ourselves on our commitment and dedication to creating, manufacturing, and delivering top quality products and customer service.

EASY-TO-EXECUTE SOLUTIONS

Sunny Sky Products produces a wide variety of on-trend, high-appeal and easy-to-execute solutions offered as core “everyday” products as well as seasonal LTOs. The Company’s products include: cappuccinos, hot chocolates, specialty coffee, fountain drinks, slushies, mixers, smoothies, frappes, energy drinks, juices, teas, sweeteners, and beverage enhancers.

CUSTOM BEVERAGE SOLUTIONS

In addition to the Company’s core product offering, Sunny Sky

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can develop custom private label solutions that meet the strategic needs of our customers, creating long-term trust and mutual benefits.

We have the unique ability to go from concept to finished product in as little as 4 weeks and are renowned for our attention to service and proactive approach to increasing our customers’ sales.

Our marketing team is here to help ensure the success of your beverage program by providing market research, consumer insights, machine graphics and in-store POS. THE COMPANY’S BEST-INCLASS production facilities are

fully certified and excel at plant audits, providing manufacturing solutions you can trust. We produce and package machine-agnostic beverage products with broad compatibility across equipment types to provide flexible solutions to our customers. Our extensive product portfolio is distributed domestically and internationally across five continents and over twenty countries.

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TransAct Technologies BOHA! With c-stores migrating from “cokes, smokes, and gas” to fresh food, new challenges popup. Like how to keep food fresh and safe, and how to make sure your fresh-food labels are FDAcompliant – which is now the law. We understand. We support you. We’re here to help.

TECHNOLOGY FOR YOUR FRESH FOOD PROGRAM BOHA! calculates exactly how much food to prep each day AND lets you print, on-demand FDA compliant, Grab ‘N Go labels. And that’s just the beginning. Learn about how our cloud-based system can help your C-Store with temp taking, refrigeration monitoring, task management, even inventory management and food production.

FDA-COMPLIANT LABELS. ONDEMAND. If you’re getting into fresh food, the law says you need FDAcompliant food labels. Nutrition and ingredient guidelines are now stricter – are you prepared? Printing accurate, clear, FDAcompliant food labels is one of the c-store tasks BOHA! does best. And our BOHA! Labeling app, working with the BOHA! WorkStation, makes it possible.

FOOD TEMPERATURE TAKING & EQUIPMENT MONITORING Avoid pencil-whipped food temperature logs and monitor your equipment temperatures 24/7 with a digitized temp-taking process. If temps are out of range, our BOHA! Temp app alerts you – instantly. Corrective actions are displayed, and staff members can resolve the issue to ensure food safety and HACCP compliance – plus prevent a potentially costlier food safety issue.

FOOD PRODUCTION Eliminate guesswork. Speed up food prep. Reduce food waste.

Our BOHA! Food Production app calculates exactly how much food to prep each day based on sales and inventory metrics, so you’ll never over-prep again. Employees don’t have to be told what to prep for the day – they simply check the app.

TransAct Technologies 2319 Whitney Avenue Suite 3B Hamden, CT 06518 Ph: 877-748-4222 Option 1 E: boha@transact-tech.com www.bohasolutions.com

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2022

Leaders in Convenience

Trion Since 1965 Trion Industries, Inc. has been a leading American manufacturer of retail fixtures. Based in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, USA, Trion produces over 90% of what it ships annually, right here. Product lines include Shelf Management Systems, the adaptable ZipTrack® Pusher System, Display Hooks, Scanning Hooks, Cooler and Freezer Merchandising Systems, Storewide Labeling Systems, Anti-Theft and Security Fixtures, WonderBar® Merchandisers, and POP Display Components and Hardware.

Trion’s innovation and engineering has resulted in more than 120 patents, and additional product growth for the company.

FOR OVER 55 YEARS TRION has proudly been the industry leading manufacturer of products that provide targeted merchandising solutions for retail business. Our long sought-after merchandising solutions come courtesy of American innovation and production.

ZIPTRACK® GRAB-AND-GO BEVERAGE SYSTEM Trion Industries has introduced the ZipTrack® single-serve beverage pusher system. Each product lane quickly adjusts to fit everything from skinny Red Bulls to oversized Gatorades, while consistently keeping each drink pushed to the shelf front for easy customer choices.

This durable, American-made system eliminates space-wasting gravity feed shelves and accurately fits your full shelf depth; from shallow display coolers, to the deepest rear-load coolers and everything in between.

Trion 297 Laird Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 P: 800.444.4665 E: info@triononline.com W: www.triononline.com

Shelf-based and cooler-ready, ZipTrack® billboards product for easy selection and fast sale. Lanes simply adapt to different sizes. Slide product front-to-back to ‘ZIP’ tracks together in final position.

Not just for beverages! Deploy ZipTrack® in multiple categories to showcase many different types of product from food, health, beauty, and more!

WONDERBAR® TRAY MERCHANDISING Sell More In The Same Space®!

Increase your SKUs by 20% to 30% in the same retail real estate. Our revolutionary Tray and WonderBar® Merchandising System is designed and manufactured with the most innovative accessories to increase facings, maximize visibility, enhance package billboarding, ensure product rotation and reduce shrinkage for a full range of frozen, refrigerated and general merchandise products. Easy to install and adjust, this complete merchandising system also ensures quick restocking.

This is a perfect way to showcase more products in existing space.

WonderBar® exceeds all of your merchandising needs on gondolas and in coolers and freezers.

Trion will help you optimize your display space, attract customers, increase sales and cut labor costs— and our products are built to last. No wonder we’re the industry’s leading manufacturer and supplier, with more than 16 million trays earning high praise from retailers and shoppers every day!

World leading display hook manufacturer cstoredecisions.com

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Van’s Kitchen Van’s Kitchen is a certified women and minority-owned egg roll company founded by Vietnamese immigrants who sought out the American Dream. For 35 years, we have been dedicated to creating authentic egg rolls with love in every bite. Van’s Kitchen believes that all people are Made to Love, and every egg roll we make is a representation of this.

Van’s Kitchen 4828 Reading Street Dallas, TX 75247 P: 214.630.0333 F: 214.630.0473 E: Sales.global@vanskitchen.com W: www.vanskitchen.com/c-store/

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AT VAN’S KITCHEN, we show

up every day with the purpose of empowering underdogs, outsiders and the ‘least of these’ to rise up, conquer challenges and fulfill their dreams. We do this by creating egg rolls that are authentic and made with love, just as our founders did in 1986. Our CEO, Theresa Motter has been recognized by several organizations for her inspirational leadership and community-centered business approach. We are also grateful to have been recognized by CSN’s 2021 Best New Product Awards for our Chili Lime Chicken 4-pack egg rolls. Van’s Kitchen egg rolls are a convenience store staple that fill the need for Asian grab & go cuisine. Shifts in the c-store market within the past year have prompted the need for our touch-free 4-pack egg rolls.

This offering meets retailer and consumer demand for safe and portable Asian flavor. Available in Chicken, Pork, Chili Lime Chicken, and Vegetable varieties, our 4-packs can be microwaved in store for immediate consumption or taken home and cooked in a toaster oven, conventional oven, traditional fryer or air fryer—making them versatile for consumer demand. To those who know us for our roller grill product, our classic Pork and Chicken egg rolls are also ready to roll when you are! Whether you are seeking to increase flavor diversity in your store with a touch-free option or if you are ready to restock your roller grill, we look forward to sharing our Made to Love egg rolls with you and your shoppers.

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Leaders in Convenience

VaporLax Mi-One® Brands, the creators of VaporLax™ and Mi-Pod®, offer all the top-selling VaporLax™ vape products at Mipodwholesale. com. VaporLax™ disposable vape products are the most trusted brand of high-quality disposables on the market. Based in Phoenix, they are a business built on integrity, transparency, quality and service. Their premium lines of VaporLax™, Sirius, and Draco are driving profits and happy customers to thousands of stores across the country.

MI-ONE BRANDS 4908 E McDowell Rd Phoenix, AZ 85008 Ph: 800.775.8970 E: wholesale@mipod.com www.mipodwholesale.com

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THE DRACO DISPOSABLE vape is

the latest innovation in disposable vape technology from VaporLax™.

The insanely popular Draco disposable is a game-changer being the best-looking, longest-lasting, highest-quality, hottest new flavors while also being the best value device on the market. There are 12 outstanding vape flavors available in the Draco line that were handselected by VaporLax™ to optimize sales. The Draco line includes the following flavors: Cool Mint, Strawberry Cream, Mango Berry, Mango Dragonfruit, Strawberry Kiwi, Red Grape, Sour Cherry, Luscious, Blue Lush, Citrus Lemonade, Peach Ice, and Mixed Berries.

The Draco vape is a rechargeable vape device with a new mesh coil that comes prefilled with 16ml of vape juice that utilizes a 50mg synthetic nicotine. The rechargeable battery in the Draco vape allows vapers to use every last drop of vape juice in the device. This allows vapers to get an estimated 6500 puffs on a single device, leaving every customer satisfied with their experience.

SLEEK DESIGN AND PACKAGING Not only is the quality of the Draco top of the line, the Draco has a unique design that incorporates a metallic finish with bright colors that match their flavor profiles. The eyecatching packaging for the Draco vape attracts customer attention at checkout because it comes with a transparent tube-shaped package that showcases the impressive Draco design.

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NO MORE DEFECTIVES Designed by renowned vape manufacturer, VaporLax™, this highperformance disposable vape has the industry’s lowest defective rate. The VaporLax™ factory performs intense quality control testing on each device before it leaves the factory, assuring each Draco disposable is ready to vape out of the box. Extensive quality control by VaporLax™ minimizes any issues that may arise with your customers.

FULL STORE MARKETING SUPPORT Carrying the Draco vape comes with unique point-of-purchase advertising for your store. Whether ordering direct or from a distributor, a variety of Draco Marketing Materials are readily available for free.

(Acrylic Display Case, Posters, Door Signs, Lanyards, and more) Custom marketing materials for your store or website are also available upon request (when purchasing through Mi-Pod® Wholesale) to help your business stand out from the crowd. Mi-Pod Wholesale’s experienced marketing team will work extensively with your business to ensure the new product launch is successful and profitable.

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Leaders in Convenience

Welbilt, Inc. Welbilt, Inc. provides industryleading equipment and solutions.

We connect food, people and equipment into a single kitchen ecosystem, with customized system solutions that are perfectly tailored to respond to our customers’ everyday needs. Our innovative products span across 12 product brands* and three service brands.

We are passionate about bringing customers the very best in foodservice solutions, perfectly tailored to their needs.

Welbilt, Inc. 2227 Welbilt Blvd.

New Port Richey, FL 34655 P: 877.375.9300 F: 727.375.0472 www.welbilt.com

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WELBILT MAKES IT easy for convenience store operators to deliver successful foodservice programs with equipment that offers accelerated cooking, customized work stations, ventless ovens, and pre-programmable, easy-to-use cooking technologies – all within a reduced footprint, making foodservice programs as easy to undertake as they are profitable.

At Welbilt, we have the product that’s the perfect match for your c-store needs. From that all-important morning cup of coffee to a healthy snack that’s fresh from the oven, our equipment can be trusted to serve up a taste experience that will keep your customers coming back for more!

Our 12 product brands* are carefully crafted to give you more flavor and more choice. From the latest healthy trends to that must-try coffee flavor - we’re there! Serve up warming seasonal beverages with our Crem range, wow customers with the latest innovative beverage systems like the FreshBlender from Multiplex and find the Convotherm oven that fits your space like a glove.

Our three service brands also deliver market-leading c-store solutions.

Customers are also looking for value at a low price point so foodservice operations must be extremely efficient to meet these expectations.

Equipment connectivity, through our Welbilt KitchenConnect brand, provides these efficiencies.

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KitchenConnect is a digital solution that enables operators to adapt quickly to an ever-changing environment, increase profitability, and comply with food and safety standards.

Now more than ever, resilience is key. So, if you need any aftermarket equipment support, Welbilt KitchenCare offers parts, services, solutions and monitoring. Our industry is changing faster than ever, and there’s no shortage of daily challenges competing for your attention. That’s why Welbilt FitKitchen, our fully integrated kitchen systems brand, is committed to keeping you ahead of the game.

We’ve been bringing innovation to the table for nearly a century so collaborate with us to find your next level.

Cleveland, Convotherm, Crem, Delfield, Frymaster, Garland, Kolpak, Lincoln, Manitowoc, Merco, Merrychef, Multiplex

*

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2022

Leaders in Convenience

Wenzel’s Farm, LLC Wenzel’s Farm, a Castleray company, located in Marshfield, Wisconsin is a premium provider of high quality, hand crafted, small batch meat snacks and products.

Tucked away in the heart of dairyland and still operating on the original farmland, Wenzel’s brought the craft of sausage making from Germany to Wisconsin more than 100 years ago. With dozens of highly prestigious awards, Wenzel’s takes great pride in crafting some of the finest, naturally hardwood smoked meat products available.

Wenzel’s Farm, LLC 500 E 29th Streeet Marshfield, WI 54449 P: 800.336.6328 www.wenzelsfarm.com

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WENZEL’S STRIVES TO PRODUCE “Real Meat for Real Life”. They know that real life calls for real, sustainable energy. The kind of energy that only high-quality protein can deliver. This is why they only use quality cuts of meat in all of their products—No fillers, corn syrup, binders, extenders, artificial colors or flavors. Known for their innovative flavor offerings, Wenzel’s has over 13 varieties of snack sticks, including the newest—Mango Habanero. These snack sticks are crafted in small batches using premium cuts of beef, perfectly seasoned and naturally smoked. Like all Wenzel’s snack sticks, they contain no MSG and are gluten free. Expanding on their snack stick success, Wenzel’s launched a premium line of Jerky products that not only taste great, but also provide “Real Meat for Real Life”. Wenzel’s

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Beef Jerky is also gluten free and contains no MSG or artificial colors and nitrates. The jerky is available in 3 oz. and 10 oz. sizes and a wide variety of flavors including original beef, peppered beef, teriyaki, and 2 new flavors—Smoked BBQ and Sweet & Spicy.

To see the complete line of Wenzel’s Farm products, visit www. wenzelsfarm.com. Wenzel’s branded snack sticks and other products are available in over 8,000 locations across the country and can be found in all 50 states.

In 2017, Wenzel’s acquired the Nick’s Sticks brand of snacks, significantly broadening their customer base. Nick’s Sticks utilizes 100% grass-fed beef and freerange turkey and chicken. These GrassFed and Free-Range offerings have flourished in Natural Foods stores and are now penetrating convenience stores as consumers are looking for healthier options in the channel. Nick’s Sticks are available in 6 varieties including beef, spicy beef, turkey, spicy turkey, chicken, and spicy chicken.

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Leaders in Convenience

Wild Hemp Wild Hemp was started in 2018

by Global Tobacco, the largest manufacturers of tobacco in Texas. Because of their decades of experience in manufacturing smokable products, they were able to create the first CBD cigarette in the world - the Hempette®!

This success led to Wild Hemp’s international recognition and dominant market share position in smokable hemp. Wild Hemp has now expanded into hemp wraps, paper cones, CBD cigarillos, and much more!

Wild Hemp 2861 Congressman Ln. Dallas, TX 75220 Ph: +1.214.357.6653 Email: hello@americajuiceco.com www.wildhemp.com

WHO IS WILD HEMP?

Wild Hemp is a brand rooted in CBD and smokable offerings – seeking to inspire wild adventure, spark wild imagination, and ultimately help you discover your wild side!

Every Wild Hemp CBD product is made with a broad-spectrum blend, creating an entourage effect - a phenomena of heightening potency caused by combining different cannabinoids. This quality is ensured in everything from our tinctures, to our smokables, and topicals.

However, many CBD consumers wanted a more economical option focused on fun and flavor - so we developed our sub brand Green Haze! Under this sub brand, we offer CBD gummies, CBD vape juice, and CBD tinctures using isolate, which is tasteless compared to broad spectrum CBD. This allows our Green Haze brand to focus on flavor, while our Wild Hemp brand can focus on effect and functionality.

WHY WILD HEMP DOMINATES THE CONVENIENCE MARKET?

There are three core principles that led to Wild Hemp’s national dominance in the convenience distribution networks: to develop products with high margin for both retailers and wholesalers; to develop products that capture the

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growing demand in hemp-based alternatives to tobacco as well as cannabis consumption in legal states; finally, to develop products that are federally complaint without having to enter any grey market situations.

That is why we have developed the first CBD cigarettes in the world, the first waved-edge hemp wraps in the world, and the first wood tipped CBD cigarillo in the world! Wild Hemp has also entered the paper cone, palm roll, and CBD vape market. These are all high margin products with high consumer demand and have less regulatory issues than both tobacco and THC products.

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2022

Leaders in Convenience

Xcaliber International Xcaliber International manufacturers the highest quality fourth-tier tobacco products available today, right in the heartland of America. With 15 distinct brands, ranging from cigarettes, filtered cigars and OTP, we proudly offer the most extensive product portfolio of any fourthtier manufacturer, meeting every conceivable customer preference or retailer request.

Centrally located in the United States, Xcaliber International’s products are proudly made in Oklahoma, USA, providing American jobs and the freshest, American-made tobacco products possible.

Xcaliber International 1 Tobacco Road Pryor, OK 74361 P: 918.824.0300 W: www.xcaliberinternational.com

demand. Xcaliber International’s product portfolio features 11 distinct fourth-tier cigarette brands, the most diverse array of such products in the industry. As customer trends continue to shift towards low-cost cigarette alternatives, Xcaliber International is particularly well-poised for the road ahead.

MADE BY RETAILERS, FOR RETAILERS- Given

ONE TOBACCO ROAD-

A fitting address for the nation’s premier fourth-tier cigarette manufacturer, Xcaliber International was founded in 2001 by a pair of tobacco retail veterans who observed a growing trend in customer demand: a premium cigarette experience at an attainable price. They set out quickly to achieve this goal, building a state-of-the-art factory that utilizes the latest in high-speed manufacturing techniques, with an emphasis on premium ingredients and materials, world-class quality assurance standards and testing, and a full range of compelling tobacco products. Nearly two decades later, Xcaliber International’s 250,000 square-foot manufacturing facility features 6 high-speed production lines, shipping out millions of cigarettes every day.

the retail background of Xcaliber’s founders, our core focus has always been on how we can make retail businesses better. Simply put, we aren’t here to tell retailers how to run their businesses, we are here to support their businesses with high quality, lowcost fourth-tier products.

Our contracts are simple, straightforward and easy to understand. For retailers, the low prices of our products mean less money tied up in inventory.

Lower pack and carton prices translate to higher basket totals from customers. Our products are also fully backed by a 100% guarantee: if they don’t sell, we’ll buy them back, no questions asked. Xcaliber International is truly your one-stop shop for fourth-tier cigarette solutions!

CHANGING CUSTOMER TRENDS-

While the overall cigarette market continues to trend downward, the burgeoning fourth-tier market is the only cigarette category experiencing increased growth. As a result, more retailers are taking a hard look at fourth-tier solutions to meet customer cstoredecisions.com

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PRODUCTShowcase

‘Extra Stuf’ Oreo Thins Oreo Thins will now be available filled with more ‘Stuf.’ Oreo Thins Extra Stuf cookies are crafted with nearly double the smooth creme sandwiched inside the crispy signature Oreo Thins wafer. Oreo Thins Extra Stuf is a new option for anyone who loves the crisp snap of Oreo Thins wafers but desires a bit more crème. These cookies will be a permanent addition to the Oreo portfolio, available nationwide beginning this month.

Mondelēz International

www.mondelezinternational.com

Triple Grape Swirl Cigars White Owl is launching its latest Swirl — Triple Grape — this month. White Owl Swirl: Triple Grape blends red, black and green grape flavors, perfectly complementing the triple wrapper.

White Owl Swirl: Triple Grape is available in a competitive ‘two for 99 cents’ and a ‘save on two’ format that allows for retail pricing flexibility.

White Owl Swirl Triple Grape will be part of the launch of an all-new consumer loyalty program — White Owl Bird Bucks, redeemable for exclusive White Owl merchandise.

SMCI Holding

www.swedishmatchcigars.com

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Multi-Sized Avocados Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A. has announced the arrival of Goodvocado avocados, its newest way for consumers to purchase various sizes of avocados all in one pack. Featuring avocados that naturally range from small to large, Goodvocado packs allow consumers to customize their use of avocados. The inclusive Goodvocado pack features avocados sized for all occasions.

From small, single-serving sizes to large, shareable ones, Goodvocado packs lessen the possibility of leftover product and ultimately help reduce consumer food waste.

Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A.

www.freshdelmonte.com

Custom Cans Exclusive to Texas Bud Light is launching the new Bud Light Texas Pack, featuring custom cans that pay tribute to the state and its people. The all-new pack is an exclusive Texas offering with the signature Lone Star of Texas displayed front and center. The new Bud Light Texas Pack will be available in 16-ounce aluminum bottle 12-packs and 25-ounce cans as a single can and a three-pack. Only available for purchase in Texas, the Bud Light Texas Pack will eventually become the core Bud Light product sold within state lines and expand the variety of packs available by early 2022.

Anheuser-Busch

www.anheuser-busch.com January 2022

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PRODUCTShowcase

Sugar Cookie Chocolate Bar Following the success of Hershey’s Kisses Sugar Cookie Flavored Candies, the new Hershey’s Sugar Cookie Flavored Bar features sugar cookie-flavored white creme and cookie pieces. With this sweet, sugar cookie treat, no baking is required. The Hershey’s Sugar Cookie Flavored Bar is 1.55 ounces per bar and has a suggested retail price of 89 cents.

The Hershey Co.

www.thehersheycompany.com

Eggnog Cocktail Jumbo Apple Jacks Snacks Kellogg’s is launching its new jumbo-sized snack innovation, along with treats from brands such as Pop Tarts, Cheez-It and Rice Krispies Treats. Jumbo Snax are nostalgic brands and fun-to-eat flavors that consumers love, now jumbo-sized for ready-to-go snacking anytime, anywhere. The Apple Jacks flavor will be available in early 2022.

Kellogg’s

www.kelloggsawayfromhome.com

Just months after unveiling the newest flavor, Chili Mango, BuzzBallz/Southern Champion is adding BuzzBallz Chillers Eggnog to its brand portfolio.

This cocktail is rich in vanilla flavor with the familiar hints of cinnamon and nutmeg consumers would expect from an eggnog cocktail. Although this flavor will be in limited markets, there is a large possibility this flavor will return next year with wider release.

BuzzBallz

www.buzzballz.com

Kool-Aid Fruity Chews With Hilco and Kraft Heinz’s latest partnered innovation, Hilco is expanding its line of Kool-Aid brand candy with the new Kool-Aid brand Fruity Chews, in the three most popular flavors. Kool-Aid brand Fruity Chews come in Tropical Punch, Cherry and Grape flavors, with the Kool-Aid Man’s likeness featured on each chew.

The Good Bag holds 1.76 ounces of candy. The suggested retail price is $1.49, and they are packed in a 30-count PDQ master case, with eight PDQs per master case/240 units per master case.

Hilco

www.hilcousa.com

Kraft Heinz Co.

www.kraftheinzcompany.com

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PRODUCTShowcase

Tropical and Citrus Hard Seltzer Variety Packs Sonic Hard Seltzer’s new product offerings are available in two variety packs, Tropical and Citrus, and offered in new slim cans. The Tropical Variety Pack features Ocean Water, Melon Medley, Mango Guava and Orange Pineapple.

The Citrus Variety Pack features Cherry Limeade, Original Limeade, Classic Lemonade and Lemon Berry.

Sonic Hard Seltzer is gluten-free with 5% ABV, 100 calories and one gram of sugar per can.

COOP Ale Works

www.coopaleworks.com

Two-Pack Chocolate Chip Cookies Known for its crispy, buttery cookies, Tate’s Bake Shop is releasing a two-pack of its treats, available in the brand’s signature Chocolate Chip variety. Launching in 2022, the two-pack Chocolate Chip Cookies can be eaten as an on-the-go snack. The cookies are easy to share with a friend and can also be eaten by oneself.

Sauté-Style Veggie Bowls Mann Packing Co., a subsidiary of Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A., is launching Nourish Bowls Sauté Style Veggie Meals, a warm blend of fresh vegetables, hearty grains and plant-based protein. The Southwest Chipotle has a blend of cauliflower, kale, sweet potatoes, kohlrabi and black beans, mixed with fresh chipotle corn salsa and cheddar cheese. The Creamy Roasted Garlic & Kale pairs butternut squash, kale, kohlrabi and brown rice in a warm, creamy roasted garlic sauce. And the Sesame Sriracha combines vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, carrots, kohlrabi, snap peas and brown rice, topped with a spicy sesame sriracha sauce.

Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A.

www.freshdelmonte.com

Tate’s Bake Shop

www.tatesbakeshop.com

CBD Water With Push Cap Technology Karma Culture announced the 2022 launch of Karma CBD Water, developed in partnership with Canopy Growth Corp.

Karma CBD Water features the beverage maker’s patented push cap technology, which protects the active cannabinoid constituents until seconds before consumption to ensure optimal potency.

Karma CBD Water will be available in five natural flavors: Cranberry Lime, Blueberry Yuzu, Blood Orange Papaya, Lavender Orange and Watermelon Dragonfruit. Karma CBD Water is infused with 25 milligrams of antioxidant-rich CBD distillate, plus four nourishing adaptogens and seven essential vitamins.

Karma Culture

www.drinkkarma.com 138

CSTORE DECISIONS • January 2022

cstoredecisions.com

PRODUCTShowcase

Delta-8 THC 750-Milligram and 1500-Milligram Gummies Enjoy Hemp launched new Delta-8 THC gummies, available in both 750 milligrams and 1,500 milligrams. Relief (Strawberry) blend of anti-inflammatory terpenes infused in Enjoy Hemp’s hybrid blend of strawberry gummies may help consumers with stress; Euphoria (Blue Raspberry) blend of Sativa terpene-infused blue raspberry gummies are intended to help users enter a state of euphoria; Uplift (Mango) blend of Sativa terpene-infused gummies in mango may help consumers with the perfect daytime or uplifting blend; and Relaxation (Pineapple) blend of Indica terpenes infused in Enjoy Hemp’s pineapple gummies may help users chill and relax.

Enjoy Hemp

www.enjoyhemp.co

Pepperoni Pizza Sunflower Seeds

Innovative Oral Sprays Charlotte’s Web introduced new limited-time oral sprays, launching nationwide this year. Calm Spray is lemon-flavored and comes in a 10-milliliter size, enough for approximately 100 sprays, with a $49.99 suggested retail price (SRP). The THC-free formula highlights CBD and CBG cannabinoids as well as botanicals lemon balm and ashwagandha. This helps support relaxation and ease normal stress and anxiety. Sleep Spray is mint-flavored and also comes in a 10-milliliter size, with a $49.99 SRP. The formula highlights CBD and CBN cannabinoids as well as botanicals valerian and skullcap. This helps support regular sleep cycles and more sound sleep.

Charlotte’s Web

www.charlottesweb.com

Conagra Brands debuted BiGS Sunflower Seeds at the 2021 NACS Show. BiGS is partnering with pizza chain Little Caesars to bring its ExtraMostBestest Pepperoni Pizza to in-shell sunflower seeds. These BiGS Little Caesars seeds emulate the meaty, cheesy, saucy taste customers can get when the experts at Little Caesars join forces with the big flavor experts at BiGS.

Conagra Brands

www.conagrabrands.com

Small and Efficient Glove Dispenser GripHero has launched the all-new GripHero 2 — its smallest-ever, most efficient glove dispenser, with more advertising space than previous models.

Overall 20% smaller, the new dispenser is a ground-up redesign, creating a sleeker, universally compatible and faster refill solution, reducing glove-refill replacement times by 90%. The new ATEX-certified dispenser is now compatible with a range of global nozzle types. The brand-new dispenser design is also available as a surface-mounted unit, for use on electric vehicle chargers, canopy stanchions and applications beyond the forecourt.

GripHero

www.griphero.com cstoredecisions.com

January 2022 • CSTORE DECISIONS

139

Classifieds/Ad Index Ascentium Capital

67

Lula Delivery

Chesters Chicken

83

National Bitcoin ATM

37

E-Alternative Solutions

27

NATSO

41

GOJO Industries, Inc.

89

North American Bancard

281.902.1931 / www.Acentium.info/Decisions22 800.646.9403 / www.chesterschicken.com www.EalternativeSolutions.com www.GOJO.com/C-Stores

GSK C-Store

Scott.F.Breisinger@gsk.com

7, 31

103

267.263.7197 / info@luladelivery.com 949-431-5122 / www.nationalbitcoinatm.com www.natsoconnect.com

140

866.481.4604 / www.nynab.com

NRS Petro

44

888.260.0112 / www.nrspetro.com

Gulfcoast

3

Perfetti Van Melle

Helix Innovatins LLC The Hershey Company

2

THE Premier Manufacturing, Inc.MOST AWAITED C-STORE EVENT OF THE YEAR! www.gopremier.com

45

Republic Brands

47

Ruiz Foods Foodservice

17

SPC Retail

46

727.449.2296 / www.gulfcoast.com

www.HersheySolutions.com

143

5

800.283.5988

Hoshizaki

81

www.republicbrands.com

Hunt Brothers Pizza

61

www.ruizfoodservice.com/tornados

www.hoshizakiamerica.com 800.453.3675 / www.huntbrotherspizza.com/csd

iDelta8

888.636.4670 / www.delta8vapeoil.com

Liggett Vector Brands 877.415.4100

Front Cover 19, 97

Mako Networks

15

Mars Wrigley

69

888.777.5413 / www.makonetworks.com www.mars.com

800.523.6899 / www.spc-retail.com

Swedish Match

800.367.3677 www.zyn.com www.whiteowlcigar.com

9 22-23

Swisher International

800.874.9720 / www.swisher.com

Welbilt Beverage

877.375.9300 / www.welbilt.com

144

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SUNDAY, MARCH 8:00 AM 1:00 PM – 7:30 PM 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM 9:00 PM – 12:00 A

MONDAY, MARCH 7:00 AM – 1:30 PM 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM 8:00 AM – 8:15 AM

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THE MOST AWAITED C-STORE EVENT OF THE YEAR!

TUESDAY, Moderator: 7:00 John AM –L Speakers: 7:00 AM – • • •

SUNDAY, MARCH 27 8:00 AM Save the 1:00 PM – 7:30 PM 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM 9:00 PM – 12:00 AM

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MarchRegistration NAG27-30, Hospitality Suite 2022

LA JOLLA NAG/YEO Board Meeting NAG Networking Reception NAG Opening Night Dinner NAG Hospitality Suite

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MONDAY, MARCH 28 7:00 AM – 1:30 PM Registration/Info Desk Open 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM Breakfast 8:00 AM – 8:15 AM Welcome/Conference Overview, NAG Executive Director John Lofstock and NAG Board Chairman Doug Galli, Reid Stores Inc./Crosby's

Developme Moderator: Jessica Speakers: Speakers: • Sorin •

For additional information, contact NAG Executive Director

cstoredecisions.com

8:15 AM – 9:15 GENERAL SESSION: BURNING ISSUE #1: JohnAM Lofstock at jlofstock@wtwhmedia.com.

Culture as a Competitive Advantage Culture is at the core of many businesses no matter how large they are. There are common traits in winning businesses that contribute to their unique nature: clear values.2022 Caring,• loyalty, humility and deep January CSTORE DECISIONS commitment to community are just a few of them. These characteristics often directly affect decision-making in the company and the way it treats its employees, customers and suppliers. Many businesses quite rightly view a values-based culture as a competitive advantage and, as such, it is fiercely guarded. Hear how leading c-store chains are building their winning culture.

Tony El-Nemr, Tom Robinson 8:00 AM – David Simend

• •

141

Jerome Hunsi Office Inc. • Rache Brian Scantla Business Plan 9:00 AM –H Tony Sparks,

9:15 AM – Lessons fro The impact nation's sup labor shorta predict the on how to d store retaile pandemic, guide their

IndustryPerspective

Security Strategies for 2022 CStore Decisions caught up with security expert Sean Sportun to talk loss prevention tech and trends — and the importance of moving away from “old-school” mindsets in 2022.

Isabelle Gustafson • Associate Editor

If COVID-19 weren’t challenging enough for convenience retailers, the start of the pandemic saw an increase in crime, said Sean Sportun, a security expert who’s spent almost 18 years in the convenience store world, 15 of which were with Circle K, leading the company’s Central Canada Loss Prevention Department.

“People, it seemed, felt very comfortable wearing a mask and coming into the store, (thinking) that their identity was concealed,” he said. “For the first month or so, we saw a peak in crime.”

However, the crime spike was short-lived, he said, thanks in large part to his stores’ extensive, handson employee training program, as well as some “very out-of-the-box” community-centric strategies, such as the now-famous positive ticketing and mural programs.

Through the positive ticketing initiative, Circle K supplied local police officers with coupons for free drinks, which could be given to youth caught doing something positive in the community. And the mural program started as a way for one store to solve its graffiti problem.

“It was a store that we’d (already) thrown everything at, from security measures of cameras and taking away escape routes and lighting — you name it,” Sportun said. “It just didn’t work. … We thought, ‘What if we engaged a local graffiti artist, the community, all the stakeholders, and did a mural?’”

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CSTORE DECISIONS •

Not long after, Harvard University took notice — and offered to fund the program for other stores to study its effects. Ultimately, it found the stores that implemented the mural program saw not only a reduction in crime, but also an increase in store sales.

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

Through these types of initiatives, Sportun said, they began to shift the way that security is perceived — as a department that contributes to the bottom line. Still, there’s work to be done in the way the industry views loss prevention and technology.

“Part of the old-school mentality is, ‘Video will solve the world’s problems, and artificial intelligence (AI) will solve the world’s problems,’” Sportun said.

“It will certainly help, but if there’s nobody there to investigate, then what are you really capturing?”

When it comes to technology, start with the basics, he advised: “You should have a digital video recorder (DVR) or a network video recorder (NVR) in your store. In today’s advancement of technology, there’s really no excuse.”

Be sure to retain at least 60-90 days of video, which means adding another hard drive to your DVR. Once that’s in place, other, more advanced forms of technology can be explored.

“GPS technology is something that we had implemented with ‘the tobacco tracker,’ installed in a covert manner, inside a tobacco product,” Sportun said. “When (robbers) come

January 2022

in and steal a whole bunch of tobacco, it automatically goes off, and that information is given within seconds to law enforcement. We were seeing a 100% apprehension rate.”

AI is another great tool to consider, not only from a security perspective, but also marketing and operations.

“You might not be able to do facial recognition so much in Canada,” he noted, “but from a marketing perspective? You look at heat mapping and where customers are going and product placement and all that. So why not use it? With the information you can get from that, you will only see an increase in potential sales.”

Wary retailers can rest assured that these types of tools, as they advance and evolve, will continue to become more affordable, Sportun said. But retailers must first be willing to shift their mindsets.

“If you want to reduce crime, you can’t say, ‘This is what we always used to do,’” he said. “Sometimes you need to challenge the old ways.”

Sean Sportun is a graduate of the Seneca College Law Enforcement Program, with two certificates on Leadership and Management from Queens University. He’s received a number of awards, including the Key to the City of Baton Rouge in 2005 and the 2016 Mission 500 Humanitarian Award. His roles include national director, strategic accounts for Canada, GardaWorld; chairman for the Toronto Crime Stoppers Board of Directors; vice president for the International Society of Crime Prevention Practitioners association; and member of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police.

cstoredecisions.com

ORIGINALS NEVER REST. The preferences of your adult consumers are always evolving so you need a partner that you can count on to help you stay connected to them. Swisher Sweets Cigar Company delivers a one-stop shop for the products, tools, and insights you need to satisfy your adult consumers and simplify your business success.

Please contact your Swisher Representative, call 800.874.9720 or visit swisher.com