Well we made it to Saturday and what a week it’s been! Whether you’re sipping on your favorite coffee or gearing up for the weekend rush, we’ve got the latest buzz from the convenience world to fuel your day. From ambitious expansion plans to innovative tech upgrades, there’s no shortage of excitement. So, grab your favorite pick-me-up and let’s dive into the 5 stories I found of interest for Friday March 28th 2025 that could shape your business.
1. Dutch Bros’ Double Down: Big Expansion Plans
Dutch Bros is dreaming big, doubling their store count by 2029! With plans to reach over 2,000 locations nationwide, this drive-thru coffee giant is reshaping the beverage landscape. The company’s growth strategy includes opening around 250 stores annually—an ambitious leap that demonstrates the increasing popularity of drive-thru beverage concepts.
As Dutch Bros expands its footprint, c-stores may face increased competition—or find opportunities for collaboration. Do you see drive-thru coffee shops as a challenge or a partner in attracting customers? How can you leverage this trend to enhance your own beverage offerings?
Takeaway: Drive-thru coffee chains are booming—how can c-stores innovate to stay competitive?
Source: Restaurant Dive, Investing.com
2. Forecourt Futures: The Numbers Game
Gasoline sales are declining, EV adoption is rising, and forecourts are evolving fast! A recent report highlights how electric vehicle charging stations are becoming essential for convenience stores looking to future-proof their operations. With more consumers driving EVs, having charging infrastructure might soon become a must-have for c-store operators.
Are you ready to meet the demands of EV drivers? What steps are you taking to integrate EV charging into your forecourt strategy?
Takeaway: Investing in EV infrastructure now could pay off as customer needs shift.
Source: C-Store Dive
3. TXB’s Tech Upgrade and Expansion Blitz
TXB (Texas Born) is making big moves by upgrading its technology while planning to double its store count across Texas and Oklahoma. The company has partnered with Mako Networks to implement cutting-edge infrastructure that ensures faster transactions, fewer outages, and seamless customer experiences. This tech revamp supports TXB’s ambitious growth plans of expanding from 53 to over 100 locations.
What tech upgrades are on your radar? Are you focusing on improving checkout speed, enhancing customer engagement, or optimizing back-end operations?
Takeaway: Seamless transactions aren’t just about speed—they’re about building trust with your customers.
Source: C-Store Dive
4. Toshiba’s Checkout Tech: Streamlining Customer Experience
Checkout technology is getting smarter—and faster! Toshiba’s solutions focus on creating frictionless customer experiences with features like produce recognition and customizable payment options. In today’s fast-paced world, efficient checkout systems can make all the difference in customer loyalty.
How are you improving checkout efficiency? Are you exploring new payment methods or optimizing your existing systems to reduce wait times?
Takeaway: A quick checkout keeps customers happy—and coming back for more.
Source: Toshiba Commerce
5. The Non-Alcoholic Brew Boom
Non-alcoholic beers are trending big time! Brands like Molson Coors and Athletic Brewing are leading innovation in this space as more consumers opt for alcohol-free options. This shift offers c-stores a chance to diversify their beverage offerings and attract health-conscious shoppers looking for flavorful alternatives without the buzz.
Are non-alcoholic brews flying off shelves at your stores? How do you plan to capitalize on this growing demand?
Takeaway: Alcohol-free doesn’t mean flavor-free—tap into this growing market to expand your beverage selection.
Source: Food Dive
The Bottom Line
From Dutch Bros’ ambitious plans to Toshiba’s cutting-edge tech and the rise of non-alcoholic brews, there’s plenty happening in the c-store world right now! Staying ahead means adapting quickly. What trends are you watching closely? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going. Have an amazing weekend!
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