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Good morning, convenience store pros!

Hope you had a good start to the week. It’s Tuesday, May 6th, 2025, and we’re here to give you a quick rundown of the convenience store news that caught our attention on Monday, May 5th. Keeping a pulse on the industry helps us all stay ahead of the curve, so let’s dive into what’s happening!

Big Moves and Smart Ideas

Yesterday’s news brought us a mix of major corporate maneuvers and practical ideas you can potentially “steal” for your own store. From significant acquisitions shaping the landscape to focusing on seasonal menus and leveraging educational resources, there’s plenty to think about.

What Grabbed Our Attention Yesterday

Here are the highlights from the news feed on May 5th:

• Sunoco’s Big Buy: Sunoco is making a major splash by acquiring Parkland in a deal valued at $9.1 billion. This move brings Parkland’s fuel and refinery business, plus thousands of retail sites across North America, under the Sunoco umbrella. It even sees Sunoco getting back into the retail game more significantly after selling off assets a few years back. This kind of consolidation at the top can have ripple effects throughout the supply chain and competitive landscape, something worth keeping an eye on. Check it out.
• Shell and BP Merger Rumors: Speaking of big moves, reports are circulating that Shell might be considering a massive merger with BP. While just discussions at this point, a deal of this magnitude would be a huge shakeup in the global oil industry and, by extension, the fuel retail and convenience sector. It highlights the constant drive for scale and efficiency among the giants. See the story.
• Steal This Foodservice Idea: CSP Daily News had a great “Steal This Idea” piece focused on crafting summer foodservice specials. As the weather warms up and travel increases, having appealing seasonal offerings is key. The article likely offered practical tips on developing limited-time offers (LTOs), highlighting fresh ingredients, or creating bundled deals that resonate with summer customers. What kind of unique summer treats or meals could you introduce in your store? Read more about it.
• QuickChek’s Summer Menu: QuickChek is already rolling out its summer menu, featuring new subs, a unique Nerds cookie, afternoon latte deals, and refreshing drinks like shake mashups and colada smoothies. They emphasize fresh, often local ingredients and unique flavor combinations (like Ube Vanilla coffee!). This is a tangible example of a chain implementing the idea of seasonal specials and focusing on quality and novelty to attract customers. See the article.
• Pilot Co. Gets a New Brand Leader: Pilot Co. has hired Kari Irons, with a strong background from Topgolf and Journeys, as their new VP of Brand. This hire signals Pilot’s commitment to evolving its brand image and customer experience, especially as they continue their $1 billion New Horizons store upgrade initiative. It shows the importance placed on brand identity and marketing expertise in the competitive travel center and convenience space. See more here.
• Bonus: NACS Webinars: Don’t forget about the resources available to you! NACS is offering complimentary webinars covering a range of crucial topics for convenience store operators – from food safety and security systems to preventing human trafficking and understanding retail loss. These are valuable opportunities to gain knowledge from experts and stay informed on best practices without leaving your store. Make time for learning!

Bringing It Back to Your Store

These headlines, whether about multi-billion dollar deals or creative summer menus, all offer insights into the dynamics of our industry. The big mergers show the direction of major players, while the focus on foodservice innovation and leveraging educational resources like NACS webinars provide actionable ideas and support for your own business growth and operational excellence.

What are your plans for summer specials? Have you utilized NACS webinars before? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Stay informed and keep up the great work!