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Welcome back, convenience store leaders! As we dive into the middle of the week, the industry continues to buzz with developments that can either propel your business forward or leave you playing catch-up. Staying informed isn’t just about knowing what’s happening; it’s about understanding the “why” and, more importantly, the “what next” for your operations.

Today, we’re dissecting 5 key news items from Tuesday, June 24th, that offer crucial insights into consumer behavior, innovative strategies, and competitive shifts. From in-store media to the ever-evolving beverage and foodservice landscape, these stories highlight trends you can’t afford to ignore. Let’s unpack them and turn insights into action for your convenience store.

1. Tune In: 7-Eleven’s Gulp Radio Revolutionizes In-Store Media

7-Eleven is on the cusp of becoming one of America’s largest commercial radio networks with its Gulp Radio, a partnership with Qsic. This in-store audio network, part of 7-Eleven’s broader Gulp Media initiative, is set to broadcast in over 12,000 7-Eleven, Speedway, and Stripes locations by the end of July 2025. Leveraging smart speakers and sensors, Gulp Radio delivers targeted ads based on location and time, even capable of “zoning” audio to specific areas like beer coolers. Early results show impressive sales lifts of 5% to 9% for advertised products, with short, direct ads proving most effective, especially for impulse purchases. This initiative is backed by 7-Eleven’s vast customer data from 100 million loyalty members, allowing for highly optimized campaigns.

Why It Matters to You: This isn’t just background music; it’s a sophisticated retail media network. 7-Eleven’s significant investment signals a powerful new frontier for engaging customers at the point of purchase. For convenience store owner/operators, it highlights the increasing value of in-store advertising and the potential to influence impulse buys through audio. It also underscores the power of first-party data in tailoring marketing messages.

Your Playbook:

• Explore In-Store Audio Solutions: While you might not launch a network the size of 7-Eleven’s, consider how targeted in-store audio can enhance the customer experience and drive sales. Look into plug-and-play solutions that allow for customized messaging and promotions.
• Leverage Your Data: If you have a loyalty program, analyze your customer purchase data to identify peak times and popular products. Use these insights to inform any in-store promotions, whether through audio, digital screens, or signage.
• Think Impulse: Identify your high-margin impulse items. How can you use subtle in-store cues, including sound, to draw attention to these products right when customers are ready to make a quick decision?

More Information: CStore Dive

2. Breaking Up is Hard to Do: Krispy Kreme and McDonald’s Part Ways

After a much-anticipated partnership that aimed to bring Krispy Kreme doughnuts to McDonald’s locations nationwide, the two giants are ending their collaboration on July 2nd. The primary reason cited by Krispy Kreme CEO Josh Charlesworth is that the partnership was “unsustainable” due to difficulties in aligning costs with unit demand. While McDonald’s stated the partnership met its expectations, it needed to be profitable for Krispy Kreme as well. The partnership, which had expanded to approximately 2,400 McDonald’s restaurants, faced issues with declining demand post-initial marketing launch and profitability concerns.

Why It Matters to You: This news offers a crucial lesson in the complexities of strategic partnerships, especially in the foodservice sector. Even strong brands can struggle if the operational and financial models aren’t mutually beneficial. For C-stores, where space and operational efficiency are paramount, this highlights the importance of thorough vetting and clear, sustainable terms when considering brand collaborations or co-branding initiatives.

Your Playbook:

• Evaluate Partnerships Critically: Before jumping into a co-branding or partnership deal, conduct a rigorous cost-benefit analysis. Look beyond initial excitement to understand the long-term operational impact, potential profit margins, and resource allocation required.
• Focus on Mutual Benefit: Ensure any partnership provides a clear, sustainable profit model for both parties. If one side is shouldering too much of the burden or not seeing adequate returns, the partnership is likely to falter.
• Assess Demand and Operations: Consider if your existing infrastructure can truly support a new product or service. Can you maintain quality, manage inventory, and handle increased traffic without compromising your core business?

More Information: Restaurant Dive.

3. The Reign of Chicken: QSRs Battle for Poultry Supremacy

The “chicken wars” are far from over; in fact, they’re intensifying this summer. Fast-food chains like McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Culver’s, and Popeyes are all doubling down on their chicken menus with new product launches and revamped offerings. McDonald’s is introducing McCrispy Strips and bringing back its popular Snack Wraps. Taco Bell is expanding its crispy chicken menu with new tacos and burritos, while Culver’s has updated its chicken sandwiches. Popeyes recently added chicken wraps to its menu. This surge is driven by strong consumer demand, chicken’s affordability compared to beef, and its perception as a healthier option.

Why It Matters to You: Chicken is king, and its popularity is only growing. While you might not be competing directly with these QSRs on every level, the overarching trend of strong demand for convenient, affordable, and versatile chicken options presents a clear opportunity for convenience stores. Your customers are already looking for quick meal solutions, and chicken fits the bill perfectly.

Your Playbook:

• Assess Your Chicken Offerings: Do you have a robust chicken program? This could include fried chicken, chicken tenders, or chicken sandwiches. Consider expanding your menu to include more variety and innovative flavors.
• Prioritize Quality and Freshness: Consumers are increasingly discerning. Invest in high-quality chicken products and ensure consistent preparation. Freshness, especially for grab-and-go items, is key.
• Highlight Value: Leverage chicken’s affordability. Promote deals on chicken items, especially in value combos, to attract budget-conscious customers.
• Innovate with Sauces and Customization: QSRs are winning with diverse sauce options. Think about offering a variety of sauces or even a “build-your-own” option for chicken items to enhance the customer experience.

More Information: Restaurant Dive.

4. QuikTrip’s Bevolution: Elevating the Dispensed Beverage Experience

QuikTrip is embarking on a “Bevolution,” a significant overhaul of its self-serve beverage program across all its markets in 21 states, expected to be complete by summer 2026. This initiative includes new digital fountain drink machines offering over 40 flavors and allowing for easier limited-time and seasonal offers. The updated tea machines, which won a 2025 Kitchen Innovation award, provide various teas with adjustable sweetness and zero-sugar options. New frozen drink machines will dispense four different flavors from a single barrel. QuikTrip aims to be a dominant beverage destination, offering greater consistency and customization options, and reducing crowding at peak times.

Why It Matters to You: Dispensed beverages are a huge traffic driver and profit center for convenience stores. QuikTrip’s “Bevolution” demonstrates a commitment to innovation in this crucial category. Their focus on variety, customization, ease of use, and a premium experience sets a new bar. If your beverage program feels stagnant, this is a clear signal to rethink your strategy.

Your Playbook:

• Evaluate Your Beverage Program: When was the last time you invested in your fountain, coffee, tea, and frozen beverage offerings? Are your machines modern, clean, and user-friendly?
• Focus on Variety and Customization: Customers crave choices. Can you offer more flavor options, different types of teas (beyond just black), or innovative frozen drink combinations? Consider digital interfaces that make customization easier.
• Enhance the Customer Experience: Think about flow and efficiency during peak times. Can you reduce lines or improve the speed of service at your beverage stations?
• Promote New Offerings: When you upgrade your beverage program, don’t keep it a secret! Promote new flavors, seasonal specials, and customization options through in-store signage, digital displays, and social media.

More Information: CSP Daily News.

5. Beyond the Brew: Building Equity on More Than Just Coffee

A new study by Westrock Coffee Company highlights that beverages are the top reason consumers visit convenience stores, outperforming snacks and fuel as traffic drivers. Over 80% of c-store visitors make quick beverage purchases, often driven by habit, and more than half know what they want before entering. The study emphasizes that while routine drives daily consumption, cravings inspire specific purchases. It also points to a rising consumer demand for customizable, premium coffee, urging c-stores to close the quality gap with QSRs. The implication is clear: while coffee is crucial, building long-term equity means capitalizing on the overall beverage draw and delivering consistent quality and variety.

Why It Matters to You: This reinforces a critical truth: your beverage program is not just an add-on; it’s a cornerstone of your business. It drives traffic and influences other purchases. “Building equity” isn’t just about the perceived value of your coffee; it’s about the overall experience and how it encourages repeat visits. Neglecting your beverage offerings means missing out on significant opportunities for sustained growth and customer loyalty.

Your Playbook:

• Prioritize Your Beverage Aisle: Recognize your beverage station as a primary magnet for customers. Ensure it’s always clean, well-stocked, and efficiently managed.
• Invest in Quality Coffee: While budget options are important, don’t shy away from offering premium coffee choices and customizable features. Can you offer more than just a basic brew? Think about bean quality, brewing methods, and flavorings.
• Understand Purchase Motivations: Differentiate between habitual purchases and craving-driven buys. Ensure your core offerings are consistent and reliable for daily regulars, while also introducing exciting, limited-time options to satisfy those impulse cravings.
• Cross-Promote with Food: Since beverages drive traffic, strategize cross-promotions with your foodservice items. A strong coffee program can lead to increased sales of breakfast sandwiches, pastries, or other grab-and-go meals.

More Information: Coffee Intelligence.

The Bottom Line: Your Competitive Edge

The convenience store industry is dynamic, and these five news items from June 24th offer a snapshot of the trends shaping our future. From innovative in-store marketing to the strategic dance of partnerships and the unwavering demand for quality beverages and chicken, the message is clear: adaptation and innovation are key.

By acting on these insights, you’re not just reacting to the market; you’re actively shaping your competitive advantage. Keep your finger on the pulse, be willing to experiment, and always put your customer experience at the forefront. Your proactive approach today will define your success tomorrow.