At Your Convenience

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Diane Adam talks to Josie Johnson, manager of 36 Lyn Refuel Station in South Minneapolis. On this podcast, recorded March 25 at the CSP Cannabis Forum in Lombard, Illinois, Johnson, who is a member of CSP's C-Store Cannabis Board, discusses being a c-store retailer who carries hemp-THC products. Minnesota was the first state in the country to legalize products containing hemp-THC.Read more from CSP: https://www.cspdailynews.com/

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Executive Editor Hannah Hammond talks to Dr. Thomas Weinandy, principal research economist at Upside.The two discussed the conflict in Iran and how measures like the Jones Act waiver are aiming to help supply chain disruptions in the oil market. Weinandy also shared how events abroad are affecting U.S. fuel prices—and how consumers are responding at convenience stores and gas stations. “At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Chuck Ulie talks with Matt Van Gilder, vice president of omnichannel at Des Moines, Iowa-based consulting firm NexChapter, which helps retailers with loyalty, retail media and digital commerce strategy.Their discussion focuses on foodservice and e-commerce, including how the digital channel is the new front door of the convenience store and one of the primary ways customers find a business and its offerings.On this podcast, Van Gilder discusses the advantages the digital channel brings when it comes to communicating and how convenience stores are approaching 30% of transactions for foodservice through digital channels. He also talks about how retailers must do more than just build a digital platform—they must plan to grow it.

This episode of “At Your Convenience” is part two of CSP’s conversations with the 2026 Category Manager of the Year (CMOY) finalists. Listen to part one here.Finalists were named in seven categories: behind the counter, center store, dispensed beverages, foodservice, loyalty + tech/operations, nonalcohol and alcohol. And winners were announced during CSP’s Convenience Retailing University event, which took place Feb. 24-26 in Austin, Texas. At the event, the finalists stopped by CSP’s podcast booth to answer three questions about category management. Here are some of their responses.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Diane Adam talks to Matt Hautau, vice president of merchandising of Core-Mark, a wholesale distributor to the convenience channel based in Westlake, Texas. In this podcast, recorded Feb. 11 at the Core-Mark Midwest Expo in Indianapolis, Hautau unpacks the latest in consumer behavior and how Core-Mark works with vendors and suppliers to get the right products to store. He also discusses the importance of data when it comes to what’s a hit or a miss in the c-store channel.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP talks with the 2026 Category Manager of the Year finalists. Finalists were named in seven categories: behind the counter, center store, dispensed beverages, foodservice, loyalty + tech/operations, nonalcohol and alcohol. And winners were announced during CSP’s Convenience Retailing University event, which took place Feb. 24-26 in Austin, Texas. At the event, the finalists stopped by CSP’s podcast booth to answer three questions about category management. Here are some of their responses. Look out for part two, coming out March 24. 

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Executive Editor Hannah Hammond talks to Kevin Smartt, the CEO of Spicewood, Texas-based TXB. The two spoke on Wednesday during CSP’s Convenience Retailing University event in Austin, Texas. Smartt talked about how Kwik Chek transformed to TXB, or Texas Born, in 2020, how the chain maintains its brand, how it has expanded its foodservice over the years and more.  

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Executive Editor Hannah Hammond talks to Annie Gauthier, the CFO and co-CEO of St. Romain Oil Co. and the National Association of Convenience Stores chairman. Gauthier is a third-generation co-owner of the Mansura, Louisiana-based company, which operates 15 Y-Not Stop convenience stores. She started her tenure as NACS chairman in October. In this podcast, Gauthier shares how her first few months in the role have been as NACS welcomes new CEO Frank Gleeson, as well as her advice to women—or anyone—looking to advance in this industry. 

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” Parker’s Kitchen Founder and Executive Chairman Greg Parker speaks with CSP Editor Diane Adam about the c-store chain reaching its 50-year milestone in 2026.Parker reflects on how the Savannah, Georgia-based retailer has grown over the years and outlines plans to expand the Parker’s footprint. He also discusses the company’s first-ever name, image and likeness (NIL) partnership with Georgia Southern football standout Davion “Chewy” Rhodes, who shares the same nickname as the convenience-store company’s iconic mascot. 

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP’s Vice President of Content Strategy Abbey Lewis talks with Jake Kiser, retail general manager at PAR Retail, about how artificial intelligence is reshaping loyalty and customer engagement. Kaiser explains why embedding AI into systems—not bolting it on—is critical for delivering real value. He emphasizes the importance of setting measurable goals such as improving efficiency or accelerating innovation to separate AI hype from reality and ensure tools deliver tangible results.Kaiser thinks that AI’s biggest initial impact will be in data and insights. Retailers can now interact with massive datasets conversationally, gaining instant answers to questions like, “Which stores performed best last week?” This eliminates the need for complex queries or lengthy reporting, empowering marketers to make faster data-driven decisions that enhance customer engagement and operational efficiency.The cost of delaying AI adoption is steep, Kaiser said. Platforms that fail to embrace AI risk becoming obsolete while retailers who hesitate will miss opportunities to innovate. To prepare, Kaiser advises pushing teams to use AI tools daily and asking loyalty providers tough questions about their AI capabilities. Acting now will give retailers a competitive edge in an AI-driven future. To hear more, please listen to the entire podcast above. “At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Chuck Ulie talks with Philip Santini, senior director of food service and bar strategy at York, Pennsylvania-based Rutter’s. They discuss the importance of limited-time offers in convenience-store foodservice.On this podcast, Santini talks about the research Rutter’s conducts, the importance of feedback from employees, cross-utilizing products and more.“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.

In a recent episode of the “At Your Convenience” podcast, CSP’s Abbey Lewis hosted Heather Potter, Reynolds American trade marketing account executive for Casey’s, and Joi Notice-Brooks, senior manager of trade marketing at Reynolds American, for a discussion on trade marketing and its impact on convenience retail. The conversation explores how Reynolds’ trade marketing team bridges the gap between commercial strategies and retail execution, ensuring seamless product launches and effective category management.The conversation highlights the evolution of the nicotine category, including the rapid growth of modern oral products and the importance of innovation in meeting adult consumer preferences. They also share key success factors from Reynolds’ partnership with Casey’s, emphasizing collaboration, transparency and data-driven strategies to drive sustainable growth and enhance in-store experiences.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Rachel Gignac talks to Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy and vice president of media relations, communications and consumer programs for PDI.De Haan unpacks recent developments in the U.S.–Venezuela relationship and what a potential return of Venezuelan crude could mean for the U.S. oil market. He breaks down the implications for fuel supply, refinery operations and gas prices, while offering practical insight into what convenience-store retailers should be watching in the months ahead.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Chuck Ulie talks with Michelle Weckstein, director of food and beverage brands for Southwest Georgia Oil Co., Bainbridge, Georgia, which operates the SunStop convenience-store chain. They discuss how GLP-1 drugs used for weight loss are affecting the demand for items with protein at convenience stores.On this podcast, Weckstein also talks about how SunStop recognized the GLP-1 diet phenomenon early on—and how her company feels that this is a trend that’s going to be around for a while.⁠Click here to learn more about our CRU event!

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Rachel Gignac talks to Aisha Khan, head of growth at Shahani Inc., Branford, Connecticut. The two spoke at CSP’s Forecourt Forum, which took place Dec. 1-3 in Scottsdale, Arizona.Khan is part of the second generation behind Shahani, a family-owned forecourt company. Its core business, Shahani, focuses on branded fuel and forecourt operations, while the fuel supply division manages dealer partnerships and distribution. Shahani Solutions handles site maintenance and environmental compliance, and the company also operates a fuel hauling and transportation service. A proprietary artificial intelligence (AI)-powered maintenance and operations app streamlines site management, and the Shahani Foundation supports local communities through education and trade initiatives.Khan shares her insights on the forecourt business, the importance of foodservice in convenience stores and the dynamics of working in a family business. She emphasizes the challenges of building and maintaining gas stations, the significance of employee relations and the necessity of community engagement.⁠Click here to learn more about our CRU event!

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” InConvenience Inc. Facilities and Fuel Director Nicole Majkowicz speaks with CSP Editor Rachel Gignac at CSP's inaugural Forecourt Forum, which took place in Scottsdale, Arizona, Dec. 1-3. Majkowicz talks about Chicago-based InConvenience Inc., a women-led convenience-store company focused on transforming small-town retail. They discuss the company's origins, mission and unique branding, including the humorous store name the G-Spot. Nicole shares insights on recent upgrades to fueling stations, the importance of community engagement and the challenges of navigating grants for funding. The conversation highlights the impact of these upgrades on customer loyalty and sales, as well as the company's strategic growth plans in rural markets.Click here to learn more about our CRU event!

In a recent episode of CSP's “At Your Convenience” podcast, host Abbey Lewis, vice president of content strategy at CSP, and Jake Kiser, retail general manager at PAR Retail, discuss the growing importance of unified tech stacks in retail. The conversation delved into the risks of fragmented systems, the strategic advantages of consolidation and actionable steps for how retailers can embrace this transformation.Kiser highlighted three key drivers behind the push for unified tech stacks: the need to enhance customer engagement, the importance of preparing for an AI-first future and the demand for efficiency and ROI from IT investments. He explained that fragmented systems create friction, slowing down operations and impacting profitability. By consolidating systems, retailers can reduce inefficiencies, simplify vendor relationships and better align technology with business goals.For retailers looking to start this journey, Kiser advised beginning with a clear understanding of organizational goals, offering a roadmap for businesses to thrive in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven landscape. Listen to the entire conversation above for more information.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Diane Adam talks with Barbara Stoyko, senior vice president of Shell Mobility and Convenience Americas, about the biggest threats and challenges to the c-store industry as a whole heading into 2026. On this podcast, Stoyko also discusses the role of fuel, particularly as alternative energy options and electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure continue to expand.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Rachel Gignac speaks with Scott Hartman, president and CEO of Rutter's, and CSP's 2025 Retail Leader of the Year. Rutter’s is No. 79 on CSP’s 2025 Top 202 ranking of U.S. convenience-store chains by store count.The two spoke at CSP's Outlook Leadership conference in August about his RLOY recognition and the philosophies that have guided his 54-year career in the convenience-store and fuel industry. Hartman started in the business at just 12 years old, learning every role from stocking shelves to managing stores to leading one of the most innovative convenience store companies in the country. He shares stories of mentorship, family and the lessons he’s learned about leadership, teamwork and staying ahead in an industry defined by constant change.Hartman recalls vacation adventures with his family, the lessons golf has taught him about patience and perseverance and how he balances his commitment to employees with time for personal well-being. As a leader, Hartman views his role as more of a coach than a boss. He said he's invested in nurturing both people and ideas and is unafraid to break new ground in technology, foodservice and even in-store gaming experiences. 

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Chuck Ulie talks with Matt Pavich, senior director of strategy and innovation at Alpharetta, Georgia-based Revionics, about how artificial intelligence (AI) assists convenience-store retailers in pricing new products.On this podcast, Pavich discusses why pricing a brand-new item—with zero historical sales data—is a persistent struggle for the average c-store retailer.The interview also goes beyond new items and into how AI helps c-store retailers navigate the complexity of tariffs, inflation and high consumer price sensitivity across their entire assortment.