Operations
The college football season begins this week, and the convenience store industry is capitalizing on the momentum. Jacksons Food Stores is the exclusive retailer of Boise State football trading cards for the fifth consecutive year; Buc-ee's has launched co-branded merchandise with Texas A&M University, debuting at 21 locations; and Loop Neighborhood Market has secured a season sponsorship agreement with UC Berkeley, covering 28 NCAA sports programs.
TXB announced on Wednesday the hiring of convenience store industry veteran Nate Brazier as President. Brazier will join TXB after stepping down as President and CEO of Stinker Stores about three months ago, overseeing daily operations and working closely with CEO Kevin Smartt to drive the company's continued expansion in the American Southwest.
Facing fuel supply disruptions and rising costs triggered by the Iran war, as well as the ongoing pressure tariffs and inflation place on consumers and businesses, the convenience store industry in 2026 is undergoing multiple tests. This article raises and analyzes five key issues the industry will closely monitor for the rest of the year, including the transformative impact of 7-Eleven's new CEO Mauricio Leyva, the expansion boundaries of super-regional chains, whether AI technology truly changes operations, the path forward for food programs, and whether consumer confidence can rebound.
Burger King announced it will launch new chicken nuggets on September 1st, following customer feedback that the current product felt 'rubbery' and was 'disappointing.' The new recipe features comprehensive adjustments to the meat, marinade, batter, sauce, and packaging, and adds a limited-time special savory sauce. This move is seen as part of its multi-year brand revitalization plan, aimed at addressing dual competition in the fast-food industry over chicken and value.
RaceTrac announced on Monday that it has hired Jill Pemberton as Chief Financial Officer, who will report directly to CEO Natalie Morhous and oversee the accounting, finance, tax, and treasury teams for the company and its brands, including RaceWay, Gulf, and Potbelly.