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The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed a lawsuit against Buc-ee's on Tuesday, alleging that the travel center retailer failed to provide reasonable accommodations for a cashier with myasthenia gravis and terminated the employee because of their disability. The EEOC claims that Buc-ee's partially denied the employee's doctor-recommended requests for work adjustments, including allowing seating at the register and avoiding standing for more than 15 minutes consecutively, which prevented the employee from returning to work and ultimately led to their termination. The EEOC noted that the company's actions constituted 'malicious or reckless disregard' for the employee's federally protected rights.
Since the United States and Israel attacked Iran in February, the Strait of Hormuz has remained restricted, affecting global energy supply and prices. Executives from six fuel and convenience store retail companies—BP, Global Partners, Murphy USA, Chevron, Sunoco, and Sinclair Oil—shared their perspectives on supply disruptions, low inventories, rising costs, and future uncertainty during Q1 earnings calls.
7-Eleven is offering a $1 Slurpee Happy Hour on weekdays from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM between April 29 and August 25, available to 7Rewards and Speedy Rewards members. This initiative, combined with the annual Slurpee Day and exclusive canned new products, aims to boost summer foot traffic and aligns with store upgrades to address dining competition.
Refuel Operating Company has confirmed it will open its first Whataburger next to its upcoming convenience store in Kenedy, Texas, expected to operate by the end of 2026, offering a full menu and drive-thru service. This move is the company's latest step to expand fast-food partnerships and boost traffic at its locations.
Alimentation Couche-Tard has appointed Grant Morris as head of QSR and made-to-order food service for Circle K convenience stores in the U.S. Morris, who joined the company in 2019, previously served as interim head of food service support in North America. This appointment is one of several changes to Couche-Tard's food service business this year, aimed at accelerating food revenue growth in the U.S.
7-Eleven announced on Monday that all its proprietary restaurant brands (Laredo Taco Company, Raise the Roost Chicken & Biscuits, Speedy Café) have officially launched kids' meals, starting at $3.99, including an entrée, side, drink, and a toy or small gift. This move is the latest step in the company's ongoing efforts to expand food service and position its stores as dining destinations, aligning with its overall transformation plan.
The U.S. restaurant industry has recently seen a wave of store closures involving well-known brands such as Wendy's and Pizza Hut. Analysts believe this is a correction triggered by market oversaturation, rising costs, and shifting consumer habits. Data shows that as of November 2025, the number of U.S. restaurant locations exceeded 860,000, but expansion has slowed month by month, with small chains seeing stagnant growth and large brands leading new openings. Regionally, California and New York are contracting, while Sun Belt cities are expanding. Experts note that although closures are not a positive development, they help clear the market, allowing stronger players to optimize their footprints.
Over the past few weeks, international flavors have become a core theme in convenience store menu innovation. Rutter's launched its South of the Border series on March 31, featuring over 20 tacos and customization options; 7-Eleven's Laredo Taco Company offers walking nachos from April 29 to June 23; QuickChek introduced a limited-time ube vanilla coffee; Coen Markets added three new pizza roll flavors and partnered with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds; Stewart's Shops auctioned naming rights for $50,000 to launch Dake's Passion ice cream.
Success in foodservice is not limited to just independent operation or franchising. Industry experts point out that the key is finding a partner with distribution networks, product depth, and operational support. Starting with non-branded products and gradually introducing brands is a growth path for many successful convenience stores.
7-Eleven announced a partnership with food technology platform ezCater to launch scaled catering delivery services at its food venues, initially covering Speedy Café, Laredo Taco Company, and most Raise the Roost locations. This move is the latest step in the company's strategy to strengthen food service in North America and paves the way for a potential IPO.