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F’real, known for blend-it-yourself milkshakes and smoothies at convenience stores, announced it will launch a new line of protein smoothies in early 2027. The drinks will contain 20 grams of protein while staying under 250 calories, with initial flavors including tropical mango and peanut butter banana with Reese’s peanut butter. The launch marks F’real’s expansion into functional beverages, using real fruit and no artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners. The company also plans updated packaging across its portfolio in early 2027, featuring a bolder color palette, modernized swirl iconography, a premium full-cup design and clearer distinctions between milkshakes and smoothies. Additionally, F’real is introducing the B8 Blender, which includes a larger touchscreen, cup recognition for consistent blending, and easier maintenance access.
Rutter’s has added a range of Italian-inspired pasta dishes to its menu at participating locations, including Italian sausage and peppers spaghetti, spaghetti marinara, and various fettuccine alfredo options. The pasta is imported from Italy, and the retailer is also adding chicken parmesan and sides like cannoli chips and cheesy garlic bread. The move is part of Rutter’s efforts to differentiate its foodservice program from typical convenience store fare. Separately, Rutter’s announced a multiyear agreement with NCR Voyix to deploy its commerce platform and managed services across its stores.
Yatco opened its first Chester's Chicken QSR earlier this month at its convenience store in Worcester, Massachusetts, with a grand opening on Sept. 17. The retailer, which operates 20 c-stores across New England, already partners with Dunkin and Coffee Connection, and plans a second Chester's location. Chester's has over 1,200 locations across North America and offers fried chicken and sides.
Casey’s General Stores has agreed to acquire select assets of Oklahoma-based convenience retailer and fuel distributor ASAP Energy, including 20 convenience stores in Oklahoma, along with its wholesale and commercial fuels and lubricants businesses. The deal marks Casey’s second purchase of 20 or more convenience stores this summer as it aims to add at least 400 locations over the next three years. The acquisition expands Casey’s footprint in Oklahoma, where it had nearly 150 locations as of this summer, and excludes ASAP’s Lucille's Hotel, Lucille's Restaurants, Ricks Boots and Outfitters, and Centurion Land Development arm. ASAP, founded in 1979, is the latest independent retailer to exit the industry amid economic headwinds.
This week's 3 Big Numbers examines Verifone's report on fuel rewards stacking. Between May 29 and Sept. 10, 2.86 million transactions combined multiple loyalty programs, less than half a percent of the 590 million analyzed. Stacking users saved $2.52 per fill-up on average versus $1.81 for single-program users, though per-gallon savings were lower (9.6 cents vs. 15.7 cents). Total fuel rewards savings reached $82.8 million. Retailers may benefit from offering the right program, as only a quarter of customers connected a rewards account and only a third of those redeemed savings.
Walmart has added Citgo gas stations to its Walmart+ fuel savings program, allowing members to save 10 cents per gallon at over 17,000 stations nationwide, up from 13,000. The expansion focuses on the Southeast, Midwest, and Northeast. Members can link their Walmart+ and Club Citgo accounts for additional discounts starting at 3 cents per gallon. The benefit is activated via the Walmart app and applied at participating Citgo stations. Walmart+ already offers discounts at Murphy USA, Walmart, Exxon, and Mobil locations, and members who fuel up weekly saved over $100 on average last year.
LV Petroleum acquired two TA Express travel centers in Rosenberg, Texas, and South Coffeyville, Oklahoma, the company announced last week. The Rosenberg location opened on Aug. 11 and the South Coffeyville site was acquired on Aug. 25; purchase prices were not disclosed. The deals follow LV opening its first Bojangles in Arizona and a new Sbarro in Hillsboro, Texas, and its 12th Bojangles in Las Vegas in August. Las Vegas-based LV operates more than 90 travel centers and 30 convenience stores, and aims to operate 100 travel centers.
World Fuel has acquired approximately 33 branded dealer contracts in the greater St. Louis metropolitan area across Missouri and Illinois from CF Altitude. The locations operate under established fuel brands, and World Fuel aims to ensure a seamless transition. CF Altitude was previously identified as the parent company of Colorado-based retailer Alta Convenience, but the relationship's current status is unclear. World Fuel declined to comment on any connection to Alta or identify the fuel brands involved. The deal strengthens World Fuel's Midwest distribution network, according to Bob Kenyon, senior vice president of retail, wholesale and supply chain.
Shell announced on Tuesday that it has reached an agreement to acquire all equity in Tri Star Energy, a convenience store operator in the southeastern United States, increasing its stake from 33% to 100%. Upon completion of the transaction, Shell will own 320 company-operated sites in Tennessee and surrounding areas, and will have supply agreements with 552 dealer-owned sites, nearly doubling its number of company-operated convenience stores in the U.S. This marks the largest merger and acquisition in the U.S. convenience store industry since 2026. Shell previously held one-third of Tri Star's shares, and this transition from a minority shareholder to a full owner signals strong confidence in Tri Star and the prospects of the U.S. convenience store industry. Tri Star operates brands such as Twice Daily, Sudden Service, and Little General, as well as White Bison Coffee, an in-store coffee concept at Twice Daily. Analysts believe Shell's move aims to strengthen its food service capabilities to compete with fast-food chains and deepen its relationship with consumers.
McCain Foods confirmed the hiring of Victoriano Perez Mies as Chief Manufacturing and Operations Officer, who previously worked at PepsiCo for nearly two decades.