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Couche-Tard plans to acquire Polish convenience store chain Żabka for $8.6 billion. If the deal is completed, Żabka's 13,000 stores will significantly strengthen its presence in Europe, while its mature food service, private label, digital operations, and supply chain systems could become key assets for Couche-Tard in advancing its "Core + More" strategy.

Asian-flavored foods are transitioning from niche to mainstream in the convenience store channel. Executives from McLane and Hissho Sushi point out that consumer demand for fresh, convenient, and globally inspired flavors is driving this trend. Data shows that 100% of convenience stores offering sushi reported sales growth over the past year, and 15% plan to add sushi this year. The article also analyzes key factors for successfully running a sushi program and recommendations for getting started.

Based on the latest report from Corner Capital Market, this article interprets M&A dynamics in the convenience store industry in the first half of 2026 through three key numbers: global M&A transaction value hit a five-year high, transaction volume remained flat compared to last year, and the largest single deal involved 56 stores. The article examines the impact of stable interest rates, favorable legislation, and active consolidators on the market.

Canadian convenience store group Alimentation Couche-Tard announced on Friday that it has reached an agreement to acquire a controlling stake in Żabka Group, Poland's largest convenience store chain, for a total price of approximately $8.6 billion, or about $8.48 per share. The deal has received support from holders of approximately 57% of Żabka's issued shares and is expected to close by the end of December 2025, making it the largest acquisition in Couche-Tard's history.

Dolly Parton, in partnership with Gregory H. Sachs, transformed The Tennessean travel center off I-65 into Dolly's Tennessean, which opened on June 24. The new center offers a variety of dining options, trucker facilities, a dog park, and live music, with plans for future expansion.

In the first half of 2026, the pace of M&A in the U.S. convenience store industry has noticeably slowed, with no mega-deals like BP's acquisition of TravelCenters of America in 2023, FEMSA's purchase of Delek's convenience store business in 2024, or Sunoco's acquisition of hundreds of Parkland stores last year. However, several noteworthy deals have still been completed, including Sunoco acquiring more than 100 stores through multiple purchases, Cumberland Farms buying Pittsburgh-area regional chain Coen Markets, and Pops Mart and Monfort Companies exiting the industry. This article compiles C-Store Dive's coverage of the largest M&A deals so far in 2026.

Food service plays a significant role in convenience store retail, accounting for 28.5% of sales in 2025. Recent research shows that food quality (44%), the need for quick meals (28%), and high-frequency weekly visits (60%) are key to understanding consumer choices.

Grab-and-go snack decisions in convenience stores are often made within seconds, but the intentions consumers carry—more protein, recognizable ingredients, better nutritional balance—are significantly transforming this category. Bel Brands is launching Babybel Pro, a two-piece cheese pack containing 10 grams of protein and billions of probiotics, targeting the demand for functional snacks. Industry data shows that better-for-you snack sales have grown 10% recently, with about 70% of consumers frequently or always actively choosing healthy foods; the global gut health market exceeds $71 billion and is projected to surpass $105 billion by 2030. Households using GLP-1 medications account for about 23%, further driving demand for smaller-portion, multi-benefit snacks.

ExtraMile convenience stores' supply partnership with Core-Mark has expanded to 1,034 stores, covering the vast majority of its U.S. locations. The partnership focuses on food service innovation, utilizing a 'one-truck' delivery model. ExtraMile plans to enter Texas in 2027 and reach approximately 1,500 total stores by 2029.

Costco officially opened its first standalone gas station in late June in Mission Viejo, California. The 17,185-square-foot facility with 40 fueling positions is member-only and priced significantly below the local average, likely pressuring nearby convenience stores. A second standalone station is in development, but broader expansion plans remain unclear.