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Yesway updates fuel supply operations
Yesway has partnered with Gravitate, which will provide the former with a fuel supply and logistics operations platform. The new system can automatically collect tank readings, real-time pricing, and allocation data, and assist procurement decisions through machine learning, covering 450 stores in the Midwest and Southwest of the United States.
Sinclair Oil turns to mobile gaming to drive loyalty
Sinclair Oil has added a game reward mechanism to the Dinopay app through Mistplay's LoyaltyPlay solution, allowing members to earn fuel discounts by playing mobile games. During the pilot campaign, highly engaged members saw a 42% increase in station visits and a 9.7% rise in fuel purchases.
Murphy USA to trial automated White Castle kiosks
Murphy USA announced on Thursday that it will introduce an autonomous food service platform developed by Automated Retail Technologies at select large stores, initially offering items such as White Castle burgers. Customers can order via touchscreen and receive hot food in about two minutes. This initiative aims to test demand for fresh, convenient food in compact spaces, but the company did not disclose the specific number of pilot stores.
Love’s to roll out premium private label baked goods line
Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores has confirmed it will launch a premium private-label bakery product line at 680 stores nationwide on August 30, as an extension of its Sweet Snacks program introduced in 2024. The new offerings include muffins in various flavors, danishes, cakes, and cinnamon rolls, aiming to provide customers with more ready-to-eat breakfast and snack options.
Circle K relaunches its retail media network
Circle K 于周二宣布重启其零售媒体网络，为广告主提供更精细的受众定向、测量工具和全渠道媒体机会。该平台覆盖美国超 6,600 家便利店，月均展示量达 2 亿次，旨在帮助品牌在消费者决策路径中实现更高效触达。
Dolly Parton Reinvents Tennessee Travel Center: A Full Upgrade from Coffee to Barbecue
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.
More than a rough patch: Recent restaurant closures signal market correction
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.
Mountain Express 3 years later: Losses climb as litigation drags on
In late 2021, California residents Halden and Kathy Miller purchased a gas station in Louisiana through a 1031 exchange, but the seller, Mountain Express Oil, failed to operate it as agreed, causing them monthly losses of about $3,500. Meanwhile, former executives of the company face civil claims, and bankruptcy liquidation is still ongoing.
Drink up: Restaurants will spend more on beverage innovation in 2026
Foodservice beverages performed strongly in 2025, with continued growth expected in 2026. Consumer demand for energy, visual appeal, and impulse drinks persists, and fast-food giants are testing new beverages. Cold drinks, premiumization, and non-alcoholic options are emerging trends, energy drink platforms are expanding, and health and functionality are both emphasized.
Was RaceTrac’s Potbelly deal an anomaly or the start of a new M&A trend?
In late 2025, RaceTrac acquired Potbelly for $566 million, shaking up the convenience store industry. Is this move an anomaly or a trend? Industry experts are sharply divided: some believe large retailers have the capital and motivation to follow suit, while others emphasize operational complexity and brand dilution risks. This article reviews multiple perspectives, exploring the feasibility of such acquisitions, target selection, and potential challenges.