Deep Dive
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How meat sticks became America’s favorite new snack
Meat sticks are transforming from cheap, high-salt, heavily processed snacks of the past into protein-rich portable snacks, becoming one of the fastest-growing categories in the U.S. food industry. Manufacturers like Chomps, Jack Link's, and Archer are expanding production, with industry sales reaching $3.3 billion in 2024, up 10.7% year-over-year.
He’s on ‘Shark Tank’ and says he’s worth $700M. Meet the head of BrakeTime Corner Market.
Usman Bashir, a real estate tycoon featured on Shark Tank Pakistan, is also the CEO and co-owner of the American convenience store chain BrakeTime Corner Market. He claims that the business, founded by his father in 2004 and currently operating about 300 stores, is the cornerstone of his $700 million net worth. In an interview, Bashir detailed the company's rapid expansion from just 5 stores in 2014, the Pakistani back-office support team born out of internal theft during the pandemic, and his ambition to grow to 1,000 stores through new locations and enhanced food service offerings.
What happened to Hy-Vee’s 4-state expansion plan?
In late 2021, Hy-Vee, a Midwest supermarket and convenience store operator, announced plans to enter Indiana, Kentucky, Alabama, and Tennessee, originally aiming to open 21 stores by 2023. As of 2025, except for entering Indiana through the acquisition of Strack & Van Til, most other projects have not started or have been shelved. The company cites inflation and construction costs as factors, currently focusing on Indiana, but many local officials report no updates for a long time, with some project permits expired or revoked.
C-store execs aren’t too concerned about tariffs. Experts think they should be.
Executives in the U.S. convenience store industry generally hold an optimistic view of Trump's tariff policies, believing the impact is limited. However, industry experts point out that tariffs on Canadian crude oil and building materials could raise operating costs, ultimately being passed on to consumers, with small retailers facing greater risks.
Inside Maverik’s decision to cut Kum & Go’s foodservice program
After completing its acquisition of Kum & Go in August 2023, Maverik quickly eliminated the latter's made-to-order food service and mobile ordering, and pushed forward with a full-store brand replacement. Multiple former Kum & Go employees anonymously revealed that during the integration, Maverik executives overturned the results of a pizza blind taste test, the decision-making process lacked transparency, and consumer research had regional bias. This article outlines the complete timeline from the concept of a 'Maverik One' fusion menu to a full separation.
How Mountain Express’ negligence fractured a Midwestern military family
Luke and Rochelle Davis became loan guarantors for a gas station property to help Rochelle's mother, Cheryl Keller, invest in it. However, the tenant, Mountain Express Oil Company, went bankrupt due to mismanagement and misappropriation of funds, leaving the property abandoned and foreclosed. The Davises not only lost hundreds of thousands of dollars in savings and assets but were also forced into bankruptcy, and their relationship with Rochelle's mother was destroyed.
How will 7-Eleven recover in 2025? Former CEO focuses on these key points
After experiencing financial setbacks, the closure of 444 stores, and acquisition turmoil in 2024, how 7-Eleven will recover in 2025 has drawn significant attention. Former CEO James Keyes reflects on the bankruptcy lessons of 1990, emphasizes the importance of change, and focuses on whether the company's newly launched "New Standard" large-format food store can succeed. Human capital strategist Michael D. Brown focuses on store experience differentiation and talent recruitment challenges. Meanwhile, the direction of Couche-Tard's acquisition offer and Ito-Kogyo's management buyout proposal are also key points of industry observation.
Nine Trends the Convenience Store Industry Should Watch in 2025
Over the past year, convenience store retailers have faced inflationary pressures, economic challenges, and uncertainty in electric vehicle policies. Looking ahead to 2025, the industry will see nine major trends, including accelerated consolidation, policy adjustments under the Trump administration, a reassessment of loyalty strategies, a shift in EV charging priorities, the rise of hybrid food service models, deeper AI adoption, transformation in the tobacco category, and the utilization of first-party data.
Gum manufacturers respond to sales decline challenges with innovation
The gum industry faces the challenge of long-term consumption decline. Although sales have rebounded after the pandemic, consumer interest remains below historical peaks. Hershey has launched Flavor Shifters, its biggest innovation in five years, which attracts consumers through flavor changes during chewing. Mars Wrigley is attempting to break the monotonous experience of traditional gum through strategies such as Skittles-flavored crossovers, Simply's use of natural ingredients, and Maax's addition of caffeine. Industry experts point out that truly breakthrough innovation may come from startups, while large companies may absorb new trends through acquisitions.