Convenience Store Decisions

04/01/2026

The Amarillo-based chain stands out for its people-first culture, vertical integration, state-of-the-art store design, and tech-forward initiatives.

CStore Decisions is celebrating Toot'n Totum as its 2026 Chain of the Year. With over 75 years in business and 125 locations in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and New Mexico, Toot’n Totum continues to grow and adapt while remaining deeply rooted in local values and a people-first culture.

Join us in honoring Toot’n Totum at the NACS Show:
📅 Date: October 7, 2026
📍 Location: Piero’s Italian Cuisine, 355 Convention Center Drive, Las Vegas, NV
⏰ Time: 6:15 p.m.–9:00 p.m.

Learn more and RSVP here: https://cstoredecisions.com/2026-chain-of-the-year

Read more: https://cstoredecisions.com/tootn-totum-named-cstore-decisions-2026-chain-of-the-year/

CStore Decisions is celebrating Toot’n Totum as its 2026 Chain of the Year. With over 75 years in business and 125 locations in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and New Mexico, Toot’n […]

03/31/2026

Mark Your Calendars—CStore Momentum is BACK!

📅 Save the Date: August 19–21, 2026 | Tarrytown, NY

Hosted by Chestnut Market, one of the Tri-State’s leading c-store operators, CStore Momentum is the must-attend event for next-gen convenience store leaders and young executives. Whether you’re climbing the ladder or expanding your network, this event gives you the tools, insights, and connections to accelerate your career.

🔥 What’s happening this year:

- Agenda is live—explore panels, sessions, and discussions tackling today’s hottest industry challenges.
- Speakers are being announced, including Chestnut Market CEO Ryan Oettinger and other top industry leaders.
- Behind-the-scenes access at Chestnut Market—see how they’re innovating in foodservice, operations, and technology.
- Networking with peers facing similar challenges—exchange ideas, strategies, and inspiration.

Don’t wait—the full agenda is live! Click here: https://cstoremomentum.com/agenda/

03/25/2026

In the convenience world, your reputation is built on relationships—and your supplier partnerships should be no different. Join us Monday morning on April 20th at CStore Connections for our 1:1 Strategy Meetings.

These short, focused conversations give retailers and suppliers the chance to explore opportunities, from refreshing shelves to rethinking back-office technology—all with partners who understand the unique culture of family-owned and regional chains.

🎁 BONUS: Retailers who request meetings in advance will receive a special gift!

Don’t miss the chance to start the event with meaningful conversations that can move your business forward.

👉 Request Your Meeting: https://www.cstoreconnections.com/11-strategy-meetings/

Haven’t registered for CStore Connections yet? Don’t miss out—secure your spot today at: https://www.cstoreconnections.com/

03/23/2026

🎤 2026 Keynote Highlight: Owning Your Culture: Why Great Companies Don’t Leave It to Chance

Join Nate Brazier, CEO of Stinker Stores and Convenience Store Decisions 2025 Chain of the Year, at CStore Connections 2026 in Jacksonville, FL, April 19–21.

Discover how a strong, values-driven culture can fuel performance, attract top talent, and spark innovation. Nate will share how he’s intentionally shaped a thriving culture across 94 stores in Idaho, Wyoming, and Colorado—and why culture isn’t just a “nice to have,” it’s a strategic advantage.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a leader who knows that every organization has a culture—whether you actively shape it or leave it to chance.

👉 Register Now: https://www.cstoreconnections.com/

01/28/2026

Personalize Your CStore Connections Experience!
Choose the topic that resonates most with you 👇

At CStore Connections, April 19–21 in Jacksonville, Fla., our Burning Issue Exchanges give you the chance to dive into the conversations shaping the convenience retail industry today. Attendees pick one of four topic-focused rooms per round and engage in candid, peer-driven discussions on real experiences, shared challenges, and actionable solutions to bring back to their business.

🔥 Day 1: Rounds 1 & 2
- Balancing Tech With Customer Experiences | Tyler Grubbs, RaceTrac
- Investing in Food Programs | Joy Almekies, Global Partners
- Labor Crisis Strategies: Hiring, Retention & Workforce Optimization | Lesley Segadelli, Stinker Stores
- CBD, THC & Functional Beverages: What’s Your Strategy? | Lindsay Griffith, Inconvenience Inc. (GasSpot)

🔥 Day 2: Rounds 3 & 4
- Order Ahead, Delivery & Data: Driving Foodservice Growth | Lenny Smith, Crosby’s
- Navigating M&A: Integration Challenges & Culture Building | Jon Rier, Refuel
- Succession Planning for Leadership Teams | Brent Mouton, Hit-N-Run Food Stores
- Mentorship Matters: How to Find—and Become—a Great Mentor | Angela Pimental, RaceTrac

Expect honest insights and real-world takeaways tailored to you.

Secure your spot for CStore Connections 2026 today! Register here: https://www.cstoreconnections.com/

01/07/2026

An agenda shaped by retailers — and backed by the brands you know. ⬇️

Behind every meaningful conversation at CStore Connections 2026 is an even stronger group of leaders. From established industry brands to operators pushing the category forward, this year’s speakers represent some of the most influential voices in convenience retail.

Built by retailers, for retailers, the agenda focuses on real-world challenges, honest dialogue, and practical solutions you can take back to your business. These leaders aren’t just sharing ideas — they’re driving the conversations on what’s working, what’s changing, and what’s next for the c-store industry.

📍 April 19–21 | Jacksonville, FL

✔️ Keynotes & general sessions
✔️ Peer-led Burning Issue Exchanges
✔️ Practical breakout sessions
✔️ Store tours & built-in networking

The conversations are set — now all that’s missing is you.

👉 Register for CStore Connections 2026 today: https://www.cstoreconnections.com/

12/29/2025

🌟 Industry Leader Spotlight (Advertorial) 🌟

Through iconic and beloved brands, Mars, Incorporated continuously evolves to stay culturally relevant and meet consumer preferences.

Learn more about Mars: https://leadership.cstoredecisions.com/mars-incorporated/

12/29/2025

We’re Back. You’re Invited! 🎉

Registration is now open for CStore Connections 2026, happening April 19–21st at the Jacksonville Marriott Downtown!

Connect with c-store leaders, tackle industry challenges, and share practical solutions — all in an environment built by retailers, for retailers.

What to expect:
- Keynote from Nate Brazier, CEO of Stinker Stores and CStore Decisions’ 2025 Chain of the Year, on company culture and its impact on performance, talent, and innovation
- 40+ retailer speakers and discussion leaders from chains of all sizes
- Guided Florida store tours & opening reception on April 19th
- Sessions on AI in convenience, foodservice profitability, and more
- CStore Connections’ signature Burning Issue Exchanges 🔥
- New educational breakout sessions
- Closing reception celebrating the 40 Under 40 Leaders to Watch 🏆

Don’t miss the chance to gain actionable insights, meaningful connections, and real operator experience. Level up your business at CStore Connections 2026 — we’ll see you in Jacksonville!

Register now at: https://www.cstoreconnections.com/

12/22/2025

Register now for CStore Connections! The event will take place in Jacksonville from April 19-21.

Registration has officially opened for the CStore Connections conference, taking place this year from April 19-21 in Jacksonville, Fla. The event will bring together industry professionals from all corners of […]

12/19/2025

🌟 Industry Leader Spotlight (Advertorial) 🌟

In 2024, Cadence OTC's Morning After Pill® is a safe, effective, over-the-counter emergency contraceptive that helps prevent a pregnancy before it starts.

Learn more about Cadence OTC: https://leadership.cstoredecisions.com/cadence-otc/

12/18/2025

🌟 Industry Leader Spotlight (Advertorial) 🌟

Xcaliber International manufactures the highest quality fourth-tier to***co products available today, right in the heartland of America. Learn more: https://leadership.cstoredecisions.com/xcaliber-international/

12/15/2025

🌟 Industry Leader Spotlight (Advertorial) 🌟

One of the world’s largest confectionery companies, Perfetti van Melle's brands in the USA include Airheads, Mentos, Chupa Chups, Trident, Dentyne, and Bubblicious. Learn more: https://leadership.cstoredecisions.com/perfetti-van-melle/