Most people think about a gas station or corner store when they think of the convenience store industry (“C-Stores”). Convenience is found everywhere, and a majority of the industry is actually owned and operated by family businesses. Joining host Rob Grimes on this episode of accelerate is Ray Huff, President of HJB Convenience Corp who has more than 40 years in convenience retail and is the Chairman of the Board of Advisors of Conexxus the technology partner of the National Association of Convenience Stores (“NACS”).

“COVID forced the consumer to go look at convenience,” says Ray, noting that customers didn’t want to stand in lines or crowds, and he believes the trend is here to stay. As C-Store operations grow, technology comes into play after the independents grow to the their 3rd or 4th location.

The conversation explores a history of success between foodservice, QSR restaurants and C-Stores. WAWA was one of the first to introduce quick service into a convenience environment successfully, making their stores a destination to go to just for the food - it made others pay attention.

If you want to hear more about the growing partnerships, as well as the challenges of incorporating foodservice into C-Stores, as well as understanding the requirements of the tech that drives these new opportunities, then you won’t want to miss this episode of Accelerate.