North Fort Myers, FL - Lawhon's Grocery & Meat Market is my kind of place. It's big on food, big on service, big on creativity, but it's small, rural and family owned. My old buddy, Keith Perrin suggested I check this place out for a story. He was spot on. Richard Lawhon owned a grocery store in the Fort Myers, FL area since 1958. He wanted another location and decided on … [Read more...]
Marketing Calls Increase Restaurant Business
https://youtu.be/pA_KordtRKQ … [Read more...]
June NACS Magazine Story
HORROR-able Customer Service
I've been witness to many things in convenience stores over the years, but nothing makes me shudder like zombie employees... … [Read more...]
Jake’s Market & Deli: NACS Magazine, November 2014
Lebanon, NH You can read about this store in the November issue of NACS Magazine. Before I even thought of gas station food, before gas stations thought about fresh food, Jake's Market & Deli were all about food. It was unique for a convenience store two decades ago. Owner, Ed Kerrigan made sure that the best place to get a sandwich in Lebanon was his store. Today, he has … [Read more...]
Slovacek’s, Home of the Kissing Pigs: NACS Magazine, Dec 2014
West, Texas I've seen some fascinating things on the road. Kissing pigs really got my attention. You can read about Slovacek's in the December issue of NACS Magazine. Slovacek's has been making great sausage since 1957. I can say great because they will sell 6 millions pounds by year's end. This is one of the few stores where you can find Czechoslovakian beer and wine. You … [Read more...]
BOISE STAGE STOP: NACS Magazine, Feb 2015
Boise, Idaho The Regina Store opened right here on the Oregon Trail in 1891. Today, the Oregon Trail is now I-84. The Regina Store is now the Boise Stage Stop. If you great food, friendly people in an Old West setting, then this is the place to stop. When I say "Old West setting" I don't mean decorations. They've recreated an authentic western town complete with a saloon, a … [Read more...]
Linda Scott Memorial
Oasis Travel Plaza (Robertsdale, AL) - I am saddened by the passing of Linda Scott, general manager of the Oasis Travel Plaza in Robertsdale, AL. I had a chance to interview Linda. When I visited her and her team in Alabama they extended such warm hospitality. Customers love this unique travel plaza. She was a real success story, starting as a night-shift waitress she moved up … [Read more...]
Bringing the Community Inside Your Store
CENTRAL EXPRESS CASHTON (Cashton, WI) - This is great for the kids. It's great for the store. If you've heard me speak or read my stories, one of the most important things independently owned c-stores can do is to be part of their community. A good start is to bring the community into your store. I love this. The kids are happy. Each time they pass the Central … [Read more...]
BOISE STAGE STOP- NACS Magazine February 2015
THIS MONTH IN NACS MAGAZINE BOISE, IDAHO - The Regina Store opened right here on the Oregon Trail in 1891. Today, the Oregon Trail is now I-84. The Regina Store is now the Boise Stage Stop. If you great food, friendly people in an Old West setting, then this is the place to stop. When I say "Old West setting" I don't … [Read more...]