Don Longo

New York

Editorial Director at Convenience Store News

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Articles

It's a Question of Balance

4 days ago | csnews.com | Don Longo

Skip to main content Millennials and Gen Z, on the other hand, are driving the growth of c-store food sales. Their emphasis on speed and diverse food options makes them frequent visitors. Digital engagement is critical for these consumers — they expect mobile ordering, loyalty programs and an active social media presence. And they don't have baby boomers' preconceptions about the quality of gas station food.
Retailers Set to Focus on Culture at 2025 Convenience Foodservice Exchange

4 weeks ago | csnews.com | Don Longo

Foodservice leaders from across the convenience channel will participate in two days of education, collaboration, networking and problem-solving as they explore the ways retailers are harnessing innovation and future-forward strategies to create a competitive advantage for themselves. [Read more: What's On the Menu for 2025 Convenience Foodservice Exchange]The agenda will kick off with a team presentation led by Kwik Trip Inc.'s Vice President of Foodservice Paul Servais.
Five Strategies for Small Operators to Battle the Big Guys

1 month ago | csnews.com | Don Longo

Here are five key strategies to help small operators stay competitive and grow in 2025:Maximize Operational Efficiency: Rising costs are a fact of life, but small operators can fight back by running leaner and smarter. Now is the time to audit expenses, cut waste and optimize inventory. Investing in back-office automation for pricing, ordering and workforce scheduling can help small retailers manage their businesses more efficiently without adding extra labor costs.
Navigating Uncertainty

1 month ago | csnews.com | Don Longo

[Read more: Retailer Groups Urge Tariff Negotiations as Administration Signals Possible Updates]Unemployment and consumer spending also will be key indicators to watch. The administration's focus on deregulation and tax relief for businesses could drive job growth, increasing disposable income. More employed consumers with extra money in their pockets typically translate to stronger in-store sales.
Generational Shifts in Food Trends to Be Explored at 2025 Convenience Foodservice Exchange

2 months ago | csnews.com | Don Longo

The most difficult generation to service, he said, is the baby boomers. "While they value quality, their traditional expectations can be challenging," he explained. "C-stores often struggle to provide the 'from-scratch' or full-meal experiences they may prefer.' Boomers also may be less receptive to the rapid technological changes that drive ordering and promotion in the convenience channel today.
Firing Up Your Foodservice Culture

2 months ago | csnews.com | Don Longo

We all like to talk about having a "great culture," and some even claim to be "food-forward." But let's pause for a moment and ask: Who defines and drives that culture? Is it understood and embraced at the store level, where it matters most? Do employees feel invested in the mission, or is it merely a corporate ideal that doesn't resonate on the front lines? More importantly, do customers — especially the younger generations — perceive it the way you intend?
What's On the Menu for 2025 Convenience Foodservice Exchange

Feb 11, 2025 | csnews.com | Don Longo

The agenda will tackle several key issues through education sessions such as:Taking a Holistic Approach to Culture: Led by Kwik Trip Inc.'s Vice President of Foodservice Paul Servais, a team of coworkers from the La Crosse, Wis.-based chain that operates more than 800 convenience stores in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, Iowa and South Dakota, will discuss how the company's culture has empowered them to be the best they can be.
Convenience Store News Announces Winners of 2025 Foodservice Innovators Awards

Feb 4, 2025 | csnews.com | Don Longo

This year’s silver medal winner for Foodservice Innovator of the Year is Allsup’s, a division of Yesway, one of the fastest-growing convenience store operators in the United States. Established in 2015 and headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, Yesway operates 440 Allsup’s and Yesway stores across Texas, New Mexico, South Dakota, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Wyoming, Oklahoma and Nebraska. The retailer is known for its leading foodservice offerings, including the famous deep-fried Allsup’s Burrito.
Reflecting on 2024 Predictions & What's Next for 2025

Jan 17, 2025 | csnews.com | Don Longo

[Read more: What Can the Convenience Channel Expect in 2025?]The big no-brainer was predicting the continued growth of foodservice sales in the channel. Best-in-class foodservice operators, such as those honored in Convenience Store News' annual Foodservice Innovators Awards program, are redefining what convenience store dining can be. This year, we're likely to see even more premium, healthy and culturally diverse menu items.
Playing the Long Game

Nov 19, 2024 | csnews.com | Don Longo

Adoption Lag: While EV sales are increasing, they haven't exploded as predicted. This slower growth presents a dilemma for c-stores, which thrive on high-volume, quick-turnover transactions. Investing in EV infrastructure now might not make sense if the customer base remains small in the short term. In addition, the adoption rate of EVs varies widely by geographic region, as Sioux Falls, S.D., is different from Los Angeles.