Sanestina Hunter


Featured Articles

Some articles I wrote as an Associate Editor at Convenience Store News.

Convenience Store News •

Metaverse Presents a New Opportunity to Connect With Dining Customers

NEWTON, Mass.— A new report finds that 20 percent of restaurant consumers are familiar with the metaverse while 18 percent have participated in these cutting-edge environments, according to Paytronix Systems Inc. and PYMNTS series collaboration.

The latest report in the ongoing series, "The Digital Divide: Technology, The Metaverse and the Future of Dining Out," found that the metaverse — an advanced, social, virtual reality platform — may develop into another way in which restaurant customers
Convenience Store News •

Gilbarco Veeder-Root Encore 700S Series Enhancements

Gilbarco Veeder-Root, a Vontier Corp. company, released two new premium features for its Encore 700S Series of fuel dispensers: a 6-Grade Select option and a 15.6-inch touchscreen. The 6-Grade Select option allows retailers to blend any two of four inlets, with up to four hoses and six fuel grades at the same fueling position. The 15.6-inch touchscreen provides a next-generation user interface, while maintaining the familiar Encore experience that fuel consumers know and regularly use. The touch
Convenience Store News •

The Power of Digital in the Convenience Channel

LAS VEGAS — The consumer approach to shopping has evolved and today's customers demand more from retailers, including fast and frictionless checkout experiences and grab-and-go food options.

"Convenience store retailers must focus on creating a compelling customer experience that transforms a simple transaction into a customer — and a customer into an advocate," Lori Stillman, NACS' vice president of research and education said during the fourth and final day of the 2022 NACS Show.

"But more i
Convenience Store News •

Gen Z Diners Are Drawn to Value & Focused Menu of QSRs

CHICAGO — A new report reveals that older Generation Z consumers, ages 18 to 24, in the United States are discerning when choosing restaurants.

Although price matters to this group, their taste preferences and definition of value dictate the type of restaurants they visit, according to a recent report by The NPD Group. Gen Zs skew towards quick-service restaurants (QSRs), particularly fast-casual restaurants that balance value and a focused menu.

"Now is the time to reach these young adults as
Convenience Store News •

Pilot Co. Takes Big Step Toward Creating National EV Charging Network

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Pilot Co. is collaborating with General Motors (GM) to build a national direct-current fast charging network that will be installed and managed by EVgo.

The move further accelerates the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EV), increases access to charging, and helps enable long-distance electric travel of people and vehicles across the United States at 50-mile intervals.

"We look forward to collaborating with GM and the U.S. Department of Transportation to make conveni
Convenience Store News •

Personalized & Targeted Offers Drive Customer Engagement

CHICAGO — As technology continues to evolve, the landscape of loyalty programs must also change. Convenience store operators need to adapt to new consumer engagement preferences and purchasing habits.

Traditional loyalty programs in terms of how consumers communicate, interact and buy online have changed over the last 10 years, primarily due to the proliferation of social media and smartphones, according to a recent webinar, "Every Transaction Speaks Volumes: Learn How Everyday Payment Transact
Convenience Store News •

Pilot Co. Expands Investments in Alternative Fuels

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Pilot Co. is building upon its current initiatives in the alternative fuels space with a new compressed natural gas (CNG) and hydrogen delivery platform.

Pilot partnered VoltaGrid LLC to develop a low-carbon fuel network that contributes to reduced emissions and decarbonization for third-party customers in industries including water disposal, dual-fuel applications, water heating operations, and natural disaster response.

"Pilot Co. is a leader in fuel supply and distributio
Convenience Store News •

People on the Move: Growth Energy, Hershey's & Parker's

NATIONAL REPORT — Retailers, wholesalers and suppliers in the convenience store industry are only as good as their management teams and employees. In this special roundup, Convenience Store News runs down the most recent executive changes at the top of the industry. 

Conagra Brands Inc. promoted Tracy Schaefer to senior vice president and chief information officer. 

Schaefer joined Conagra in 2001 as a financial analyst and served in a variety of leadership roles in multiple functional are...
Convenience Store News •

Kwik Trip Opens First Fast EV Charging Station in Minnesota

LA CROSSE, Wis. — Kwik Trip Inc.'s first fast electric vehicle (EV) charging station in Minnesota is open for business.

The convenience store in Schumann Business Park in Stewartville is also the first in the state to offer the Level 3,180 kW ABB Fast Charger. Dairyland Power Cooperative worked with Kwik Trip on the offer, providing funding and assistance for the implementation.

People's Energy Cooperative, a Dairyland member cooperative, serves the Stewartville Kwik Trip and is also the EV fa
Convenience Store News •

Cubby’s Puts Foodservice First

OMAHA, Neb. — Cubby’s Inc. is on a mission: to become a restaurant that just so happens to sell fuel.

The Omaha-based owner and operator of 41 convenience stores, supermarkets and quick-service restaurants throughout Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota, sees itself not as a convenience store company or a grocery store company, but rather a foodservice company.

For nearly 20 years, Cubby's has been partnering with Godfather's Pizza at its stores. Starting with one Godfather's Pizza Express loca...