LAVAL, Quebec-- Despite the blockbuster takeover of ExxonMobil’s “On The Run” franchise this past spring, Alain Bouchard, CEO of Alimentation Couche-Tard, one of the industry’s most prolific consolidators, described 2009 as a “quiet year.” But 2010 could be a different story as “more reasonable” property valuations come into line.

FAIRFAX, Va. -- The convenience-store industry lost a longtime supporter this past weekend. Teri Richmond, a former NACS employee and consultant, died Saturday after a battle with pancreatic cancer. “When I think of Teri and the 12 years we worked together at NACS, two words come to mind—passion and humor,” said former coworker Jane Berzan.

IRVINE, Ky. -- As Hardy Oil Co. Inc. rolls out Chester’s Chicken kiosks in six stores over the next few months, district manager Jeremy Brock is looking forward to the draw the popular brand will bring. But Chester’s is just one component of the foodservice equation at this 18-unit convenience store chain.