Foodservice

Produce? At a convenience store? It’s not as crazy as it sounds and the C-store industry’s trade group wants to help members make fresh moves the right way.

Dallas - 7-Eleven Inc. is taking its business to Vietnam.

The company has signed a master franchise agreement with Seven System Vietnam Co. Ltd. to develop and operate 7-Eleven stores in Vietnam, with the first stores expected to open in 2017. Seven Systems plans to construct 7-Eleven stores, convert existing locations to the 7-Eleven brand supported by enhanced infrastructure, and eventually franchise operations to local businesspeople.

Irvine, Calif. - Irvine Company Retail Properties is opening new restaurants across its Orange County portfolio in California, including Fashion Island, Irvine Spectrum Center, The Market Place, and several community centers.  

Canton, Mass. – “California, I’ll be knocking on the golden door.” Dunkin’ Donuts executives may find themselves singing these words from the Grateful Dead classic “Estimated Prophet” as the coffee retailer pursues a massive expansion strategy in the most populated U.S. state.

Aliso Viejo, Calif. – Count Johnny Rockets among those looking forward to starting college later this year. Johnny Rockets is launching a further expansion into college and university campuses through its Express prototype.

Johnny Rockets Express, a quick-service prototype aimed at universities, airports, malls and other entertainment destinations, offers flexible floor plans with options ranging from a 150-sq.-ft., free-standing kiosk to a 1,100-sq.-ft. restaurant.

Louisville, Colo. – When it comes to filling their tanks, consumers are most satisfied by two retailers.

Wawa and Costco are the most satisfying gas station/convenience store and wholesale/grocery/big box retailers for fuel, respectively, according to a new survey of 6,935 U.S. consumers by Market Force Information.

Ankeny, Iowa - Casey’s General Stores Inc. is set to have its first new CEO in more than a quarter-century. After more than 26 years with the company, Robert J. Myers, chairman and CEO, will retire as CEO at the end of the 2016 fiscal year on April 30, 2016.

Auburn, Ala. -- Merchants Retail Partners recently led the acquisition of Flint’s Crossing in Auburn, Alabama, on behalf of its related investment partner. The 100,000-sq.-ft. shopping center is anchored by gourmet grocer EarthFare and Panera Bread.

Seattle – Although coffee prices are on the wane, Starbucks Corp. is facing rising wage and rent expenses. The retailer is passing at least some of those costs along to the consumer with higher prices on some beverages.

Dallas – 7-Eleven’s primary value proposition is convenience, and the retailer is extending that proposition to embrace one of retail’s hottest trends: on-demand home delivery.