Large Chains

Subway has upped its commitment to sustainability. As a part of the restaurant chain's ongoing goal to make its restaurants and operations more socially responsible, the company has made LED lighting the standard for all new and remodeled restaurants. The upgrade will provide energy-efficient lighting that, in 2014 with a small percentage of stores participating, saved 21.9 million kilowatt hours – enough energy to power 1,996 households in a single year.

After a new donation pledge from Publix Super Markets, the international nonprofit Habitat for Humanity will be able to build 40 new houses in 2016 in the Southeast, where Publix serves all of its customers.

Wawa managed to beat the clock in Philadelphia, opening a flagship location just in time for the Pope’s visit.

The convenience store operator opened the 4,000-sq.-ft. store nearly two months ahead of schedule, and in time for the crowds in town to see Pope Francis.

The new Wawa features an entirely new store design, colors, graphics and other one-of-a-kind features. It was designed in collaboration with Interbrand Design Forum, Dayton, Ohio, and Cuhaci and Peterson, locally based in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania.

Dallas, Ga. -- Marcus & Millichap announced the sale of a 17,930-sq. ft. CVS Strip Center in Dallas, Georgia, for $4.2 million. The property is 70% anchored by CVS Health with a 15-year corporate-guaranteed double-net lease.

Smart & Final celebrated the one year anniversary of its public stock offering by telling investors a growth story about differentiation and new store expansion.

Smart & Final, a uniquely positioned operator of 266 warehouse style stores, has plans to open 100 new stores in the Western United States during the next four years. CEO Dave Hirz dropped that bombshell while he and other senior members of the company were at the New York Stock Exchange to ring the opening bell to commemorate the one year anniversary of the company’s listing.

7-Eleven Inc. is targeting cash-using consumers with a new mobile bill payment service. The convenience retailer is partnering with financial services technology company PayNearMe to launch the 7-Eleven Bill Pay app.

Berkeley, Calif. - Cheryl Hughes has joined Andronico’s Community Markets as CFO. Recently appointed CEO Suzy Monford leads the all-female team.

Hughes formerly held the role of controller for Chemoil, a global oil trading organization. Prior to this role she was CFO at Pacific Convenience & Fuels based in Pleasanton. Her career in food and retail dates back to her 15-year stint as director of U.S. Finance with Circle K Stores Inc.
 

Ankeny, Iowa – Cost controls helped Casey’s General Stores Inc. boost profit even as revenue fell in its first quarter.

Net earnings grew 23% to $61.8 million from $50.1 million, driven by a significant decline in cost of goods sold.

Total revenue dropped 10% to $2.05 billion, from $2.29 billion. Fuel price volatility negatively impacted revenue results.

Casey’s annual goal is to build or acquire 75 to 113 stores, replace 10 existing locations and perform major remodels on 100 existing locations.

West Des Moines, Iowa - Midwestern convenience retailer Kum & Go is streamlining the coming and going of data.

The chain has selected G.O.L.D. Space Optimization software with centralized data management from Symphony EYC to simplify the merchandising process across its stores.

Dallas – 7-Eleven Inc. bases its value proposition on being a convenient way of purchasing food and CPG staples. But for consumers who are too time-strapped to even make a quick visit to their nearest 7-Eleven store, the retailer is offering a new omnichannel delivery service.

7-Eleven and omnichannel delivery provider DoorDash are partnering to provide on-demand delivery from participating 7-Eleven stores in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, with delivery service following in Washington, D.C. and Boston in the coming months.