Convenience Stores

Cincinnati — The Kroger Co. has been named Employer of the Year by the Marriott Foundation for People with Disabilities. The Marriott Foundation for People with Disabilities fosters the employment of young people with disabilities.

Atlanta — Consumer spending in the United States grew 4.2% year-over-year in May 2014, compared to April’s 4.1% year-over-year growth. According to Spend Trend analysis from First Data Corp., spending growth was driven by May’s warm weather, which specifically spurred spending on travel and home improvement.

Consumer spending in May increased 4.2%, according to the latest SpendTrend report from First Data Corporation, with the retail sector enjoying renewed vigor.

First Data’s SpendTrend tracks same-store point-of-sale data by credit, signature debit, PIN debit, EBT, closed-loop prepaid cards and checks from nearly four million merchant locations serviced by First Data. The spending increase of 4.2%, compared to 4.1% in April.

Cleveland, Texas — Baker Katz has sold the 11,438-sq.-ft. Cleveland Shopping Center in Cleveland, Texas. Baker Katz facilitated the transaction with a local investor. Financial details remain private.

Canton, Mass. — Dunkin’ Donuts has filed for permits to open its first traditional restaurants in California. The new restaurants are planned for Downey, Long Beach, Modesto, Santa Monica and Whittier.

Durango, Calif. — Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory (RMCF) is providing PCI compliance and security management services to 280-plus franchised RMCF locations using the Cybera One platform. RMCF sought a comprehensive network security solution to facilitate cost-effective PCI Security Council data security standards (DSS) compliance, as well as a solution that could ease implementation and management challenges and protect brand identity.

Goodlettsville, Tenn. — Dollar General plans to expand its nationwide presence into three new states within the next year, increasing the company’s presence to 43 states across the country. The discount retailer will begin construction on stores in Maine and Rhode Island in fall 2014, with plans to expand into Oregon in early 2015.

Ankeny, Iowa — Casey’s General Stores reported that the board of directors elected Terry W. Handley to serve as president of the Company, effective immediately.  He  will continue to serve in his present role of COO.