Convenience Stores

Robert M. Long, former president, CEO and chairman of Longs Drug Stores passed away March 27 due to complications, which occurred as a result of inclusion body myositis.  

Long was a well-known industry veteran having led Longs Drug Stores for more than 20 years. His retirement from the Walnut Creek, Calif.-based pharmacy retailer as CEO in 2000 marked the first time that a member of the founding family was not heading the company.

Oak Brook, Ill. — Inland Real Estate Corporation has announced the acquisition of Mokena Marketplace in Mokena, Ill., an affluent suburb located within the Chicago metropolitan area for $13.7 million in cash.

Houston -- Cardtronics, the world’s largest retail ATM owner, has extended its ATM services agreement with Walgreens. Cardtronics is a preferred provider of ATM services for Walgreens. Since the relationship began in 2004, Cardtronics has grown its ATM presence in Walgreens locations significantly — from fewer than 400 initially to roughly 3,250 today.

Matthews, N.C. -- Family Dollar is expanding its food assortment with the introduction of more than 400 new food items in each of its more than 8,000 stores across the country.

"At Family Dollar our focus is on our customer," said Jason Reiser, Family Dollar executive VP and chief merchandising officer, in a statement. “It’s important for us to constantly evaluate our assortment, making sure that we have the products and national brands that are relevant to her and her family, always at a great everyday value."

Ankeny, Iowa -- Casey’s General Stores plans to break ground on the company’s second distribution center in November 2014. The facility will be located in Terre Haute, Ind.

Riverside, Calif. — Farmer Boys will open its 75th fast casual restaurant in Orange, Calif., this weekend. The Grand Opening will include a ribbon cutting ceremony, burger-eating contest, Big Cheese burger giveaway and family entertainment.

The fast, casual Farmer Boys chain prides itself on using farm-fresh ingredients.

Pleasanton, Calif. – Safeway Inc. on Friday said that no other bidders have emerged during the 21-day “go-shop” period following the announcement of its agreement to be acquired by AB Acquisition, the parent of Albertsons.

Under the definitive merger agreement, Safeway and its representatives were permitted to solicit and engage in negotiations with respect to alternative acquisition proposals during the 21-day period that ended on March 27 (the "go-shop" period).

Baldwin Park, Calif. — The Los Angeles Business Journal has awarded NewMark Merrill Companies the Gold level “Best 2013 Retail Project in Los Angeles” for Park Plaza on Maine in Baldwin Park, Calif.

NewMark Merrill carried out a major $2.5 million renovation on the 165,000-sq.-ft. shopping center.