A High-End Speakeasy in a C-Store? - Episode 518

As c-stores continue to be a preferred destination for prepared foods and beverages, retailers are paying more attention to flavors. We look at what's resonating with customers and how can different flavors -- whether "swicy" or "swalty" -- be used and combined. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Amanda Baltazar, Retail & Hospitality Journalist Amanda is a journalist with 20-plus years of experience and expertise in foodservice, beverages, restaurants/bars and overall retail. She covers everything from operations to how to staff a c-suite.

On Jan. 1, 2026, retailers in 8 states will face SNAP Food Restriction Waivers that restrict items deemed "non nutritious. Here is what retailers need to know. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Margaret Mannion, NACS Director, Government Relations Margaret leads federal advocacy efforts at NACS on issues including SNAP, food traceability and retail crime. Margaret joined NACS in 2019 as grassroots manager, leading initiatives like Day on the Hill and NACS In Store to connect convenience retailers with policymakers, strengthen industry relationships and help shape public policy.

Visa and Mastercard reached a settlement with merchants on a swipe fees class-action lawsuit. It's opposed by retail groups, including NACS. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Doug Kantor, NACS General Counsel Doug has served as legal counsel for NACS for more than 20 years, originally as a partner with the law firms Collier Shannon Scott PLLC and Steptoe & Johnson LLP. He has been NACS in-house counsel since 2021. Doug also served as special counsel and deputy chief of staff in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The big term in retail today is "customer experience." Sometimes that's great customer service, sometimes that's something unique in the store--like hiding a speakeasy behind a fake cooler door. We talk about how to create a unique experience that works for any retail location. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Tony Donatell, Owner, Farmer's Grandson Eatery Tony founded the Minneapolis-area restaurant group Wonderous Collective that includes several popular sit-down restaurants as well as two Farmer's Grandson Eatery convenience stores with fueling...and more.

In part 2, we continue the convenience-focused conversation with Clerks' stars Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes, talking about a range of subjects, including other movies about convenience stores. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guests: Kevin Smith, Actor, Writer, Director Kevin wrote and starred in the groundbreaking movie "Clerks," which centered on the interactions at a local Quick Stop convenience store. "Clerks" is often ranked as one of the best Generation X movies of all time. Jason Mewes, Actor, Comedian, Producer As Jay, the quick-witted foul-mouthed foil to Silent Bob, Jay became a pop culture icon since his debut in "Clerks." He has captured audiences with his rebellious banter against Kevin Smith, his unspoken other half and longtime friend. Jay also hosts the YouTube series "5 Things with Jay Mewes," which is set in convenience stores.

Kevin and Jay talk about their 30-plus-year love affair with convenience stores in a freewheeling conversation that takes a few tangents. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guests: Kevin Smith, Actor, Writer, Director Kevin wrote and starred in the groundbreaking movie "Clerks," which centered on the interactions at a local Quick Stop convenience store. "Clerks" is often ranked as one of the best Generation X movies of all time. Jason Mewes, Actor, Comedian, Producer As Jay, the quick-witted foul-mouthed foil to Silent Bob, Jay became a pop culture icon since his debut in "Clerks." He has captured audiences with his rebellious banter against Kevin Smith, his unspoken other half and longtime friend. He also hosts the YouTube series "5 Things with Jay Mewes," which is set in convenience stores.

Hemp-derived THC beverages could present opportunities for convenience retailers that already sell age-restricted products. Hear more about this growing trend. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Melissa Vonder Haar, Writer/Consultant, MelissaV Inc. Melissa has written about the convenience retailing industry for nearly two decades and has written numerous feature articles for NACS Magazine. In addition to her work at MelissaV Inc., she also is marketing director for iSee Store Innovations LLC.

Incoming NACS president and CEO shares his insights on leadership and the industry's bright future. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Frank Gleeson NACS President & CEO beginning January 2026 Frank is the former president and CEO of Aramark Northern Europe and 2018-2019 NACS chairman. He will serve as the new NACS president and CEO beginning January 1, 2026, succeeding current NACS President and CEO Henry Armour. Gleeson will become the fourth CEO in the organization's 64-year history.

The U.S. Mint stopped producing the penny earlier this year, which has triggered a penny shortage. Find out what's happening behind the scenes and what retailers can do. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Anna Ready Blom, NACS Strategic Advisor, Government Relations Anna serves as a policy advisor to the NACS government relations team. During her 10-plus years at NACS, she led numerous advocacy campaigns and has been recognized as one of "The Hill's Top Lobbyists" for three years in a row. Anna previously worked on Capitol Hill for members of Congress from her home state of South Carolina.

C-stores are redefining convenience within a digital ecosystem that is on their customers' phones and in their vehicles. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Stephanie Sikorski, NACS Vice President, Strategic Initiatives Stephanie has led sophisticated marketing and community outreach campaigns for 20 years, the last 12 at NACS. She also is CEO of TruAge.