Beverages

The 7,400-square-foot unit is the first of many the chain expects to open over the next few years.

Dave Thomas succumbs to liver cancer at 69.

As the impact of Pepsico's recent acquisitions of Tropicana, Gatorade and SoBe continues to unfold, retailers are facing a host of new concerns stemming from big beverage mergers, sub-category proliferation and the rapid growth of several upstart bprise in the industry, considering that most of the companies spend little or nothing on commercial advertising — although Red Bull has recently launched a major television advertising campaign.

It often doesn't seem to matter how good a retailer's food is, if a Wendy's, McDonald's or Taco Bell opens across the street, a c-store's foodservice program can take a sales hit.

Improved use of color is helping retailers drive sales and increase overall profitability.

Long a staple of c-stores, frozen dispensed beverages try new flavors to juice up the category.

Chain receives six awards for radio and TV ads.

SKYY Blue is scheduled to arrive in retail stores in early March.