Buc-ee’s: By the Numbers
Just how much of an impact does Buc-ee’s have when it enters a new market? A big one. Ask the board of trustees of Palmer Lake, Colorado, who heard this week from city finance experts about what to expect if the mega-convenience store comes to town in 2027. The store would sit on 30 acres, with 780 parking spots and 120 fueling stations, according to a report from KKTV. The c-store is projected to generate $38 million in taxable sales its first year, with Palmer Lake getting about $1 million of that. But it’s not all windfalls and rainbows: The Buc-ee’s would also cost the town about $1 million in increased police, fire and public works presence annually. Plus, there would be a one-time cost to the town of $5.9 million for additional equipment charges. That’s a whole lot of Beaver Nuggets. -Heather Lalley
Totally Legit Tardy Immunity
The city of Walker, Michigan, is offering a “totally legit excused tardy slip” that customers of the city’s CITGO convenience store can give to their managers. The convenience store is located in a construction zone. Signed by Mayor Gary Carey, Jr., the tardy slip states, “Please excuse [Employee Name] for their delayed return to work. This dedicated individual was not lollygagging—they were fueling up in more ways than one at the AGO/Citgo Gas Station, valiantly navigating the swirling vortex of detours, cones, and lane closures that now grace Fruit Ridge Avenue. Despite these trials, they pressed on for gas, snacks, and to keep a local business going strong. For this noble act of economic bravery, we grant full Tardy Immunity under Walker Municipal Code: FUEL-UP-4-COMMERCE.”-Rachel Gignac
Beer Soars at Stewart’s Shops
Stewart’s Shops is climbing high. Months after re-imaging and re-introducing its nostalgic Mountain Brew, the brand has been lauded as a top private-label beer by The Wall Street Journal. The Ballston Spa, New York-based c-store chain teamed up with Adirondacks craft brewer Paradox Brewery over the winter to create what The WSJ calls “a refreshing new recipe.” The crisp new lager is available in 19.2-ounce cans at Stewart’s Shops throughout upstate New York and Vermont. The retail price is $2.19 per can or two for $4. Stewart’s is among a growing number of retailers “that work closely with craft breweries to produce compelling beers that deliver both value and taste,” The WSJ wrote in April. -Chuck Ulie
What’s Next, Triscuit Burritos?
Order up! Kellanova, Chicago, is bringing a favorite boxed cracker to the freezer case with new Cheez-It Frozen Pizza. Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based Palermo Villa, Inc., a frozen pizza company, and snack brand Cheez-It, have partnered to create a 12-inch, ultra-thin and crispy Original Cheez-It flavored crust made with 100% real cheese. Beanstalk, Kellanova’s exclusive global food and beverage licensing agency, facilitated the partnership. Cheez-It Frozen Pizza is now available for a suggested retail price of $6.99 - $9.99 and can be found at select retailers nationwide. The stoner-friendly treats come in three flavors: Italian Four Cheese, Pepperoni and Cheddar Jack Supreme. It’s 4:20 somewhere … -Diane Adam
Clock It To Me
Well, this is something CSP hasn’t seen–or heard–before. To promote its new Cinnabon iced coffee flavor, International Delight is giving away themed, limited-edition alarm clocks that diffuse the scent of Cinnabon and feature a built-in fridge to chill one’s iced coffee. “Winners can roll over, crack open a can, and start their day with ease,” the company said. “Trust us, it’s the only alarm you’ll actually want to hear!” The new flavor combines cinnamon and cream cheese frosting flavors in a ready-to-sip can, “perfect for any Mother’s Day spread or well-earned moment of me-time,” International Delight said. -Chuck Ulie
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