An elephant casually walked into a convenience store in Khao Yai — just another day in Thailand! 🐘🛒 On its way out, the hungry visitor even grabbed some rice crackers for the road 😅
— Bangkok Community Help Foundation 🇹🇭 (@BKK_community) June 2, 2025
Credit: ที่นี่เขาใหญ่#Elephant#KhaoYai#WildlifeEncounters#OnlyInThailand#ที่นี่เขาใหญ่… pic.twitter.com/pkujdWmNiH
Sometimes you just need a late-night snack, OK?: Even if you’re an elephant. That’s what happened in Thailand Monday, at 3 a.m. local time, when an elephant pushed his way through the aisles of a c-store, eventually finding the snack he was seeking. “The elephant could be seen perusing the tiny aisles in front of shocked onlookers as his huge head brushed the ceiling,” the New York Post reported. Known to locals as Plai Biang Lek, the 23-year-old elephant calls a nearby national park home but often wanders out in search of food, according to reports. Video of Plai’s late-night snack raid, perhaps unsurprisingly, went viral in Thailand. So, what does an elephant with the munchies gobble down? A bunch of crispy rice crackers and eggs, according to the Post. -Heather Lalley
A pop of flavor:Wawa customers can now get an added pop of flavor in their Iced Rechargers. The caffeinated drinks come in iced and frozen versions in flavors like Red Flash, Pink Pearl and Pina Colada. Those looking for an extra flavor boost can try Blushing Bubbles and Tropical Tides, which each come with sour cherry popping bubbles. The offering signals the trend toward varying textures and flavors in beverages, made popular by boba teas and dirty sodas. –Hannah Hammond
Summer sweets: With summer heating up, consumers are ready for National Candy Month in June. “Classic summer rituals—like road trips, beach vacations, backyard barbecues and campfires—create a fitting backdrop for consumers to enjoy chocolate and candy, enhancing memorable moments,” said John Downs, president and CEO of the National Confectioners Association (NCA). So, what are the top treats? According to NCA’s National Candy Month consumer data, gummy candy, chocolate, hard candy and taffy top the list of Americans’ favorite summer treats. As for summer travel treats, NCA said 86% of people going on a summer road trip will bring chocolate and candy, 80% will enjoy their favorite sweets during a visit with family and 64% of beachgoers will soak up the sun with treats in tow.—Diane Adam
Community outreach: Several convenience-store chains have donated funds to charities recently, including EG America, which raised $600,000 for the American Red Cross. EG asked customers to donate $1, $5 or an amount of their choice at Certified Oil, Cumberland Farms, Fastrac, Kwik Shop, Loaf ‘N Jug, Minit Mart, Quik Stop, Sprint Food Stores, Tom Thumb, and Turkey Hill stores. Wawa has also donated $26,000 to Second Harvest Food Bank, Riley Children’s Hospital, Dare to Care Food Bank and the United Service Organizations in honor of its first Indiana stores. In addition, Rutter’s donated $1,000 to The Salvation Army Youth Programs, Christ Wesleyan Church Food Pantry and the Milton Volunteer Fire Department. This was in honor of its new store in Milton, Pennsylvania. –Rachel Gignac
Summer nears, partnership here: Another summer, another Circle K partnership with Gatorade. The new exclusive Gatorade flavor at Circle K for summer 2025 is Summer Blaze, a 28-ounce bottle that offers “a bold, refreshing burst of juicy flavor designed to keep customers refreshed and hydrated for every summer adventure,” Circle K said. Circle K is calling Summer Blaze “the ultimate on-the-go summer drink to both quench your thirst and take with you for a day spent outside.” In summer 2024, Circle K positioned itself as “America’s Thirst Stop” with a summer promotion featuring its lineup of Polar Pop and Froster beverages and added an exclusive, limited-edition Gatorade flavor, Lightning Blast, to that lineup. – Chuck Ulie
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