This weekly feature highlights some eclectic convenience-store news that readers might otherwise miss.
FDA Issues Nitrous Oxide Warning
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising consumers not to inhale or use recreationally nitrous oxide products from any size canister, tank or charger. The agency has observed an increase in reports of adverse health events, including brain damage and death. These products are marketed as unflavored or flavored nitrous oxide canisters and are sold as a food processing propellant for whipped cream and culinary food use. These products are sold online and at retailers including but not limited to Amazon, Ebay, Walmart, smoke and vape shops, gas stations and convenience stores. Brand names cited by the FDA include Baking Bad, Cosmic Gas, Galaxy Gas, Hotwhip, InfusionMax, MassGass, Miami Magic and Whip-it!. —Greg Lindenberg
Robbers Armed With Pythons Steal CBD Oil From Truck Stop
A group of men who robbed a truck stop of $400 worth of cannabidiol (CBD) oil wielded an unusual weapon—a pair of pythons. The robbery took place inside a truck stop on Highway 138 in Denmark, Tennessee, according to a report from News Channel 3 WREG. At least four people came into the gas station with two pythons, the report said. Surveillance footage shows the men holding the snakes and placing them on the checkout counter. The men then grabbed the CBD oil from the counter, the report said. —Hannah Hammond
QuikTrip Plans New Store at Former Historic El Rancho Restaurant Location
QuikTrip is moving forward with plans to build a new convenience store near Evergreen, Colorado. The Tulsa, Oklahoma-based retailer paid $6 million for the site, according to the Denver Post. Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the location previously housed the historic El Rancho restaurant, which was a frequent stop for travelers in the area. “We are excited to collaborate with other top-tier retail operators that are eager to be part of this dynamic development, and significant efforts will be made to restore and relocate elements of the iconic El Rancho restaurant building to a nearby location,” QuikTrip sokesperson Aisha Jefferson told CSP. “As part of our efforts to be a good neighbor in the community, we have revised our design plans to reduce our store’s footprint in accordance with feedback we have received.” This location will not include diesel fuel bays to service semi-trucks, she said. —Diane Adam
Kraft Heinz Debuts First Alcohol Beverage
Kraft Heinz is entering the alcohol space. The packaged-food giant is rolling out its first alcohol product for grocery stores, Crystal Light Vodka Seltzers, the Chicago-based company said. Nearly one-in-five Crystal Light purchasers use the product as a mixer for their cocktails, according to Kraft Heinz’s Beverage Mix Quarterly Consumption Tracker. The Crystal Light Vodka Refreshers are a 77-calorie, zero-sugar beverage with triple-filtered vodka. They have an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 3.8%. They are available in lemonade and wild strawberry flavors. Crystal Light Vodka Refreshers will hit shelves this month at select retailers in the Northeast in a four-pack for $9.99, with plans for a larger expansion, new flavors and multipack options in 2026, the company said. —Rachel Gignac
If the Chew Fits
Germany-based candy company Haribo has teamed up with casual footwear brand Crocs, Broomfield, Colorado, to launch the Haribo Classic Clog. Inspired by Haribo’s Goldbears, this limited-edition collaboration features a translucent, gummi-like design with Haribo-branded heel strap and Goldbears Jibbitz charms that attach to the holes in the shoes. The shoes come in kid and adult sizes. The Jibbitz charms are available in two styles for adult sizes: oversized Goldbears and a Goldbears package charm. The kid-size Crocs come with permanent Goldbears Jibbitz. —Rachel Gignac
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