The Future of Convenience

We have a new winner for the Best EV Hub in the World and it is Shell Recharge in Shenzhen China! We talked with Chuan Hu, Shell’s VP Mobility and Convenience China and Elaine Kanak, Vontier’s CMO, about the winning site and worldwide EV growth. We’re looking forward to our visit to Shenzhen this September, where we’ll dive into the city’s remarkable embrace of ‘new energy’ vehicles, now accounting for more than 60% of all cars on the road in China’s third-largest metropolis.

Read more and see a video about the Shell Recharge winning site in Shenzhen: https://www.globalconveniencestorefocus.co.uk/best/entries-25/shell-recharge-shenzhen-china

Many thanks to the sponsors of the Best EV Hub in the World 2025 competition, Vontier and Visa. These global companies are vital in supporting our industry through the mobility transition.

With special guests:

Chuan Hu, VP Mobility and Convenience China, Shell and Elaine Kanak, Chief Marketing Officer, Vontier

Hosted by:

Carolyn Schnare and Dan Munford

How does Irish convenience retail giant Maxol harness technology to excel at its world-renowned customer-centric strategy? Join Brian Donaldson, CEO of Maxol, and Brad Sandys from Urgent as they discuss the evolution from fuel-focused operations to modern multi-energy hubs designed around exceptional customer experiences.

See Maxol's entry in The Best EV Hub in the World Competition: https://www.globalconveniencestorefocus.co.uk/best/entries-25/maxol-newbridge-kildare-ireland

With special guests:

Brian Donaldson, CEO, The Maxol Group and Brad Sandys, Head of Business Development, Urgent

Hosted by:

Carolyn Schnare and Nick Scherzer

Antonio Swad, founder of Wingstop and Buzz Brands, joins hosts Carolyn Schnare and Harry Milloff, CEO of The Moseley Group, to share the unconventional story behind two boundary-pushing brands. From his early days at Wingstop revolutionizing wings at the center of the plate to exploding into the convenience landscape with a bold new CPG disruptor, Swad reveals how thinking differently—and not always listening to customers—can sometimes be the secret sauce to building a powerhouse franchise.

With special guest:

Antonio Swad, Founder of Wingstop and Buzz Brands

Hosted by:

Carolyn Schnare and Harry Milloff

Discover how EG America's president and CEO John Carey is reshaping company culture as the foundation for transformation across convenience retail. Carey and hosts Harry Milloff and Carolyn Schnare dive into the intersection of design, digital tools, and customer engagement. Hear how EG America is aligning food, AI, localization, and loyalty to build stores that are destinations—not just stops.

With special guest:

Jon Carey, President and CEO, EG America

Hosted by:

Harry Milloff and Carolyn Schnare

QSR veteran Ned Lyerly, Ned Lyerly, CEO and Founder of Starheel Ventures, LLC, learned a new word on this week’s episode – foodvenience! Ned, Harry Milloff and Carolyn Schnare discuss the balance between speed, quality, and operational efficiency in all forms of foodservice. Hear Ned’s insights on menu design, drive-thru innovation, and creating exceptional customer experiences.

With special guest:

Ned Lyerly, CEO and Founder, Starheel Ventures, LLC

Hosted by:

Carolyn Schnare and Harry Milloff

The iconic Jacob Schram joins us this week to talk about his leadership philosophy, the energy transition, and the future of convenience retail. Drawing from his 35 years of experience with major brands like Circle K and Norwegian Air, Schram shares insights on running businesses at two clock speeds, navigating the complexities of EV adoption across different markets, and why great people and operations remain the hardest elements for competitors to copy.

With special guest:

Jacob Schram

Hosted by:

Carolyn Schnare and Dan Munford

Related Links:

Jacob Schram’s "The Essence of Business" book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/essence-business-Jacob-Schram/dp/B075CDQPRC

Casey’s CEO Darren Rebelez reflects on his journey from West Point to leading one of the nation’s largest convenience store chains, emphasizing the company’s focus on people, community, and foodservice as key differentiators. The conversation explores challenges such as declining cigarette sales and shifting fuel demand, along with Casey’s growth strategy and commitment to delivering customer value.

With special guest:

Darren Rebelez, President and CEO, Casey's General Stores

Hosted by:

Carolyn Schnare and Frank Gleeson

World retail travelers, Mark Wohltmann, director of NACS Global and host Dan Munford, share their travels and observations of retail around the world. Highlighting key trends and innovations in various markets, hear why it is important for retailers to hit the road (or air) to learn from each other.

With special guest:

Mark Wohltmann, Director, NACS Global

Hosted by:

Dan Munford and Carolyn Schnare

Popeyes, a leading global QSR brand, is renowned for its consistency and ability to keep loyal customers. Hear how foodvenience retailers can effectively compete with QSRs and why “surprise and delight” is a bad way to go about it.

With special guest:

Jordan Cusner, Former Head of Guest Insights, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen

Hosted by:

Carolyn Schnare and Harry Milloff

Applegreen Rathcoole is the winner of the Insight Research 2024 ‘Best Foodvenience Store in the World’ competition! Join hosts Dan and Carolyn in a candid conversation with Joe Barrett, CEO of Applegreen, who shares insights on Applegreen's innovative approach to foodservice, EV charging, and ambitious plans for expansion across Ireland and the U.S. Many thanks to the competition sponsors Invenco by GVR, The Moseley Group and The Coca-Cola Company!

With special guest:

Joe Barrett, CEO, Applegreen

Hosted by:

Dan Munford and Carolyn Schnare

Related Links:

Applegreen Rathcoole Entry Video and Photos: https://www.globalconveniencestorefocus.co.uk/best/entries/applegreen-rathcoole-ireland/

The Best Foodvenience Store in the World’ 2024: https://www.globalconveniencestorefocus.co.uk/best/foodvenience