Best Convenience Store Operations Podcasts (2025)

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Why restaurants may be missing an opportunity on delivery 27:53

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6d ago27:53

27:53

Are restaurants missing a key opportunity on delivery? This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast A Deeper Dive features Cameron Watt, the CEO of secret shopper firm Intouch Insight. Intouch recently completed an exclusive study on delivery for Restaurant Business and we’re chatting about some of the conclusions. We caught up with Camer…

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On McDonald's head-scratching stand on the tip credit 27:20

13d ago27:20

27:20

Why is McDonald’s taking on the tip credit? This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast A Deeper Dive takes a hard look at the fast-food giant’s stand on the tip credit, which enables businesses to pay a subminimum wage to tipped workers, so long as the tips make up the difference. We feature three guests on this podcast: Saru Jayaraman,…

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How the convenience-store chain Casey’s is making waves in the pizza business 30:44

20d ago30:44

30:44

What is the country’s fifth largest pizza concept doing to expand its reach? This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast A Deeper Dive features Tom Brennan, the chief merchandising officer for the Iowa-based convenience-store chain Casey’s. That is right. Casey’s is the fifth-largest pizza concept in the U.S., at least based on sales. Th…

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Why restaurant profitability has yet to recover from the pandemic 28:29

27d ago28:29

28:29

Why are some restaurants having such a tough time this year? This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast A Deeper Dive features Chad Moutray, the chief economist for the National Restaurant Association. We wanted to talk with Chad for two big reasons: First, the association published its data abstract on the restaurant industry, which sh…

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Todd Penegor on his first year as CEO of Papa Johns 31:53

1M ago31:53

31:53

What is Todd Penegor doing at Papa Johns? This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast A Deeper Dive features Todd Penegor, who has been CEO of the Atlanta-based pizza chain for just over a year. This is a great conversation. Penegor has helped Papa Johns regain sales momentum during a particularly difficult time, both for the sector and …

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How franchisees are facing the difficult operating environment 29:01

1M ago29:01

29:01

How are franchisees dealing with the current operating environment? This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast A Deeper Dive features Raj Patel, a multi-brand franchisee out of the Chicago area. Patel’s group operates nearly 100 Dunkin’ locations and a number of Dave’s Hot Chicken restaurants, among others. We wanted to talk with him to…

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What restaurant chains are looking for when it comes to technology 32:56

2M ago32:56

32:56

What kind of technology are restaurant companies looking for? This week’s episode of A Deeper Dive features Juan George, a former Olo executive and cofounder of 858 Partners, which connects restaurants with technology companies. Technology remains a key area of investment for a lot of companies. We were interested in hearing from George about what …

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Why Zaxbys believes it is ready to grow again 29:50

2M ago29:50

29:50

Zaxbys is ready to fulfill its destiny. This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast A Deeper Dive features a discussion with Bernard Acoca, the CEO of the fast-casual chicken chain. Acoca was hired as CEO three years ago and was the first non-founder to lead the Atlanta-based chain. He has spent that time “bunkering” and working to fix t…

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A look at the recent sale of Dave's Hot Chicken 27:40

2M ago27:40

27:40

How does a restaurant chain go from parking lot startup to $1 billion valuation in less than a decade? This week’s episode of A Deeper Dive focuses on the recent sale of Dave’s Hot Chicken to Roark Capital. It features the fast-casual chain’s CFO, James McGehee, and SVP of Finance Scott Putman. Dave’s Hot Chicken was founded in a Los Angeles parkin…

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Why Handel's is keeping the focus on hospitality 31:11

2M ago31:11

31:11

Why doesn’t Handel’s Homemade Ice cream have an app? This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast A Deeper Dive features Jennifer Schuler, CEO of the Ohio-based Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream. This is a great conversation. Handel’s was founded in Youngstown Ohio in 1945. It has been franchising for decades. But it has taken off last year—sal…

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Why fireplaces are vital for La Madeleine 22:49

3M ago22:49

22:49

Why is La Madeleine adding more fireplaces? This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast A Deeper Dive features John Dillon, CEO of the Dallas-based fast-casual chain La Madeleine. This is the last in our series of podcast episodes recorded during the National Restaurant Show in May. La Madeleine operates 91 locations, mostly across the S…

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How the CEO of A&W taps into brand nostalgia 28:08

3M ago28:08

28:08

How does a 106-year-old brand keep customers coming back? By tapping into nostalgia. This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast A Deeper Dive features A&W CEO Betsy Schmandt. This is the latest in our series of podcasts recorded during the National Restaurant show. This is a great conversation. We wanted to get to know Betsy, who was na…

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The story behind the fast-growing restaurant chain Mo'Bettahs 22:12

3M ago22:12

22:12

What’s the story behind the growth chain Mo’Bettahs? This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast A Deeper Dive features Rob Ertmann, the CEO of the fast-growing Hawaiian-style chain Mo’Bettahs. This is the latest in our series of podcast episodes recorded at the National Restaurant Show in May. We wanted to talk with Ertmann to get the s…

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How Heather Neary is bringing Taco John's into the future 25:19

3M ago25:19

25:19

How do you take a 56-year-old brand into the future? This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast A Deeper Dive features Heather Neary, the CEO of the fast-food Mexican chain Taco John’s. This is our latest in a series of podcast episodes recorded from the National Restaurant Show in May. Neary took over as CEO of Taco John’s last year. W…

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Episode 25: Role-Playing - Your Training Secret Weapon 4:23

3M ago4:23

4:23

Smoke Break - Episode 25: Role-Playing - Your Training Secret Weapon Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how role-playing transforms awkward training sessions into powerful skill-building experiences that boost customer service confidence. Learn proven techniques from successful store owners who've used role-playing t…

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Episode 25: Creating Powerful Compliance Checklists 4:23

3M ago4:23

4:23

Smoke Break - Episode 25: Creating Powerful Compliance Checklists Episode Duration: 9 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how to create compliance checklists that actually work in the real world of convenience store operations. Learn to build customized tools that reflect each store's unique characteristics, engage your team in the devel…

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Episode 25 - OSHA Inspections: Be Ready, Not Worried 3:11

3M ago3:11

3:11

Smoke Break - Episode 25: OSHA Inspections: Be Ready, Not Worried Episode Duration: 7 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he transforms OSHA inspection anxiety into confidence through proper preparation and daily readiness practices. Learn how to maintain inspection-ready standards every day, organize essential documentation, and train your team to…

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Episode 25: De-escalating Tense Situations 3:29

3M ago3:29

3:29

Smoke Break - Episode 25: De-escalating Tense Situations Episode Duration: 6 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals essential de-escalation techniques that transform heated confrontations into manageable conversations. Learn proven strategies for maintaining calm under pressure, using language that defuses tension, and creating safe environ…

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Episode 25: Cash Handling Essentials 3:34

3M ago3:34

3:34

Smoke Break - Episode 25: Cash Handling Essentials Episode Duration: 7 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals the fundamentals of professional cash handling that build customer trust and protect both you and your store. Learn essential techniques for accurate transactions, proper counting procedures, counterfeit detection basics, and mainta…

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How the owner of Krystal and Logan's Roadhouse makes it work 32:02

3M ago32:02

32:02

What’s the next step for the owner of Krystal? This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast A Deeper Dive features Josh Kern, the CEO of the multi-brand restaurant operator SPB Hospitality, which owns several different chains. This is the latest in a series of podcast episodes that we recorded during the National Restaurant Association Sh…

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Episode 24: Mastering Problem Resolution 4:20

4M ago4:20

4:20

Smoke Break - Episode 24: Mastering Problem Resolution Episode Duration: 9 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he transforms how you view customer complaints and problems, revealing how effective resolution strategies can turn unhappy customers into loyal advocates. Learn proven techniques from successful store owners who've mastered the art of tur…

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Episode 24: Staying Ahead of Safety Regulations 3:28

4M ago3:28

3:28

Smoke Break - Episode 24: Staying Ahead of Safety Regulations Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez for the final episode of the health and safety series as he reveals how to stay ahead of ever-changing safety regulations. Learn proactive strategies for monitoring regulatory changes, building industry networks for early warnings, and…

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Episode 24 - Incident Reports: Getting the Details Right 3:07

4M ago3:07

3:07

Smoke Break - Episode 24: Incident Reports: Getting the Details Right Episode Duration: 7 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how proper incident reporting protects your store from major complications and liability issues. Learn comprehensive documentation strategies for all types of incidents, from customer injuries to near-misses, and …

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Episode 24: The Power of Empathy in Communication 3:02

4M ago3:02

3:02

Smoke Break - Episode 24: The Power of Empathy in Communication Episode Duration: 6 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how empathetic communication transforms challenging customer interactions into positive experiences that build trust and loyalty. Learn practical techniques for understanding customer perspectives, using language that v…

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Episode 24: Understanding POS Reports For Better Service 2:55

4M ago2:55

2:55

Smoke Break - Episode 24: Understanding POS Reports For Better Service Episode Duration: 6 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he demystifies POS reports and reveals how sales data can transform your customer service approach. Learn to read sales patterns, identify customer preferences, and use transaction insights to anticipate needs, make better …

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How Velvet Taco's unique menu gives it permission to go where others can't 28:20

4M ago28:20

28:20

How does Velvet Taco come up with its recipes? This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast A Deeper Dive features Clay Dover, CEO of the fast-casual taco chain. This is the latest in a series of podcasts we recorded at the National Restaurant Show. Velvet Taco is a rapidly growing chain of taco shops. It finished 2024 with 49 locations a…

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Episode 23: Product Knowledge - Your Secret Service Weapon 3:53

4M ago3:53

3:53

Smoke Break - Episode 23: Product Knowledge - Your Secret Service Weapon Episode Duration: 9 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how deep product knowledge transforms your staff from order-takers into customer service experts. Learn proven strategies from successful store owners who've turned product expertise into a competitive advantag…

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Episode 23: Building Emergency Response Partnerships 3:14

4M ago3:14

3:14

Smoke Break - Episode 23: Building Emergency Response Partnerships Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how to build strategic partnerships with local emergency responders that can save lives and protect your stores during critical situations. Learn proactive relationship-building strategies with fire departments, poli…

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Episode 23 - When Accidents Happen: First Response Matters 3:15

4M ago3:15

3:15

Smoke Break - Episode 23: When Accidents Happen: First Response Matters Episode Duration: 7 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he guides you through critical first response procedures when workplace accidents occur. Learn how your actions in the first few minutes can significantly impact outcomes, from scene safety assessment to proper documentati…

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Episode 23: Clear and Concise Communication 3:11

4M ago3:11

3:11

Smoke Break - Episode 23: Clear and Concise Communication Episode Duration: 6 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals the essential communication skills that make assistant managers more effective in fast-paced convenience store environments. Learn how to deliver messages quickly and clearly to customers and team members, prioritize informat…

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Episode 23: POS and Inventory - Making the Connection 2:53

4M ago2:53

2:53

Smoke Break - Episode 23: POS and Inventory - Making the Connection Episode Duration: 6 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how your daily POS transactions directly impact inventory management and customer service. Learn to leverage your point-of-sale system as a powerful inventory tool, understand the connection between scanning accurac…

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How restaurants can adapt marketing in an era of AI 31:26

4M ago31:26

31:26

How should marketing change in the era of AI? This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast A Deeper Dive features Kyle Drenon, the CEO and co-owner of Supper Co., a marketing firm that works with restaurants and other hospitality industries. This is part of a series of podcasts we recorded at the National Restaurant Show last month and it…

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Episode 22: The Impact of Store Cleanliness 4:07

4M ago4:07

4:07

Smoke Break - Episode 22: The Impact of Store Cleanliness Episode Duration: 9 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how store cleanliness directly impacts customer perception, shopping behavior, and sales success. Learn proven strategies from real store transformations that show how smart cleaning systems, staff engagement, and attention t…

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Episode 22: Creating Safety Incentive Programs That Work 3:22

4M ago3:22

3:22

Smoke Break - Episode 22: Creating Safety Incentive Programs That Work Episode Duration: 7 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how to build safety incentive programs that actually change behavior and strengthen safety culture across your district. Learn why traditional accident-free day rewards can backfire and discover proven strategies…

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Episode 22 - Emergency Planning: Ready for Anything 4:16

4M ago4:16

4:16

Smoke Break - Episode 22: Emergency Planning: Ready for Anything Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he guides you through comprehensive emergency planning that protects your team and customers when seconds count. Learn how to create actionable emergency procedures, assign specific roles, and conduct effective drills that prepar…

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Smoke Break - Episode 22: The Art of Active Listening 3:16

4M ago3:16

3:16

Smoke Break - Episode 22: The Art of Active Listening Episode Duration: 6 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals the difference between simply hearing customers and truly listening to them. Learn essential active listening techniques that transform customer interactions, build stronger relationships, and help you resolve issues more effecti…

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Episode 22: Mastering Rush Hour at the Register 3:11

4M ago3:11

3:11

Smoke Break - Episode 22: Mastering Rush Hour at the Register Episode Duration: 6 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals the secrets to handling high-volume checkout periods with confidence and efficiency. Learn how to balance speed with accuracy, manage customer expectations during busy times, and prepare your register station for smooth t…

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Why restaurant chains are pushing so many new menu items 23:36

4M ago23:36

23:36

Why are restaurant chains introducing so many limited-time offers? This week’s episode of the restaurant finance podcast A Deeper Dive features Katie Belflower, manager of menu research and insights with Restaurant Business sister company Technomic. This is part of a series of podcasts we recorded during the recently concluded National Restaurant A…

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Episode 21: Mastering Efficient Checkout 3:54

4M ago3:54

3:54

Smoke Break - Episode 21: Mastering Efficient Checkout Episode Duration: 9 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares proven strategies for transforming slow, frustrating checkout experiences into swift, memorable interactions that keep customers coming back. Learn how independent store owners have dramatically reduced wait times and improved cu…

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Episode 21: Employee Safety Training That Sticks 3:04

4M ago3:04

3:04

Smoke Break - Episode 21: Employee Safety Training That Sticks Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how to transform ineffective safety training into engaging, memorable programs that actually prevent accidents. Learn proven techniques for creating lasting safety habits across your district through storytelling, hands-…

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Episode 21 - OSHA Basics: What Every Store Manager Must Know 3:17

4M ago3:17

3:17

Smoke Break - Episode 21: OSHA Basics: What Every Store Manager Must Know Episode Duration: 7 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he demystifies OSHA regulations with practical, actionable guidance for convenience store managers. Learn the essential safety requirements that protect your team and keep your store compliant, from hazard communication …

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Episode 21: Putting It All Together - Creating the Ultimate Customer Experience 3:01

4M ago3:01

3:01

Smoke Break - Episode 21: Putting It All Together - Creating the Ultimate Customer Experience Episode Duration: 6 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he demonstrates how to combine all customer service skills into seamless, exceptional experiences. Learn how to blend cue reading, empathy, needs anticipation, and expectation management to create mem…

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Episode 21: Using Your POS to Drive Sales 3:27

4M ago3:27

3:27

Smoke Break - Episode 21: Using Your POS to Drive Sales Episode Duration: 7 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how to transform your POS system from a simple checkout tool into a powerful sales driver. Learn practical techniques for using transaction data, promotional information, and inventory insights to boost sales while providing ex…

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How the restaurant industry is adjusting to the Trump administration 25:39

4M ago25:39

25:39

How is the restaurant industry adjusting to the Trump administration? This week’s episode of the weekly restaurant finance podcast A Deeper Dive features Michelle Korsmo, the CEO of the National Restaurant Association. This is the first in a series of podcasts we recorded during the National Restaurant Association Show this week. We wanted to get a…

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Staying on Track: Managing Interruptions in Store Operations 18:32

5M ago18:32

18:32

Episode 68 Show Notes: Staying on Track - Managing Interruptions in Store Operations Episode Description In this final episode of the "Survive" series from C-Store Center, host Mike Hernandez tackles one of the biggest challenges assistant managers face - the constant interruptions that derail productivity and focus. Discover how Marcus transformed…

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Episode 20: The Art of Greeting and Assisting Customers 4:33

5M ago4:33

4:33

Smoke Break - Episode 20: The Art of Greeting and Assisting Customers Episode Duration: 9 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares powerful stories and proven strategies for transforming customer experiences through effective greeting practices. Learn how independent store owners like you have significantly increased customer loyalty and sales…

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Episode 20: Record Keeping - Your Safety Net 3:25

5M ago3:25

3:25

Smoke Break - Episode 20: Record Keeping - Your Safety Net Episode Duration: 7 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals why effective documentation is crucial for health and safety compliance across your district. Learn how proper record keeping serves as both protection during inspections and a valuable management tool that identifies operat…

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Episode 20 - When Things Go Wrong: Food Safety Emergency Response 3:35

5M ago3:35

3:35

Smoke Break - Episode 20: When Things Go Wrong: Food Safety Emergency Response Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he provides essential guidance for handling food safety emergencies in your convenience store. Learn how to develop an effective crisis response plan for situations like power outages, product recalls, and foodborne…

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Episode 20: Reading and Responding to Customer Cues 3:06

5M ago3:06

3:06

Smoke Break - Episode 20: Reading and Responding to Customer Cues Episode Duration: 6 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how to interpret and react to the silent signals customers communicate through their body language, tone, and expressions. Learn why understanding these non-verbal cues is essential for providing exceptional service a…

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Episode 20: POS Maintenance and Security 3:30

5M ago3:30

3:30

Smoke Break - Episode 20: POS Maintenance and Security Episode Duration: 7 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he explains essential practices for keeping your POS system clean, secure, and functioning properly. Learn why regular maintenance isn't just about appearances—it directly affects equipment performance, security, and customer trust in toda…