C-Stores Serve Up Growth Amid Pain at the Pump

Higher gas prices may be weighing on fuel trips, but convenience stores with strong food offerings are finding ways to attract customers. According to Placer.ai, the six regional chains with the highest shares of lunchtime visits all experienced year-over-year traffic growth from January through August 2026, including Buc-ee’s at 7.6%, Casey’s at 5.1% and Sheetz at 3.9%. Promotions are also proving effective, with 7-Eleven’s Slurpee Day generating visits 79.2% above its typical Saturday average and Circle K’s fuel discounts drawing unusually large crowds.

The findings highlight opportunities for convenience stores, gas stations, quick-service restaurants, delis, coffee shops, beverage retailers and other foodservice businesses to attract budget-conscious consumers. Sellers can help these advertisers promote affordable meals, limited-time offers, loyalty programs and fuel discounts that give customers another reason to stop.