Alternative Product Wholesale Distribution & Manufacturing Company
Storflex Holdings Inc.
Sharon Grasso
sgrasso@storflex.com • storflex.com
Shelving, Queuing Fixtures, Specialty Displays and Walk In Coolers and Freezers
Talking Rain
Frank Strange
fstrange@talkingrain.com • talkingrain.com
Company manufacturing still and sparkling waters including Sparkling Ice
Vroom Delivery
Sean Asnes
sean.asnes@vroomdelivery.com • vroomdelivery.tech
The only e-commerce platform 100% focused on c-stores.
Track Map
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
11:00 am Golf Tournament @ Drumlin’s Country Club
6:30 pm Welcome Party @ Eleven Waters
Thursday, May 15, 2025
All Thursday Events are @ The Oncenter
9:00 am Free Retailer Workshops
Enter to win Thomas Rhett tickets!
10:15 am Trade Show Starting Grid
Welcome address and recognition of C-Store Crew Award nominees
10:45 am Trade Show Opens
Cash Prize Drawings, Pick-A-Prize Auction, & so much more!
5:00 pm Chairman’s Banquet
New York Convenience Store Hall of Fame Induction
Track Sessions
In the Driver’s Seat: Accelerating Team Success with the
Right Mindset
Jason E. Brooks, Speaker, Author, & Hospitality Coach
In this workshop, participants will In this workshop, participants will learn when to use managing, leading, or coaching mindsets to improve team conversations and outcomes. The session will address how confusing these mindsets can cause underperformance and provide practical strategies for effective leadership. Attendees will leave with tools to strengthen teams, build trust, and make an immediate impact.
Food
Safety
Tune-Up: Safeguarding Consumers and Your Brand
Wade Robinson, Senior Food Service Manager, Mirabito Convenience Stores
This session will cover common violations and key data to protect customers, teams, and your brand. Designed for food safety, foodservice, risk management, and quality assurance professionals, attendees will learn from an expert about preparing for inspections and understanding regulations. Don’t miss this chance to enhance your food safety knowledge.
Trade Show Sponsors:
WIN at the NYACS Trade Show!
Retailers who submit an evaluation after their workshop will be entered to win 2 tickets to see Thomas Rhett on August 21st!
Auction Featuring...
Coach Bag & Wallet McLaren F1 Lego Set
Apple AirPods Pro
Ninja Foodie 5-in-1
Alexa Echo Show
Cornhole Game Boards
Watch
MAKE MORE DOUGH.
Front & Center
LatestnewsaboutNYACSMemberRetailersandSuppliers
QuickChek Corporation is rapidly expanding in the Albany area, with four proposed locations in Colonie and Brunswick. One key project is at the former Bed Bath & Beyond site on Wolf Road, where QuickChek plans to demolish the existing building and construct a 6,730-square-foot store with fuel pumps. The company is also eyeing properties near Albany International Airport and at the corner of Albany Shaker and Osborne Roads in Loudonville, both requiring special approvals.
Altria, in partnership with the University of Missouri’s Trulaske Business School, hosted its 2025 Women’s Leadership Summit on February 28, focusing on how Gen Z women can thrive in a rapidly changing business environment. The summit featured breakout sessions and panels on topics such as leveraging digital strengths, adapting to various work models, and navigating career development. Attendees engaged with industry leaders, including Altria executives, to explore how technology, flexibility, and mentorship can support career success.
Chestnut Market’s manager of marketing, loyalty, and communications, Abigail Cerra, is leading the launch of the new Chestnut Rewards program this spring, focusing on
personalized, data-driven offers to boost customer engagement. Future plans for the program include integrating mobile payment, order-ahead, and delivery services, with a strong interest in using AI to enhance personalization and operational efficiency. Cerra, a finalist in CSP’s 2025 Category Manager of the Year Awards, aims to position Chestnut Market as a top convenience destination by combining innovation with a strong community connection.
Coca-Cola and PepsiCo are both diving into the growing prebiotic soda market, with Coca-Cola launching Simply Pop to compete against brands like Olipop and Poppi. Simply Pop offers no added sugar, contains 25-30% real fruit juice, and features six grams of prebiotic fiber, aiming to capitalize on the health-conscious, younger consumer base. Meanwhile, PepsiCo has acquired Poppi for $1.95 billion, seeing it as a strategic addition to its portfolio of health-focused beverages. Both companies are responding to a booming market for functional sodas, with prebiotics becoming increasingly popular for promoting gut health.
Reynolds plans to add 300 jobs at its North Carolina facility in 2025 to support the growth of its smokeless nicotine product line, particularly the Velo Plus brand of nicotine pouches. Production of Velo Plus began in the fall of 2024 at the Tobaccoville facility, which is the company’s largest worldwide and is expanding its smokeless portfolio. These new roles will include local manufacturing and national trade marketing positions, continuing the company’s focus on expanding its presence in the growing smokeless nicotine market.
Stewart’s Shops has been named a Top Workplace for the 8th time by the Albany Times Union, recognized for its employeecentric culture and commitment to its 5,500 partners across over 400 stores. The company’s employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) has played a key role in its success, with 210 employees becoming millionaires through the program. Stewart’s is known for its strong focus on training and professional growth, offering diverse opportunities in retail, manufacturing, transportation, and more.
Cliff’s Local Market raised over $41,000 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association by selling paper shamrocks from February 3 to March 16. Jim Clifford, owner of Clifford Fuel Company and Cliff’s Local Market, credited the achievement to the generosity of the team and customers. Jim will be inducted into the New York Convenience Store Hall of Fame at the NYACS Chairman’s Banquet on May 15th.
Philip Morris International has launched its IQOS heated tobacco device in Austin, Texas, selling for $60 with tobacco sticks priced at $8. This U.S. launch follows a successful pilot, and PMI is also awaiting FDA approval for the newer version of IQOS, called ILUMA, while marketing the older model as a reduced-risk alternative to cigarettes.
Mirabito
Convenience Stores’ Mirabito Cares Round Up campaign raised $60,000 to support local food banks serving communities across Central, Southern, and Northeastern New York. Through the generosity of their customers and an additional contribution from Mirabito Energy Products, more than 200,000 meals will be provided to individuals and families facing food insecurity. Each food bank’s share of the donation has been directed to the counties within their service area, ensuring that the funds stay local and support programs closest to their customers and employees.
Krispy Krunchy Chicken has been named the Official Fried Chicken of the Boston Red Sox and will debuted its hand-breaded chicken tenders and sandwiches at Fenway Park starting on April 4. This partnership marks Krispy Krunchy’s first MLB deal and expands its reach beyond convenience stores into major venues like Fenway Park. The brand aims to enhance the ballpark’s food offerings with bold flavors and quality ingredients, providing fans with a new dining option during games.
BUYERS GUIDE
Storflex Holdings Inc.
Ms. Sharon Grasso 607-962-2193
sgrasso@storflex.com storflex.com
Manufacturer of Shelving, Queuing Fixtures, Specialty Displays and Walk In Coolers and Freezers.
Tri-State Marketing Associates
Mr. Mark Olson 315-952-3795 mark@tri-statemarketing.com tri-statemarketing.com
Food service equipment and supplies representatives
Equipment Repair
Weldon Service & Repair LLC
Mr. Nathan Weldon 585-768-4426 nathan@weldonservice.com weldonservice.com
Offering expert service and repairs on coffee and vending equipment, including all types of commercial brewing, grinding equipment, coinoperated snack, soda and coffee machines.
Financial Services
Shallo Galluscio & Bianchi & CPAs PC
Mr. Rick Bianchi CPA 518-828-6500 rbianchi@empirecpa.com empirecpa.com
Accounting, auditing, financial planning, taxation & advisory services to individuals, estates, partnerships, LLCs, LLPs, corporations and not-forprofit organizations.
Webster Bank
Mr. Paul Black 781-254-3497 pblack@websterbank.com websterbank.com
Providing loans for working capital, mergers and acquisitions, equipment financing, and treasurery management. Extensive experience supporting C&G businesses!
Food Service
Allen Associates Inc.
Mr. John Allen 585-244-5104 x123 john@allenprograms.com allenprograms.com
Family operated, servicing C-store industry in Central and Western NY since 1945. Distributors of equipment & supplies for Slush Puppie Brands, Eight O’Clock Coffee and more.
DeIorio’s Frozen Dough Products
Mr. James Viti 800-649-7612
jviti@deiorios.com deiorios.com
Producers of quality frozen dough products since 1924. Complete line of pizza, roll & bread dough. Call/email for brochure or free consultation.
Hunt Brothers Pizza
Mr. Seth Snow 334-782-7405
seth.snow@tbhcdelivers.com huntbrotherspizza.com
The nation’s largest brand of made-to-order pizza in the c-store industry, with over 10,000 locations across the country. Offering original and thin crust pizzas available as grab-and-go or a customizable whole pizza. Headquartered in Nashville, TN; family owned and operated.
J. Mills Distributing Co.
Mr. John Mills 716-822-0854
jmills@johnmillsdistributing.com
www.johnmillsdistributing.com
Deli and foodservice company, with focus on foodservice end of convenience store format. Advertising/rebate programs for c-store operators.
Keck’s Food Service
Mr. Brian H. Keck 570-537-2515
bkeck@kecksfoodservice.com kecksfoodservice.com
Established in 1964, family-owned and operated broadline food service and bakery ingredient distributor. Solution based approach to expand and grow in-store food service and bakery.
Krispy Krunchy Chicken
Ms. Marianne Hoosier 518-542-4261
marianne@krispykrunchy.com
krispykrunchy.com
One of the fastest-growing c-store QSR concepts in the country. Cajun chicken with proprietary marinade and signature sides. Freshly made and perfectly Cajun!
Queen City Fresh Foods LLC
Mr. Anthony DeMarco 716-662-1788
ademarco@queencityfoods.com
queencityfreshfoods.com
Family-run wholesale food production and packaging company. USDA-Certified facility serving the Upstate and WNY regions.
General Merchandise
Apter Industries
Mr. Rick Gobel 800-441-7146
rgobel@apterindustries.com
apterindustries.com
Family owned chemical manufacturer supplying high quality cleaning products to C-stores. In business for over 50 years.
BIC Corporation
Mr. Jeffrey Zygmunt 845-742-0953
jeffrey.zygmunt@bicworld.com bicworld.com
Pocket lighters, utility/candle lighters, pens, mechanical pencils, permanent markers, correction products, disposable shavers, other products known for quality and affordability.
Foozys Fun Socks
Mr. Darrell Klansky 917-418-8002 sales@foozys.com foozys.com
Family-owned distributor of the #1 novelty fun sock brand for c-stores and supermarkets.
Graphic Design/ Printing
Excelsus Print Solutions
Mr. Dominick Morano 585-747-1780 dmorano@xl-sus.com xl-sus.com
Rochester-based large-format digital printer, crafts custom visual solutions for retail, corporate, and hospitality spaces, including signage, wall coverings, and displays.
The Imagepress
Mr. Nick Goodell 315-699-7109 nick@theimagepress.com theimagepress.com
Full-service large format graphics provider, specializing in C-store POP solutions. Web-based ordering and management to maximize point of purchase opportunities.
Ice Cream
Dippin’ Dots New York
Mr. Matt Timon 616-262-2012 dotsnewyork@gmail.com dotsny.com
Dippin’ Dots Retail Ice Cream Wholesaler in New York state
Hershey’s Ice Cream
Ms. Carrie Williams 717-514-3970 williamsc@hersheyicecream.com hersheyicecream.com
A premium ice cream and a premium program equal premium profits.
Fourth generation, family owned and led business, deploying a three-pillar strategy: manufacturing/ marketing of Perry’s branded ice cream (Upstate NY’s #1 brand), a distribution system covering 100,000 square miles, and global contract manufacturing supplying 35 countries.
Boutique law firm dedicated to addressing client needs and resolving client issues with personal, attentive service. Representing corporate & individual clients in environmental, commercial, & other defense matters with a focus on retail petroleum.
Lobbying
Catalyst Government Relations
Mr. Scott Wexler 518-369-8607 scott@catalystnewyork.com catalystnewyork.com
A modern boutique lobbying firm representing clients at all levels of NYS government, with a special expertise dealing with the State Liquor Authority, Tax Department and other NYS agencies regulating small business.
Ostroff Associates Inc.
Mr. Jay Holland 518-436-6202 jholland@ostroffassociates.com ostroffassociates.com
Albany-based government relations and communications firm assisting companies, corporations, trade associations and individuals in their dealings with NYS government.
Lottery
IGT Global Solutions
Mr. Jeffrey Hecht 518-727-4946 jeffrey.hecht@igt.com igt.com
We deliver unrivaled gaming experiences that engage players and drive growth.
LottoShield
Mr. Mehdi Mahmoodi 800-922-6806 mehdi@lottoshield.com lottoshield.com
We deliver unrivaled gaming A revolutionary new lottery tracking system that eliminates the manual, time-intensive process of lottery reconciliation and provides retailers with strong protection from all kinds of lottery theft.
Motor Fuel
CITGO Petroleum Corp.
Ms. Jennifer Thume 518-837-2054 jthume@citgo.com citgo.com
Refiner, transporter and marketer of transportation fuels, lubricants and other industrial products, based in Houston TX.
Gulf Oil LP
Mr. Robert Hanley 401-359-7992 rhanley@gulfoil.com gulfoil.com
Supplying refined products to 1,800 branded locations and private labels while guaranteeing an exceptional consumer experience across its portfolio.
Marathon Petroleum
Mr. Phil Strong 724-873-2894 pmstrong@marathonpetroleum.com marathonpetroleum.com
Leading integrated downstream energy company, with more than 130 years of experience operating the nation’s largest refining system.
Mirabito Energy Products
Mr. Jason Mirabito 607-352-2930 jason.mirabito@mirabito.com mirabito.com
Mirabito’s Wholesale Fuels Division represents eight national fuel brands, operates company owned tractor trailers, and is a convenience store’s one stop shopping for all motor fuel needs.
NOCO Dealer LLC
Mr. Matthew Mies 716-628-7797 mmies@nocodealer.com
Customer-driven petroleum supply company coordinating the purchase of branded and unbranded fuel for WNY gas stations as well as their deliveries, maintenance, and environmental compliance testing.
Patriot Tank Lines Inc.
Mr. Michael Best 518-269-3383 mbest@patriottank.com patriottank.com
Family-owned/operated petroleum transportation company servicing C-stores throughout upstate NY.
Reid Petroleum Corp.
Mr. Alexander Harris 716-434-2885
aharris@reidpetroleum.com reidpetroleum.com
Full-service fuel distributor serving Western NY and Northwestern PA. NYSDEC-approved line and tank tester.
Sunoco LP
Mr. Jason Sullivan 607-377-6108 jason.sullivan@sunoco.com
sunocolp.com
Providing motor and racing fuels to C-stores, independent dealers, commercial customers & distributors in 30 states.
America’s largest refiner, and one of its leading marketers with more than 5,600 stores from coast to coast, including New York.
Packaged Ice
Arctic Glacier
Mr. Anthony Barraco Jr. 315-474-ICES tony@arcticglacier.com arcticglacier.com
Leading producer, marketer and distributor of highquality packaged ice to consumers in Canada and the United States.
Ice Company of Elmira
Mr. Shawn Salle 315-454-3591
shawn@browncarbonic.com browncarbonic.com
We put the Fizz in your Bizz since 1958. Family owned and operated manufacturer and distributor of premium hand-crafted fountain drinks, packaged ice, and CO2
Manufacturing over 3 million bags of ice each year and delivering across regions of New York, Vermont, and Massachusetts.
Petroleum Services
Empire Petroleum Services LLC
Mr. Sean Searchfield 716-391-1717 ssearchfield@epsofny.com empirepetroleumservices.com
A petroleum asset distribution/service company offering full line of PEI products as well as full compliance testing. Gilbarco distributor and authorized service company for NYS.
Francis Smith & Sons Inc.
Mr. Eddie Ware 570-587-4775
eware@fsmithandsons.com fsmithandsons.com
Full-service, family-owned since 1936, distributor of petroleum related equipment throughout NYS. Authorized service contractor for Wayne, Verifone, Veeder Root, most major brands.
Hungry?
Bringing the Farmstand to the Corner Store: NYACS Retail Members Invited to Join Crop2Shop Pilot Program
NYACS is pleased to share an exciting opportunity for members looking to expand their fresh food offerings while supporting local agriculture. Crop2Shop is an online platform designed to connect small, family-run farms with neighborhood convenience stores, corner stores, and restaurants, making it easier to source fresh, local produce right from nearby growers.
This year, Crop2Shop is launching a pilot program for NYACS members. The goal is to test a flexible and scalable produce supply model that meets the unique needs of convenience retail.
How the pilot works:
• Stores will start by offering New York State apples, an ideal grab-and-go fruit to introduce customers to fresh produce.
• Participants will receive a free vinyl banner to display in-store, encouraging customers to share what other produce they’d like to see offered. (example to the right)
• Crop2Shop will handle farmer outreach and match participating stores with local growers based on demand and delivery needs.
• Store owners retain flexibility in quantity, variety, and scheduling of produce deliveries.
This initiative offers a low-risk way to explore a new revenue stream, attract healthconscious shoppers, and strengthen community ties by supporting local farms.
If you’re interested in joining the pilot or learning more, please contact Kyle Thomas at (315) 425-9347 or kthomas@crop2.shop
