Personnel Updates

Produce Marketing Association (44) has hired Max Teplitski as its new Chief Science Officer, succeeding Bob Whitaker, who is retiring.

TravelCenters of America LLC (96) has appointed Jonathan Pertchik as CEO and Managing Director, succeeding the retiring Andrew Rebholz.

Mergers and Acquisitions

• Couche-Tard Inc. reached a deal to acquire 17 c-stores from a franchise operator. The stores operate under the Holiday banner in South Dakota and Minnesota. This transaction is on track to close in the third quarter of fiscal 2020.

• GPM Investments LLC has signed an agreement to acquire the wholesale fuel distribution operations and retail assets of Empire Petroleum Partners. The acquisition will expand operations into 10 new states and add more than 225 controlled locations, including 77 retail sites.

• Nouria Energy Corporation has completed the acquisition of five New England Farms convenience stores and one car wash.

Industry Insight

• Amazon.com Inc. is expected to open a new grocery store concept in Los Angeles in February 2020.

Real Estate

• Casey’s General Stores Inc. has 97 sites in its current plans, including 31 now under construction. The company plans to acquire approximately 25 additional stores in 2020.

• Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. plans to open five to six new stores in fiscal 2020.

• Publix Super Markets Inc. announced it is opening two new GreenWise Markets locations in Florida, in Boca Raton and Lakeland.

• Wegmans Food Markets Inc. plans to construct a new full-service, regional distribution center in Ashland, VA. The 1.1 million sq. ft. facility is slated to begin operations in 2022 and become fully operational by the end of the year.

Technology News

• Albertsons LLC has formed a strategic partnership with automation specialist Takeoff Technologies to open micro-fulfillment centers for online grocery orders.

• H-E-B upgraded its My H-E-B app. Shoppers now can place orders for H-E-B Curbside pickup or Home Delivery, “clip” and redeem digital coupons, and browse stores and find products via an enhanced search function all in one app.