Foodvenience at the NACS Show: Redefining the Future of Convenience
The latest episode of The Future of Convenience podcast was recorded live from the NACS Show in Chicago, an event that continues to define innovation in global convenience retail. Hosted by Carolyn Schnare and Nick Scherzer, the episode explored the rise of foodvenience, the powerful intersection of food and convenience with insights from industry leaders Jac Moskalik, vice president, head of food, innovation and strategy at Global Partners LP, and Karl Hodgson, managing director at Adande Refrigeration.
At the heart of the conversation was how convenience retailers are reshaping their food programs to meet consumer expectations for quality, freshness, and speed. For Moskalik, whose team oversees U.S. brands Alltown Fresh, the newly launched Honey Farms Market, and others, the focus is on creating an intentional, human-centered food experience. “It’s making a human connection first and then layering on convenience through technology,” said Moskalik. Her approach blends local ingredients, storytelling, and transparency, delivered through open kitchens and community-driven retail design.
Hodgson, representing the technology and equipment side of the industry, echoed the importance of precision, consistency, and speed. From his decades of experience supporting both convenience and QSR sectors, he’s seen firsthand how customer expectations have evolved. “Consistency is definitely number one, but it also has to do with the freshness,” said Hodgson. “Most customers will come back time and time again if you get those right.”
Reflections from the NACS Show
The discussion also touched on emerging trends as seen at the NACS Show in Chicago, held October 14-17th in Chicago, from spicy and ethnic flavor profiles to handheld, portable food formats designed for on-the-go consumers. Both guests agreed that innovation in foodservice is now a defining factor separating leading retailers from the rest. With food programs increasingly driving store traffic, convenience brands are embracing professionalized kitchens, stronger supplier partnerships, and technology integration that enhances speed and service without sacrificing quality.
As competition heats up for The Best Foodvenience Store in the World title, both Moskalik and Hodgson embody the collaborative spirit propelling the industry forward. Their shared passion underscores a broader movement: the future of convenience is flavorful, fresh, and fiercely focused on elevating the customer experience.
‘Best Foodvenience Store in the World’ 2025
The 2025 competition is currently underway. We began in early September with 25 standout entries across 14 countries. Our global judging panel then faced the challenging task of selecting the 2025 Top 12, marking the opening of our global, industry-wide vote. Now is your chance to have your say.
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