The Future of Convenience

AI is moving from experimentation to execution in convenience retail. Recorded live at NRF 2026, Doug Haugh, former Parkland executive and chairman of NewTide.ai, and Jeff Rubin, senior vice president of fuels at Upside, explain how operators can use intelligent automation to tackle labor challenges, improve store performance, and compete in a flat fuel market.

With special guests:
Doug Haugh, Chairman, NewTide.ai and Jeff Rubin, Sr. Vice President - Fuels, Upside

Hosted by:
Dan Munford

Chestnut Market is leveraging technology to elevate both speed and service across its growing Northeast footprint. CEO Ryan Oettinger, Director of Operations Faheem Jamal, and DeliGo’s CEO Istvan Haidekker discuss how automation can reduce friction, minimize shrink and free up associates to focus on the customer.

With special guests:
Faheem Jamal, Director of C-Store Operations, Chestnut Market and Istvan Haidekker, Co-Founder and CEO, Deligo Vision Technologies

Hosted by:
Dan Munford and Ryan Oettinger, CEO, Chestnut Market

Live from NRF '26, leaders from Vontier, Vusion, and VenHub explore how AI, automation, and connected store technology are reshaping convenience retail. From dynamic pricing and computer vision to robotics and frictionless shopping, the conversation focuses on practical solutions that improve operations and customer experience today.

With special guests:
Tarang Sethia, Executive Vice President, Product & Technology VenHub, Roy Horgan, Group SEVP Strategy, Marketing & Communications, Vusion Group, and Elaine Kanak, CMO, Vontier

Hosted by:
Dan Munford

Convenience food is having a moment, and not the microwaved, mystery‑ingredient kind. From robotic kitchens to AI-powered vending machines, three industry trailblazers say we’re entering a new era where speed, quality, and authenticity finally sit at the same table. Dan Munford is joined by co-host Harry Milloff and speak with Jesper Østergaard, CEO of Reitan Convenience Denmark (7‑Eleven) and food innovator Jane Carroll, better known online as Jane Foodie.

Watch the video version of this special episode: https://www.globalconvenience.com/features/the-future-of-food-in-convenience-robotics-real-food-and-the-race-for-relevance/

With special guests:
Jesper Østergaard, CEO of Reitan Convenience Denmark (7‑Eleven) and food innovator Jane Carroll, better known online as Jane Foodie

Hosted by:
Dan Munford and Harry Milloff

Rutter’s has been named the 2025 ‘Best Foodvenience Store in the World’ and it didn’t get there by playing it safe. In this episode, Chris Hartman and Philip Santini share how a family business founded in 1747 is redefining foodservice, entertainment, and dayparts through its groundbreaking 1747 Bar & Lounge concept. From legislation-driven opportunity to fearless innovation, this conversation offers a blueprint for what’s next in global convenience retail.

With special guests:
Chris Hartman, VP of Fuels Marketing and Development, Rutter's and Philip Santini, Senior Director of Foodservice and Bar Strategy, Rutter's

Hosted by:
Harry Milloff, CEO, The Mosely Group and Anthony Wysome, Chair, Insight Research Artificial Intelligence Round Table.

Related Links:
See Rutter's competition entry profile, photos, and video: https://www.globalconvenience.com/best/entries-25-2/rutters-milton-usa/