'QUEL'S CORNER

Gas station food is no longer an afterthought. From Buc-ee's and Wawa to Sheetz and Casey's, convenience stores are transforming into destination dining experiences. As international visitors flock to the U.S. for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and social media shines a spotlight on iconic travel centers, foodservice, hospitality, and design are reshaping the future of convenience retail.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the foodservice industry from smarter demand forecasting and waste reduction to personalized guest experiences and operational insights. Across corporate dining, higher education, healthcare, and beyond, operators and restauranteurs are using AI as a practical tool to improve efficiency, support teams, and plan more strategically for the future.

To stay on top of the latest and greatest, elite|studio e members take on NAFEM Orlando. Read about their experience and discoveries.