Texas-based convenience store celebrates back-to-school season with gifts and supplies,  visits 17 school districts across the state  

 

SPICEWOOD, Texas (Sept. 14, 2026) — Texas Born (TXB), a family of restaurant-style convenience stores serving fresh-made food, celebrated teachers across Texas through its annual Back-to-School Initiative. Each year, TXB donates student coupons and teacher gift bags to schools in the communities it serves. This year, TXB donated more than 5,000 goodie bags, filled with supplies and gifts valued at nearly $75,000 to teachers at 54 schools and more than 25,000 coupons for a free medium fountain or frozen drink to students at 66 local schools across Texas.  

“We always love finding ways we can support the community by giving back,” said Sherry Dean, Director of Community Engagement & Philanthropy, TXB. “We want to be pillars in the communities we serve, and with our newest location in Frisco, we were able to expand our reach even more this year.” 

Dean is a 36-year employee of TXB who oversees the company’s long-time partnership with CASA, an essential nonprofit that serves children in foster care. TXB has hosted many fundraiser events over the years, including its annual fishing and golf tournament that has helped raise nearly $1.5 million in CASA donations.  

TXB’s commitment to Leave ‘Em Better goes far beyond donating and supporting communities across Texas. TXB strives to live by authenticity, hospitality, and integrity every day by making a difference in the communities it serves.   

“We all know that back-to-school season is a busy time for teachers, and we want to do whatever we can to support them,” Dean said.  

Dean said the company takes requests for funding from PTA groups, coaches, and teachers of every grade throughout the year. If you know of a project that needs extra support, you can send a message at txbstores.com/contact-us/.  

“There are so many great causes out there, and we try our best to support as many as we can. We are always looking for ways to make a positive difference,” added Dean. 

To learn more about TXB’s family of stores and its promise to Leave ‘Em Better, visit https://txbstores.com/  

 

About TXB 

TXB, short for Texas Born, is a family of restaurant-style convenience stores serving up fresh, made-to-order food. With more than 50 locations across Texas and Oklahoma with a line of private-label products, TXB is rooted in quality, authenticity, hospitality, and its mission to “Leave ‘Em Better.” To learn more about the Texas-based brand, visit www.txbstores.com. 

 

 

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The world’s No. 1 olive oil brand is launching a new everyday cooking oil that combines the familiarity of canola oil with the goodness of Bertolli olive oil to help cooks discover how easy cooking with this healthy Mediterranean staple can be. 

 

DALLAS — Although olive oil is widely recognized as one of the best cooking oils1, 43% of U.S. households2 still don’t use it. Home cooks say that price, flavor preferences and uncertainty about how to cook with olive oil is what holds back millions of Americans from bringing it into their everyday kitchens. 

To help bridge that gap, Bertolli, the world’s No. 1 olive oil brand, is introducing Bertolli Canola + Olive Oil, a new Healthy Blend, which is designed to bring the goodness of Bertolli olive oil to even more American kitchens. Combining 85% canola oil and 15% Bertolli olive oil, this innovative product delivers the familiar cooking experience consumers know and trust while offering an easy way to start incorporating olive oil into everyday meals. 

“Bertolli Canola + Olive Oil was created for the millions of households that haven’t yet started cooking with olive oil,” said Maca Garau, Vice President of Marketing North America and LATAM at Deoleo. “For those who already cook with olive oil every day, we hope they continue doing exactly that. Our ambition is to help more people discover how easy and enjoyable cooking with olive oil can be by giving them a familiar place to start — and that’s exactly what our new ‘Bring the Oomph’ campaign is about. Sometimes all it takes is a little oomph to turn an everyday meal into something worth talking about.” 

Designed as the new everyday cooking oil for Canola users, Bertolli Canola + Olive Oil combines the neutral taste, versatility and high-heat performance that consumers expect from canola oil and the health benefits of both oils, including omega-3 ALA and vitamin E3. This new-to-market product is suitable for everything from sautéing and roasting to baking. It fits naturally into a wide variety of recipes and cooking occasions.  

“For decades, Bertolli has helped consumers enjoy the benefits of olive oil,” said Thierry Moyroud, CEO of Deoleo North America and LATAM. “With Bertolli Canola + Olive Oil, we’re making those benefits more accessible to millions of households that have yet to embrace olive oil in their everyday cooking. We believe growing the olive oil category starts by making that first step easier.” 

Bertolli Canola + Olive Oil is now available at Kroger stores nationwide in two sizes: a 25.36 fl. oz. squeeze and 50.72 fl. oz. family-size bottle. This product is also available for purchase on Amazon in squeeze bottle and family size bottles, as well as online through Amazon, and will be rolling out to other retailers soon. Retail prices start at $6.99 and vary by market.  

 

1 Estruch, R., et al. “Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease with a Mediterranean Diet.” New England Journal of Medicine, 2013;368:1279-1290; Guasch-Ferré, M., et al. “Consumption of Olive Oil and Risk of Total and Cause-Specific Mortality Among U.S. Adults.” Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 2020. 

2 Deoleo Circana Panel, Total US, Olive Oil category, 52 weeks ending 7/12/26. 

3 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) y U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030. Washington, D.C.: HHS y USDA, 2025. https://cdn.realfood.gov/DGA.pdf  

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About Bertolli Olive Oil
From its Tuscan origin in 1865, Bertolli has grown to become the world’s No. 1 olive oil brand*. Sold in more than 40 countries worldwide, Bertolli is known for its high-quality olive oils for the entire family. Its diverse product line offers a product for every taste preference and cooking and baking needs. Bertolli’s products include a wide range of olive oils and vinegars, a variety of olives, and olive oil and vinegar sprays. Bertolli brings a touch of the Mediterranean to every meal. For more information, visit https://oliveoil.bertolli.com/. 

* Euromonitor, Cooking Ingredients and Meals 2025 edition, retail value sales (RSP) in 2024. 

  

About Deoleo 

Deoleo is a Spanish multinational food company and the global powerhouse behind the best-selling olive oils in the world. With a global presence in more than 65 countries and 5 continents, Deoleo has factories in Spain and Italy as well as commercial offices in 15 countries. Deoleo’s portfolio consists of global leading brands such as Bertolli, the best-selling olive oil brand worldwide, Carapelli, as well as Spanish brands Carbonell, Maestros de Hojiblanca and Koipe. For more information, visit www.deoleo.com. 

 

 

AUSTIN, Texas (August 28, 2026) — Recognizing years of exceptional leadership, countless lives changed, and relentless dedication to Austin students and families, St. Michael’s Prep Head of School Colleen Lynch was recently honored as a 2026 Austin Business Journal Women in Business Awards recipient. 

The annual awards program honors outstanding women in Central Texas who have forged their own paths and developed distinctive approaches to leadership. Honorees are recognized as inspirational women who have overcome obstacles, solved complex challenges, thought creatively, mentored young talent, and made a meaningful impact within their organizations and community. 

Since beginning her career as an educator in 1992, Lynch has transformed countless lives through her leadership, inspiring teachers, students, and parents alike. At the heart of her leadership is a deep belief in the dignity of every individual student and the responsibility of schools to know, challenge, and support each child as they discover their capacity to make a difference in the world. 

“At St. Michael’s Prep, we are more than a school,” said Head of School Colleen Lynch. “We are a force for good, a community of purpose, and a beacon of Catholic education in Austin and beyond. Rooted in our core values of Integrity, Courage, and Excellence, we are committed to forming students who think deeply, act justly, lead humbly, and serve joyfully. In my role as Head of School, I have the privilege of serving alongside our faculty and staff to ensure our mission, while encouraging success, confidence, and a lifelong passion for learning in each of our Warriors.” 

Lynch leads with a strong combination of strategic vision, humility, and heart. Her approach to leadership begins with a simple but powerful conviction: every person has inherent dignity and deserves to be seen, supported, and challenged to grow. That belief shapes how she leads her school, develops and mentors colleagues, and builds a community committed to preparing students not only for academic success, but for lives of purpose, leadership, and service.  

Lynch’s recognition as a 2026 Women in Business Award recipient celebrates both her individual leadership and the broader impact of a career devoted to education. Her commitment to forming confident, compassionate, lifelong learners continues to inspire the St. Michael’s Prep community and advance its mission to ensure every Warrior is #PreppedforLife. 

About St. Michael’s Catholic Preparatory School 

St. Michael’s Catholic Preparatory School is the result of the bold unification of two outstanding Independent Catholic Schools in Southwest Austin: St. Gabriel’s Catholic School, founded in 1999 for grades PK-8, and St. Michael’s Catholic Academy, founded in 1984 for grades 9-12. The unification allows for excellent, innovative programming for students in grades pre-K-12, specifically: a seamless alignment of curriculum, athletics, fine arts, and STEM; robust and challenging academics with a foundation of Social Emotional Learning, and; a warm and inviting community rooted in Catholic identity. 

Known for their unparalleled dedication to an exceptional experience, St. Michael’s Prep faculty and students alike are recognized through national notable awards and recent State Championships in Basketball, Swimming, Dance and Robotics. 

For more information, visit the school website. 

 

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Texas-based convenience store welcomes Nate Brazier who will work closely with Owner and CEO Kevin Smartt to lead the company’s next chapter of growth and expansion
 

SPICEWOOD, Texas (Aug. 26, 2026) — Texas Born (TXB), a family of restaurant-style convenience stores serving fresh-made food, today announced Nate Brazier will join the company as President. Kevin Smartt will continue to serve as Owner and CEO.  

 

Brazier brings more than a decade of convenience store industry experience, most recently serving as President and CEO of Stinker Stores where he strengthened operations, expanded the company’s store footprint and built an outstanding leadership team. During his tenure at Stinker Stores, the chain was named CStore Decisions’ 2025 Chain of the Year. Brazier brings a leadership philosophy centered around people, culture, operational excellence and passion for food service.  

 

“Welcoming Nate to the TXB family is a direct reflection of where we’re headed,” said Kevin Smartt, Owner and CEO, TXB. “We’re building the organization and leadership team capable of operating a best-in-class convenience retail experience for our guests. Nate brings the kind of experience that can help us build on this momentum while also sharing the philosophy TXB was built on. We’re excited to bring his expertise to further our commitment to the communities we serve through our retail experience and local giving that has raised nearly $1.5 million for CASA alone.” 

 

“TXB has a great foundation,” said Nate Brazier, President, TXB. “My goal is to build on that foundation by investing in our people, continuing to differentiate TXB through fresh food and strengthening the culture that makes this company special. Kevin and I are both detail-oriented and I’m expecting great things from our collaboration.” 

 

In his new role at TXB, Brazier will focus on leading the company’s day-to-day operations. With more than 50 locations spanning 200,000 square feet of property in Texas and Oklahoma, TXB currently has five additional stores slated for future builds.  

 

“Expanding the leadership capacity of TXB marks a big step in where the company is heading,” added Smartt who will remain CEO of TXB and will focus on growth, strategy, capital allocation, acquisitions, industry relationships and the long-term direction of the company.  

 

To learn more about TXB, visit www.txbstores.com.  

 

About TXB 

TXB, short for Texas Born, is a family of restaurant-style convenience stores serving up fresh, made-to-order food. With more than 50 locations across Texas and Oklahoma with a line of private-label products, TXB is rooted in quality, authenticity, hospitality, and its mission to “Leave ‘Em Better.” To learn more about the Texas-based brand, visit www.txbstores.com.  

 

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For more information: 

Ashley Pfeiffer 

Ashley@snackbox.us 

MONTGOMERY, Ala., Aug. 18, 2026  — LivAway Suites, one of the nation’s fastest growing economy extended stay brands, has broken ground on its first hotel in Alabama, marking the company’s entry into the state and another milestone in its continued expansion across the Southeast.

The Montgomery property is part of a broader regional expansion that includes upcoming locations in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, building on a national footprint of 13 hotels open from Maine to Washington.

Unlike many extended stay brands that rely on older assets or conversions, every LivAway Suites hotel is purpose-built from the ground up for longer stays. Each LivAway Suites property offers suites that are 20% larger than the segment average, with full kitchens and dedicated workspaces. On-site amenities include a fitness center, smart guest laundry, convenient parcel lockers, and self check-in.

LivAway offers affordable rates for longer stays and serves relocating professionals, construction and infrastructure workers, healthcare travelers, military personnel and families, insurance displacement guests, and anyone seeking furnished accommodations for weeks or months at a time.

The Montgomery location is positioned to serve a range of travelers looking for extended stay accommodations in the Montgomery area, offering convenient access to Maxwell Air Force Base and Maxwell Gunter Annex for military personnel and visiting families, Auburn University at Montgomery for faculty, students, and visitors, and the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Plant and surrounding supplier facilities for business travelers, contractors, and project teams.

“Life doesn’t always fit into a one-night hotel stay or a long-term commitment,” said Mike Nielson, CEO of LivAway Suites. “More people than ever need a place to land for a few weeks or a few months, and they deserve something better than simply making do. That’s why we built LivAway Suites. Every LivAway is brand new and purpose-built for longer stays, offering full kitchens, more space, quieter rooms, and the flexibility people need to maintain their routine while away. We’re proud to bring that experience to Montgomery.”

The Montgomery development represents another investment in LivAway’s expanding national portfolio and will create construction jobs during development as well as permanent hospitality positions upon opening.

To follow the project’s progress, visit https://www.livawaysuites.com/locations.

About LivAway Suites

LivAway Suites is an economy extended stay hotel brand headquartered in Lehi, Utah. Each suite is designed for longer stays, with a full kitchen, a dedicated workspace, a quiet room to sleep, and amenities chosen with extended stay guests in mind. Every LivAway property is held to the same standard of cleanliness and friendly service, for a consistent stay you can count on. As the only extended stay brand with a vertically integrated development and operating platform supported by disciplined site selection, LivAway is expanding rapidly across high-demand markets nationwide. For more information, visit https://www.livawaysuites.com/.

Partnership elevates the in-store customer experience across TXB locations.

Clearwater, Fla., 8/6/2026 – Texas Born (TXB), a family of customer service-oriented convenience stores serving fresh-made food, is renewing its in-store marketing partnership with GSP Retail Marketing, extending a relationship centered on delivering impactful store environments, promotional execution, and brand consistency across the retailer’s growing footprint.

Through the renewed agreement, GSP will continue supporting TXB with end-to-end in-store marketing services, including point-of-purchase production, signage management, promotional rollout coordination, and store-level execution support leveraging AccuStore.

“GSP has been a trusted extension of our marketing team, helping us bring our brand and promotional strategies to life inside our stores,” said Kevin Smartt, CEO, TXB. “GSP knows our brand, customer profiles and operational detail required to executive programs consistently across every TXB location.”

The partnership has helped TXB maintain a cohesive and engaging customer experience while supporting seasonal campaigns, foodservice promotions, loyalty initiatives, and localized marketing efforts.

“We’re proud to continue our partnership with TXB,” said Geoff Neuhoff, CEO at GSP. “TXB redefines customer-focused retail convenience, and we’re excited to keep supporting their growth with solutions that help simplify execution and strengthen the in-store experience.”

GSP’s full-service approach combines creative production, print management, fulfillment, logistics, and retail execution support to help retailers manage complex in-store marketing programs efficiently and consistently.

About TXB

TXB, short for Texas Born, is a family of restaurant-style convenience stores serving up fresh, made-to-order food. With more than 50 locations across Texas and Oklahoma with a line of private label products, TXB is rooted in quality, authenticity, hospitality and its mission toe “Leave ‘Em Better.” To learn more about the Texas-based brand, visit txbstores.com.

About GSP

GSP provides industry leading retail solutions that drive traffic, reduce costs, and enhance customer experience. GSP delivers 100% store-specific in-store marketing programs to more than 60,000 retail locations from its three G7 print and fulfillment facilitie. GSP also offers turnkey design, manufacturing and installation for full-scale store remodels and décor refreshes. GSP’s award-winning design team supports retail environments, visual merchandising and graphics. Additionally, GSP’s AccuStore® store intelligence technology maintains a single source of accurate site data to help retailers target their growth initiatives to the specific needs of each store. For more information, visit gspretail.com.

Email: marketing@gspretail.com

Texas-based convenience store offering mix & match soda options 

SPICEWOOD, Texas (Aug. 1, 2026) — Texas Born (TXB), a family of customer service-oriented convenience stores serving fresh-made food, is introducing dirty soda to its stores. As online conversations about dirty soda have increased, TXB is offering new ways for guests to customize their fountain drink experience with a lineup of International Delight® creamers, including vanilla, coconut, sugar-free vanilla, sugar-free coconut and sweet cream. 

 

Guests have the option to make their own dirty soda creations or try out one of TXB’s signature recipes, including:  

  • Cluck’s Remedy A delicious mix of Dr Pepper® and one Dirty Soda Creamer 
  • Lone Star A Texas-inspired blend of Coke®, one pump of coconut creamer, and one sweet cream 
  • Born Ready A vibrant combination of Mountain Dew®, one pump vanilla, and one sweet cream 
  • Smooth Talker A blend of classic Pepsi® and one French Vanilla Creamer  

“We’re excited to put our Texas Born twist on the dirty soda trend,” said Ben Hoffmeyer, VP Marketing & Merchandising at TXB. “Now, guests have the option to completely customize their fountain drink experience at our stores. Whether you want a fun afternoon pick-me-up or sweet treat at the end of a hot summer day, we’re eager to see the kinds of combinations our guests will stir up.” 

Guests can mix & match or try one of TXB’s signature flavor combinations at no additional cost to any size fountain drink, serving as a fun, affordable indulgence for everyone to enjoy.  

To learn more about TXB and its offerings, visit www.txbstores.com.  

About TXB 

TXB, short for Texas Born, is a family of restaurant-style convenience stores serving up fresh, made-to-order food. With more than 50 locations across Texas and Oklahoma with a line of private-label products, TXB is rooted in quality, authenticity, hospitality, and its mission to “Leave ‘Em Better.” To learn more about the Texas-based brand, visit www.txbstores.com.  

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For more information: 

Ashley Pfeiffer 

Ashley@snackbox.us 

Contractor intelligence platform consolidates nationwide business, trade and contact data for sales, marketing and analytics teams 

OMAHA, Neb. (July 31, 2026) —  ToolBeltData, part of Buildertrend, provides contractor intelligence that helps manufacturers and distributors serving residential construction identify, profile and engage contractor businesses across the United States.  

At the core of the platform is the ToolBeltData Contractor Universe, a proprietary dataset built from more than 2,000 sources and tracking more than 5.3 million U.S. contractor businesses across more than 42 trade types. Users can explore contractor markets by trade and geography and use business and activity information to better understand existing customers and identify prospective accounts.  

Through the ToolBelt Atlas Data Platform, users can enrich CRM records and build targeted audiences using standardized contractor business and trade data, firmographics, activity signals and verified company and decision-maker business contact information.  

“Manufacturers and distributors serving residential construction often work with contractor records that are incomplete, inconsistent or quickly become outdated,” said Kirill Kniazev, marketing director at ToolBeltData. “ToolBeltData brings those records together and makes them easier to use, helping teams better understand their customers, find best-fit prospects and focus on the markets that matter most.” 

Sales, marketing and analytics teams can use ToolBeltData to:  

  • Enrich existing CRM records with standardized contractor information.  
  • Explore contractor markets by trade, geography and business profile.  
  • Engage prioritized audiences with targeted account and contact lists.  

  

ToolBeltData is designed for manufacturers and distributors serving the residential construction industry.  

For more information, visit www.toolbeltdata.com. 

About ToolBeltData  

ToolBeltData is the contractor intelligence platform for the residential construction industry. Part of the Buildertrend family, ToolBeltData helps manufacturers and distributors enrich customer records, explore contractor markets and engage the right contractors. For more information, visit www.toolbeltdata.com.  

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TUCSON, Ariz., July 30, 2026 — LivAway Suites has opened its doors in Tucson, Arizona, marking the brand’s fourth Arizona property and further accelerating one of the hospitality industry’s fastest-growing economy extended stay platforms. With 21 additional locations open or under development nationwide, LivAway continues to build momentum as demand grows for flexible, affordable long-term lodging across the country.

LivAway Suites – Tucson brings the brand’s signature larger floor plans and modern extended stay experience to one of Arizona’s most dynamic cities, with convenient access to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, the University of Arizona, Banner University Medical Center, and the city’s aerospace and tech corridor.

Each suite features amenities purpose-built for longer stays, including full in-suite kitchens, smart laundry facilities, convenient parcel lockers for package deliveries, free high-speed Wi-Fi, and an on-site fitness center, with flexible accommodations designed for guests staying weeks or even months at a time for project-related work, relocations, healthcare assignments, and other life events.

“At LivAway Suites, we believe extended stay guests deserve a better experience, one that combines functionality, technology, and value,” said Dan Barrett, Chief Development Officer of LivAway Suites. “The opening in Tucson represents another important milestone in our growth story and reflects the strong demand we continue to see for a modern, affordable extended stay product across Arizona and throughout the United States.”

LivAway Suites’ continued expansion across Arizona underscores the strength of the brand’s growth trajectory and its focus on serving guests who need flexible living solutions, whether relocating, working on extended projects, traveling for healthcare, or simply looking for an affordable place to stay longer-term without commitments.

With locations opening rapidly across the country, LivAway Suites is positioning itself as a next-generation leader in the economy extended stay sector, combining purpose-built design, tech-forward operations, and a guest experience tailored specifically to longer-duration stays.

Interesting in booking a stay at LivAway Suites’ Tucson, Ariz. location? Visit: https://www.livawaysuites.com/locations/az/tucson/tucson.

About LivAway Suites

LivAway Suites is an economy extended stay hotel brand headquartered in Lehi, Utah. Each suite is designed for longer stays, with a full kitchen, a dedicated workspace, a quiet room to sleep, and amenities chosen with extended stay guests in mind. Every LivAway property is held to the same standard of cleanliness and friendly service, for a consistent stay you can count on. As the only extended stay brand with a vertically integrated development and operating platform supported by disciplined site selection, LivAway is expanding rapidly across high-demand markets nationwide. For more information, visit https://www.livawaysuites.com/.

Texas-based convenience store freshens menu with new craveable limited-time options 

SPICEWOOD, Texas (July 8, 2026) — Texas Born (TXB), a family of customer service-oriented convenience stores serving fresh-made food, is introducing their newest limited-time offerings featuring a lineup of sweet and savory options that are guaranteed to leave guests wanting more.  

These mouthwatering, limited-time menu items are available now through Oct. 6 at participating TXB locations. TXB has crafted three delicious menu items for guests to enjoy all summer long, including:  

  • Cookies and Cream Cookie ($2.69 each or three for $5.99) 
  • Loaded Breakfast Taco ($4.69) 
  •  Sausage, egg, bacon, beans, and cheese 
  • Hot Honey Poppers ($3.99) 
  • Chicken poppers with TXB spicy breading and hot honey spice 
  • Red, White, and Blue Star Donut ($2.19) 
  • Available only from July 1 to July 31 
  • Queso and Guacamole available for add-ons ($1 each) 
  • Can be added to any taco, quesadilla, or other fresh deli items 
  • New Heinz® Dipping Sauces (includes one complimentary sauce; additional sauces are $0.59 each) 
  • Guests can choose from a selection of TXB house made sauces or Heinz® Ketchup, BBQ, Honey Mustard, Sweet & Sour, Buffalo, and Ranch. 

“At TXB, we are always looking to offer guests unique, freshly made options that elevate the favorites they know and love,” said Ben Hoffmeyer, VP Marketing & Merchandising at TXB.  “From loaded breakfast tacos to sweet-and-savory combinations, our lineup of handmade summer favorites are the perfect treats to enjoy with friends or a quick pick-me-up on the road.” 

These unique, on-the-go melas aren’t your typical convenience store offerings, as TXB strives to provide guests with fresh options that are convenient and directly competitive with restaurant-quality menu items daily. This is part of the brand’s larger initiative to “Leave ‘Em Better” by offering delicious, locally sourced ingredients from around Texas.   

To learn more about TXB and its offerings, visit www.txbstores.com.  

About TXB