VIDEOS
The videos here are a showcase of Paragon's work and capabilities.
Follow the key to see what each video explores.
WHAT WE DO IN 50 SECONDS
PARAGON HIGHLIGHT REEL
This video presents an insightful overview of what Paragon Solutions is all about with a montage of highlights
from multiple projects and store tours. Enjoy the ride!
BUILDING A BRAND - REBEL
BUILDING A BRAND - FRESHIES
Mike Lawshe of Paragon Solutions interviews Robert Tracy, of RH Foster, at the site of one of their new Freshies stores in Ellsworth, Maine. Freshies wanted a design that was clean, bright, fresh, and fun with a light humorous atmosphere to resonate “friendly.” They veered away from the typical convenience experience, and with the help of Paragon, reinvented themselves. Mike & Robert explore the challenges and the rewards of evolving from an average convenience store to an exceptional food-centric destination.
BEER CAVE = BEER SALES
How do you increase beer sales? A beer cave could be a key part of your strategy. Mike Lawshe visits with three successful retailers that explain how and why it works for them. Toot’n Totum (Amarillo TX) – 2-4X increase with a beer cave; Lone Star Foods (Alstyne, TX), 34% increase with beer cave; and Fast Fuels (The Colony, TX), 66% increase with added beer cave. The proof is in these testimonials.
DOING DRIVE THRU RIGHT
Some of our clients are doing 30-60% of inside sales out the drive thru! This is not by chance. A convenience store drive thru requires a well-thought-out strategy and expert design to be successful. This starts with a clear understanding of the location, the site, and your customers. This video showcases two operators that are having great success with a drive thru as part of their retail strategy.
WINNING WITH FOOD SERVICE
Building a winning food program is a unique challenge for every retailer. To be successful there are many factors to considered, your market, demographics, traffic, and operational capabilities. In this video Mike looks at three successful food programs, Hat Six Travel Center (Evansville, WY), Slovacek’s (West, TX), and Q Mart (Austin, TX). Each of these successful retailers have found a distinctive solution that has worked for them in this critical category.
GREAT AMERICAN TRAVEL PLAZAS
This video features two great independent travel centers, Toot’n Totum of Amarillo, TX and Hat Six of Evansville, WY.
Toot’n Totum started in 1950 and has a long rich history of meeting the needs of residents and travelers in the Texas panhandle. Greg Mitchell, President/CEO, walks Mike Lawshe through two remarkable TNT sites. Many key categories are discussed, including, an extensive dispensed beverage program, food offerings, as well as how to build a successful drive thru business (30% of inside sales!), and increasing beer sales with a well-designed beer cave. Another topic of conversation is how to cater to the needs of professional drivers.
With Tiffany Gamble as his guide, Mike tours of this beautiful new Wyoming travel center. With an old and underperforming travel plaza and full-service restaurant losing money. It was time to take a long hard look at each of the profit centers Paragon Solutions was hired to guide them through the process. Like a Phoenix rising, Eastgate Travel Plaza became Hat Six Travel Plaza. The store features a full-service bar area named “Hooch’s”, a branded deli program “The Cowboy Deli”, a dog park and an array of trucker services like showers, laundry, and lounge. The full-service restaurant was replaced by Moe’s Southwest grill, Schlotzsky’s and Cinnabon. The results are in and Hat Six Travel Plaza is a hit with locals and travelers alike.
BIG HORN TRAVEL CENTER - FORT WORTH, TX
Mike Lawshe visits Big Horn Travel Center located right in our own backyard in Fort Worth, TX. This unique travel center features a rustic wildlife motif perfectly blended with an inviting and modern shopping and dining experience. A warm and appealing atmosphere welcomes locals and travelers alike. Big Horn showcases a robust food offering including Taco Bueno, Dunkin Donuts, as well as their proprietary Big Horn Grill.
SLOVACEK'S - WEST, TX
West, Texas means one thing to travelers – Czech food! Kolaches, sausage-rolls, and other tasty Czech delicacies are the main feature of this extraordinary market. Slovacek’s fresh baked goods, homemade meats and cheeses, gourmet sandwiches, and tasty Texas BBQ keep customers coming back. The unique architecture and quirky personality are what draw them in! Business is great and sales are robust. Join Mike Lawshe on a tour of this central Texas destination.
5 POINTS MARKET - KERRVILLE, TX
Situated in the in the heart of Texas Wine and Hill Country, this boutique market has much to offer. 5 Points caters to the upscale cliental of Kerrville with an extensive premium wine, craft beer, coffee, and food selection. Promoting unique local brands is a key differentiator in a competitive market. Mike Lawshe interviews Terry & Greg Maxey to discuss the challenges and success of building a full-service store on a small site.
TOUR OF TEXAS 2019
Mike Lawshe interviews Paul Hardin, President/CEO at Texas Food & Fuel Association. They discuss the current trends and evolution of food and fuel in the convenience sector. Eleven Texas retailers are featured in this video; Rattlers – College Station, TX; Slovacek’s – West, TX; 5 Points – Kerrville, TX; Lone Star Food Stores – Van Alstyne, TX; Q Mart – Austin, TX; Kim’s – Frankston, TX; Big Horn Travel Center – Fort Worth, TX; Weikel’s Bakery – Brenham, TX; Morton’s – Hallettsville, TX; Fast Fuels – The Colony, TX & Toot’n Totum – Perryton, TX.
TOUR OF TEXAS 2018
Take a tour of family operated Weikel's Bakery in Brenham, TX. Featuring authentic from scratch Czech pastries. Weikel’s is a favorite stopping point for many travelers on Hwy 71 between Austin and Houston.
Next, Mike Lawshe visits Big Horn Travel Center located right in our own backyard in Fort Worth, TX. This unique travel center features a rustic wildlife motif perfectly blended with a clean and modern shopping and dining experience. A warm and inviting atmosphere welcomes locals and travelers alike. Big Horn showcases a robust food offering including Taco Bueno, Dunkin Donuts, as well as their proprietary Big Horn Grill
TOUR OF TEXAS 2017
This tour begins with Lone Star Foods in an Alstyne, TX. Mike Lawshe interviews Bill Douglas as they walk the newly remodeled store interior. Bill has seen a 40% increase in inside sales including 34% increase in beer sales since the remodel. With no significant changes to the offering or inventory, the sales increases have come for “good design and an efficient layout” according to Bill, proving how important design can be for your ROI.
Then Mike stops at Kim’s in Frankston, TX. Kim & Jason Cole discuss the benefits and challenges of operating a small format grocery/deli combined with a convenience store and fuel. This warm and inviting country market features a fully stocked produce and meat department which has the added benefit of providing the deli with a convenient supply of quality fresh ingredients.
The last visit is to Q Mart in Austin, TX. John Bonner walks Mike through their proprietary “The Q” food and beverage sub-brand. Featuring a premium coffee program and made to order food, The Q is a key differentiator for Q mart in the market. A small but highly efficient kitchen supports an impressive menu as well as a fully stocked grab and go deli case.
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