How do we build a better convenience store?

In this episode of The Mess Hall, Mike and Maeve dig into the freshest data from their 2026 Consumer Needs Mid-Year Update Survey. They share the findings that surprised them most: why younger consumers say 2026 has gone better than expected and what that streak of American optimism means for food innovation, plus they unpack consumer confusion around ultra-processed foods. Then they sit down with convenience store expert Frank Beard to ask what America can actually learn from the Japanese konbini. Frank makes the case that great food doesn't have to mean "bougie" food, that the real opportunity isn't out-competing fast food but filling America's missing street food gap, and that pride is what separates a truly successful store from one that's just offering gas station food 2.0. Plus, Beard offers his take on the trends people are only pretending to like.