Burgers, brats and sausages continue to drive sales among core convenience store customers. By John Lofstock, Editor. While customers may say they want healthy and organic foods, a Technomic report found that 91% of consumers said they eat a burger at least once a month and 44% have a burger at least once a week.…
BP’s ampm Spices-Up Burrito Line
New veggie-friendly option and southwest chicken flavor to entice customers. Convenience store chain ampm has introduced a new flavor to its burrito selection. The new Veggie Adobo Burrito is now available at participating ampm locations. “Our Veggie Adobo Burrito is a food first for ampm and it’s something we’re thrilled to be able to offer…
The Business of Branding
With companies across all retail channels vying for convenience customers, the pressure is on c-store operators to protect their market share. By Greg Ehrlich, Contributing Editor. As the convenience store industry continues to evolve, one area that is demanding greater attention is brand image. Once a concern primarily for larger chains, brand image is a…
Adding Spice to the Morning Menu
Remember those great tasting skillet breakfasts we’ve all enjoyed? Lettieri’s new Breakfast Skillet Rounds brings back that experience with these hand-held, all-in-one morning treats. Totally enrobed in “bakery-fresh” bread, each filling is reminiscent of a particular breakfast skillet recipe. At four ounces each, varieties include: Cajun Style; Western Style Omelet; Cheesy Potato, Egg and Bacon;…
Krispy Krunchy Chicken Opens New Locations
With 132 new stores open already this year, Krispy Krunchy Chicken moves toward its goal. Krispy Krunchy Chicken opened seven new stores this week, bringing its YTD total openings to 132. “I ask each market for its (store opening) goals at the beginning of the year,” said Dan Shapiro, executive vice president of Krispy Krunchy…
Taking Foodservice From Good To Great
With fresh food sales booming, operators are turning their attention to take-out packaging and finding that with so many options available, choosing the proper solution can be as tricky as selecting the foodservice program itself. By Joe Bush, Contributing Editor. Convenience store foodservice programs have been big business and growing for a decade thanks to…
Hess Joins Forces with Quiznos
Companies plan to open more than 50 new restaurants in Florida. Hess, operator of 1,350 gas stations and convenience stores in 18 states, reached a deal with Quiznos to open more than 50 Quiznos restaurants inside Hess locations in Florida. The partnership, the largest to date in terms of Quiznos convenience locations, is a significant…
Surging Demand for Ethnic Foods
With the growth of specialty restaurants, consumers today are exposed to new foods they may not be used to finding locally, and it’s creating a demand at convenience stores. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor. Ethnic offerings are driving foodservice sales at convenience stores hoping to diversify beyond basics like hot dogs, burgers and sandwiches. But…
El Monterey Joins Stewart-Haas Racing
In an effort to promote its popular foodservice products, El Monterey, a brand of Ruiz Foods, announced a partnership with Stewart-Haas Racing. El Monterey, the No. 1 frozen Mexican food brand in the U.S., will adorn Tony Stewart’s No. 14 Chevrolet Impala as an associate sponsor for the entire 2011 Sprint Cup race series. Ruiz…
United Supermarkets Continues Convenience, Retail Expansion
United Supermarkets’ third Market Street location in Lubbock, Texas will anchor a major redevelopment effort in the city. The store will be comparable in size to the city’s two other Market Street locations, but with innovations in design and service concepts. Plans also call for construction of a United Express fuel and convenience store near…