In 2014, convenience stores are finding they can up their foodservice profile with specialty sausages, a range of breakfast options and different bun types, such as biscuits. “Roller grill offerings have really evolved and expanded in recent years. While hot dogs remain a staple, c-store operators are offering a broader range of items that meet…
Carving Out a Sandwich Strategy
While branded and proprietary foodservice programs get a lot of attention at retail, prepared sandwiches have quietly—and profitably—filled a valuable niche for retailers. By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey, Associate Editor. Sandwiches and wraps are a $2.7 billion category and sales are expected to remain strong through 2014, according to a 2011 report from foodservice research and marketing…
Jiffy Mart Completes Remodel in Finksburg
New décor, energy efficient lighting and upgraded restrooms greet customers at the newly revamped Finksburg, Md. Jiffy Mart. As part of the Gateway Improvement Program, and commitment to improve customers shopping experience, Jiffy Mart has remodeled its Finksburg, Md. location. The revamped interior offers a brighter store design with new décor, new ceiling, energy efficient…
Turning a Profit at the Roller Grill
One of the most maligned pieces of equipment in all of foodservice—the roller grill—remains the backbone of many c-store foodservice programs, offering an inexpensive, labor-friendly way for operators to expand their fresh-food offering at a time when other nonfoodservice categories are declining. Roller grill sales are estimated to account for roughly 10-15% of convenience foodservice…
Focusing on Foodservice
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.…
7-Eleven To Offer 14 MHC Stores For Franchise
“Our franchise model supports the local business owner with infrastructure and consulting, which enables them to operate great stores and make product assortment decisions that meet neighborhood needs,” says 7-Eleven’s east region senior vice president. 7-Eleven Inc. plans to convert 14 northwestern Illinois Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard (MHC) stores to 7-Eleven stores and offer them for…
CSD Announces Amazon Gift Card Winner
After participating in the roller grill usage study, retailers were entered into a drawing for an Amazon gift card. Ryan White of Blarney Castle Oil was selected in a drawing to win a $100 Amazon gift card, after participating in Convenience Store Decisions’ Roller Grill usage study. CSD launched the study to learn more about…
Roller Grills Grow Up
Thanks to a surge of new products focused on ethnic diversity, the roller grill—the original anchor for most convenience store hot food programs—is hotter than ever before. And the one thing c-store operators like and appreciate most about roller grills is that you hardly notice they’re there. Grills don’t take up much room and can…
Retail Outlook: Cautiously Optimistic
Balvor survey highlights the foodservice concerns, focus and sentiments held by convenience store operators heading into 2011. By David Bishop, Contributing Editor. Cautious because a number of external factors, ranging from continued high unemployment, constrained consumer spending, and weak construction and housing markets are creating especially stiff headwinds for their core shopper base. Optimistic as…
Turning a Foodservice Profit
The stagnant economy and hefty cigarette taxes have more c-store chains adding extra roller grill items to provide a greater array of hot food options at a value price. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor. Yes, the number of food items that can be prepared on roller grills—hot dogs, corn dogs, taquitos, stuffed breadsticks, kielbasa, grilled…