Since the pandemic first paralyzed the U.S., much has changed in the way that consumers do everything, from working to playing to eating. In past years, c-store retailers generally knew what to expect in terms of foodservice sales during the different dayparts. But what about now? Despite the relaxation of restrictions, many people are still…
C-Stores Elevate Chicken, Pizza, Roller Grill Menus
Chicken, pizza and roller grill items have been convenience store mainstays for years, but there is always room for innovation and experimentation among these core convenience store offerings. C-store retailers are finding new ways to elevate these foodservice staples as they look to attract new customers. Kwik Trip and Kwik Star stores in Minnesota, Wisconsin…
Loyalty Apps Boost Customer Engagement
Retailers with loyalty programs are trading up to more sophisticated platforms to help them get to know their customers better and target future offers. Tri Star Energy’s Twice Daily convenience stores, which has about 160 locations and supplies fuel to wholesale trade channels in 17 states, and White Bison Coffee shops with 17 units throughout…
Online Food Ordering Offers Convenience
As foodservice continues to climb in importance at convenience stores, retailers are taking advantage of technology to allow customers more options when they order. At GetGo Café + Market, headquartered in Pittsburgh, customers can place foodservice orders via the company’s website or the GetGo app on iOS and Android up to 24 hours in advance,…
How Do I Make My Foodservice Stand Out?
With foodservice continually growing as a major profit center for c-stores, the competition for consumer share of stomach stretches beyond other stores to include quick-service restaurants. As a result, c-store retailers need to find innovative ways to make their foodservice offering stand out. The first thing is to make sure your customers know that you…
Should I Introduce LTOs to My Foodservice Program?
To fuel foodservice sales, there’s nothing quite like a limited-time offer (LTO), a you-snooze-you-lose item that features creative and/or seasonal ingredients and flavors. If you offer foodservice, LTOs should be an integral part of your marketing strategy. Just about everybody suffers from some degree of FOMO (fear of missing out), so if you add a…
Becoming a Foodservice Destination
As foodservice becomes a bigger focus at convenience stores, retailers are leaning into menu innovation, offering more customization and better promoting their food options to customers. Over the past six to eight months, Duchess convenience stores, which has 120 locations in Ohio and West Virginia, has experienced double-digit growth in its proprietary foodservice segment. Duchess’…
Should My C-Store Add Cold Brew Coffee?
Cold brew coffee, both freshly brewed in-store or as a ready-to-drink (RTD) from the cold vault, is one of the hottest items in the beverage category all over the country, not only for summer, but all year round. Its popularity continues to grow year after year. But does it belong in every store? The answer…
How Can C-Stores Improve Their Coffee Programs?
Because the beverage that fuels customers also fuels morning foodservice sales, it’s important to constantly focus attention on improving your coffee program. Bean-to-cup technology is gaining popularity at c-stores across the country. Retailers like it because it minimizes waste and requires little labor to operate at peak performance. Customers like it because it provides the…
Retailers Invest in Coffee Upgrades
Retailers are adding bean-to-cup coffee dispensers, barista programs and more to elevate their coffee offerings. Some 58% of operators reported sales of hot-brewed regular or decaf coffee increased over the past year, according to Datassential’s “2023 C-Store Keynote Report,” fielded online in October and November 2022. Hot dispensed beverage sales are flat at Green…