Convenience chain describes latest offering as chef-inspired, restaurant quality.
As more Americans turn to at-home recipe kits and restaurants’ prepared foods to go, 7-Eleven Inc. is joining the fray on its prepared-food program with 15 new “locally-made, chef-inspired,” heat-and-eat meals.
The retailer said the meal solutions were created with inspiration from Italian, homestyle, Asian, and Mexican recipes.
To find the entrees at participating North Texas 7-Eleven® stores, customers need look no further than a life-size cardboard cutout of Dallas Cowboys Dak Prescott, who says he is “pumped” about the new locally made meals in radio spots running on digital stations. For a limited time, coupons for a free locally made meal will be available on the 7-Eleven website and through digital advertising on Facebook, YouTube, TubeMogul, Pandora and TuneIn.
Prepared in local kitchens and delivered daily to participating 7-Eleven stores in select markets, these on-the-go options for breakfast, lunch and dinner will be available in the refrigerated case beginning Sept. 11. Meals can be heated at the store for immediate consumption or taken to-go. Suggested retail price ranges from $3.99 to $4.99.
Offerings include Chicken Parmesan, Cheese Lasagna with Meat Sauce, Macaroni and Cheese, Homestyle Turkey Chili and Mile High Breakfast Bowl.
BUSY BODIES
“With these chef-inspired entrees, 7-Eleven can provide busy individuals and families with a delicious, premium-quality, whole-meal solution in one stop,” said Kelly Buckley, 7-Eleven vice president of fresh food innovation. “You can add a salad, beverage and dessert. The creamy mac and cheese is particularly kid-friendly and pairs well with chicken tenders and a cup of fresh-cut fruit. We want to take the hassle out of meal time with a variety of options and without giving up quality. There is something for everyone.”
When developing new recipes for its fresh-foods menu, 7-Eleven benchmarks the ingredients and flavor profiles against restaurant-quality offerings. The new entrees and bowls are prepared in local kitchens using premium-quality ingredients and delivered daily to stores.
According to an NPD Study, almost two-thirds of consumers surveyed said they buy premade meals at least once a week. That’s the same number of people who say they plan dinner within an hour of eating. The locally made meals add to 7-Eleven’s growing prepared-food offerings, which now stand at more than 300 items.
In addition to the locally made meals, 7-Eleven stores’ growing menu includes grab-and-go cheeseburgers and breaded-chicken sandwiches, pizza slices and whole pizzas, chicken tenders and wings.
“Dining occasions are evolving from traditional meals and mealtimes,” Buckley said. “Younger demographic groups, in particular, are constantly snacking throughout the day vs. eating three traditional meals. As a 24-hour operator, 7-Eleven has a wide variety of hot and fresh foods that can be purchased and eaten any time.”
Buckley and the 7-Eleven fresh-food-innovation team has responded to these changes with a menu that appeals to round-the-clock dining needs. In addition to great taste, high quality and value, special emphasis is put on portability, as well as fresh and healthy options.