“The days of smokes and Cokes are coming to an end,” said Jon Siron, foodservice director for Gier Oil Co., with more than 50 Eagle Stop stores in Missouri. “C-stores are finally understanding that they aren’t just gas stations that sell food; they’re restaurants that sell gas.” For West Des Moines, Iowa-based Kum & Go,…
Tried and True Meets Seasonal and New
C-store staples like subs and pizza remain customer favorites for lunch and dinner alike, while limited menu items keep go-to foodservice forms fresh year-round. Market research firm Datassential confirms limited-time offers (LTOs) have big potential for the channel: Most consumers are interested, yet few c-stores offer them, according to Datassential’s 2021 report, “Convenience Stores: a…
Casey’s Comes for Breakfast
Ankeny, Iowa-based Casey’s, which operates more than 2,300 c-stores, recently launched an all-new breakfast lineup, featuring its Signature Handheld, Loaded Breakfast Burrito and Loaded Breakfast Bowl, coupled with a new chainwide bean-to-cup coffee program. Casey’s Vice President of Prepared Food Michelle Wickham told CStore Decisions that now is “the perfect time” for the retailer to…
Creating Chestnut Market
When Chestnut Petroleum Distributors Inc. (CPD) CEO Mickey Jamal started the business with his wife Kay in 1981, he could not have foreseen the changes to come over the next four decades. “The first location we purchased was a repair shop that had two bays and a snack shop,” he said. “We offered some fresh…
TXB Is Putting Foodservice First
Spicewood, Texas-based Texas Born (TXB), with more than 47 stores in Texas and Oklahoma, began its transition from the Kwik Chek brand mid-pandemic and is working to update each of its sites, while also building new-to-industry stores. What really sets this company apart is its deep commitment to quality foodservice, with a focus on freshness…
Foodservice Moves Forward
The pandemic has impacted each daypart differently, and while c-stores remained open, visits dipped as consumers stayed home. As the country reopens, visits are up, but further recovery will depend on consumers returning to workplaces and schools this fall. “Guest behavior’s really hard to isolate right now because there are so many moving variables,” said…
Fav Trip Forges Its Own Path
Kansas City, Mo.-based Fav Trip is data-driven across all aspects of the business, with a special focus on branding, social media, technology and ensuring the success of its employees. The three-store chain offers limited-edition merch drops, delivery and drive-through, and it’s currently building its first ground-up location, which will be twice the size of its…
Eagle Stop’s Siron Talks Foodservice Strategy
Springfield, Mo.-based Gier Oil Co.’s Eagle Stop takes foodservice seriously, and its extensive menu is evidence of that. Depending on the size of the location, its 50-plus c-stores’ menus may feature breaded-chicken sandwiches, roller-grill sausages, freshly made sushi, teriyaki chicken and fried rice, freshly baked biscuits for biscuits and gravy, and quarter-pound 100% all angus-beef…
C-Stores Accelerate Foodservice Technology
The pandemic accelerated digital growth at convenience retailers of all sizes, in all parts of the country, particularly in the growing foodservice category, with retailers implementing new technology initiatives such as mobile and online ordering, curbside pickup, delivery, drive-through and more. In March, 7-Eleven, with 12,000 c-stores in North America, announced its first Laredo Taco…
Daypart Focus Brings Foodservice Success
Vaccines are rolling out, but the pandemic and its effects are far from over. Across all dayparts, c-stores continue to adjust their foodservice offers to reflect evolving consumer habits and set themselves up for success on the other side. The breakfast daypart in particular took a hit at the start of the pandemic for many…