From proprietary programs and co-branded QSRs to no-fee, turnkey foodservice solutions, c-stores have a wide variety of program options right at their fingertips. By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey, Associate Editor. Having been part of his family’s restaurant for 20 years, David Deddens knows what it takes to build a foodservice brand. That’s one of the reasons the…

Keep doughnut and other bakery product displays full and fresh beyond breakfast for maximum profit potential.      By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey, Associate Editor.When a client asked convenience store consultant Dean Dirks how he could increase his doughnut sales, Dirks gave him one simple piece of advice: “I told him to keep the display filled with…

With beef prices continuing to rise, poultry remains the protein of choice for many Americans. And, with the flexibility of chicken, this means ample opportunity for daypart-spanning sales. By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey, Associate Editor. Since introducing the Charley Bigg’s Chicken and Sauce program into two Friendship Food Stores six years ago and four more two years…

The National Confectioners Association (NCA) is predicting that 2013 will be a strong year for chocolate in convenience stores. Sales were up 3.3% for the last 52 weeks ended March 24, according to SymphonyIRI. By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey, Associate Editor. In 2012, c-store was the only channel to gain in dollars (2.4%) and units (1.2%) in…

Consumers are looking for fast service, fresh ingredients and value pricing when choosing a foodservice solution and convenience stores are answering the call with innovative programs that meet the latest food trends. By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey, Associate Editor. The number of consumers purchasing grab-and-go sandwiches and other foods is continuing to rise. Retailers have to be…

Cold and frozen dispensed beverages are undergoing some major changes these days that continue to make the category one of the hottest in the convenience store industry. By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey, Associate Editor. Spring has sprung and with it comes a renewed focus on cold, frosty and refreshing beverages. For Pat Kelly, purchasing director for Hanover,…

Leveraging combo meals to include snacks and beverages can help boost lunch and dinner sales. By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey, Associate Editor. According to a survey by Chicago-based research company Technomic Inc., 60% of consumers place a high level of importance on receiving a good value for their money when deciding which foodservice location to visit for…

Fresh pastries and desserts are driving all-day snacking, helping to keep bakery sales active well past the morning daypart. By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey, Associate Editor. Keeping the doughnut and muffin displays filled and fresh in the morning is pretty much a no-brainer. But, in many convenience stores, these bakery displays look picked over and just plain…

Consumers are trading up to higher margin, premium coffees and teas. By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey, Associate Editor. While coffee remains the workhorse of the morning daypart, a growing number of consumers are looking for their cups to come with a pedigree. The New York-based National Coffee Association (NCA) reported that almost half (46%) of all cups…

It takes very little real estate to offer a world of flavors. By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey, Associate Editor. A year and a half ago, Scott Zaremba removed all the roller grills from his Zarco 66 stores. “We weren’t doing a very good job of merchandising them, so they became almost an expense item for us,” the…