February marks CStore Decisions’ annual foodservice issue where we detail the trends, innovations and challenges shaping convenience store foodservice in 2025. It’s no secret that today’s customers expect more sophisticated offerings from convenience stores than they did pre-pandemic. Meanwhile, as shoppers face mounting costs due to inflation, they are increasingly demanding value. Quick-service restaurants (QSRs) have been responding with an influx of value-menu offerings, as detailed in the December 2024 Pizza Power Report. And c-stores, eager to compete with QSRs, have value on the menu too.
In this month’s Best Foodservice Launch Awards feature, winners Weigel’s and Onvo are both appealing to value-minded customers in different ways — Weigel’s with a new value menu and Onvo with a new made-to-order rollout with an emphasis on quality.
It’s important to remember that while many c-stores already provide strong value offerings across their menu, effectively communicating that value to customers in a way that resonates with them is equally crucial. Weigel’s, for example, already had value offerings on its foodservice menu, but when it recognized the opportunity to better communicate that value, it responded with the launch of its $6 W menu.
Weigel’s is far from alone when it comes to competing with QSRs at the value-menu game. Most recently, EG America, in January, announced its brand-new $3 Meal Deal, which features a sausage, egg and cheese breakfast sandwich on a croissant and any size coffee, hot or iced, available at participating Cumberland Farms and Fastrac stores.
As c-stores elevate their offerings with premium coffee, quality foodservice at a value price, state-of-the-art restrooms, free Wi-Fi and expanded seating areas to encourage customers to linger, Starbucks’ new CEO, Brian Niccol — the former Chipotle CEO who joined Starbucks in September — is taking a new approach. At press time, Starbucks introduced a revised code of conduct requiring guests to make a purchase to access restrooms or seating. As c-stores strive to attract customers from QSRs, could this new policy give c-stores an edge in drawing coffee drinkers from the competition?
Celebrating Store Design
CStore Decisions’ February issue also celebrates store design. Convenience store design plays a critical role in driving customer satisfaction, boosting sales and creating a lasting impression. Today, modern c-store design frequently highlights foodservice as the star of the store, positioning it as a central feature to attract customers. After a nomination process in December, CStore Decisions’ editors are pleased to announce Chestnut Market and Rusty Lantern Markets as the winners of our 2025 Best Store Design Awards.
CStore Connections
I hope all our readers will join us in Charlotte, N.C., March 9-12, for the CStore Connections conference, where small, mid-sized and family-owned chains will come together to learn, network, and share ideas and solutions. Sessions on Simplifying Foodservice and Leveraging LTOs are among many burning issue sessions planned. And, you’ll get to hear from John Koch, CEO of Rusty Lantern Markets, one of the winners of this year’s Best Store Design Awards, and Trenton Langston, VP of EZ Stop, a 2024 Best Store Design Award winner.
CStore Connections is a must-attend conference for convenience store retailers looking to stay ahead in an ever-evolving industry. This premier event brings together industry leaders, innovators and decision makers to share insights, discuss emerging trends and explore new strategies for success.
Our renowned information exchanges with non-competing retailers give operators a chance to solve problems, discover solutions and share knowledge.
Attending CStore Connections empowers operators to enhance their business strategies, foster meaningful partnerships and drive growth in today’s highly competitive landscape. We look forward to seeing you there. View the agenda and register at CStoreConnections.com.
