C-store foodservice trends are changing the way business is done and profits are made. It used to be that foodservice items in convenience stores were primarily add-on sales. Customers stopped by the store for lotto tickets, cigarettes, or gas and grabbed a donut or hot dog out of convenience. These days, many stores are finding they can increase profits by switching that formula around. When you offer fresh, unique, and affordable food items, foodservice can become a main profit center for your store.
How can you make these c-store foodservice trends work for you? It’s not just one thing you do, it’s several things together that will set you apart from your competition.
Fresh Menu
Fresh is best. Today’s consumers are looking for freshly made items with healthy options. Sandwiches, wraps, flatbreads, and salads are at the top of the list. For flavor, menu trends point to spicing things up a bit. Flavors from Sriracha, habaneros, ghost peppers, harissa, and sambal are popular additions to fresh food items.
Dietary Diversity
Being able to accommodate special dietary needs, such as low-fat, low-carb, gluten-free, and sugar-free can mean the difference between a consumer stopping at your store or the one down the street. Offering non-GMO and locally grown foods can also help set you apart from your competitors.
Customer Loyalty
Once you gain a foodservice customer, getting them to come back is key to your long-term success. Offering the food they want is just half the battle. A strong loyalty program, as well as exceptional service, helps build repeat business.
Marketing Innovation
As you adapt what you’re offering to keep up with c-store foodservice trends, you also have to change how you market those items. Change your at-the-pump and other outdoor signage to promote your foodservice item. Use technology and social media to attract and maintain customers who represent a new demographic for you.
Foodservice & C-Store Training
Our Early Success Online Training Series is a comprehensive program that covers a wide variety of topics, including foodservice, customer service, and compliance. Visit our Learning Library to learn more.
