Dive Brief:
- EG Group-owned c-store chain Cumberland Farms will open its second Ria’s Pizzeria on Nov. 30 in Norton, Massachusetts, according to an emailed announcement.
- Cumberland Farms launched its first Ria’s Pizzeria — the chain’s newest restaurant concept — earlier this month at a location in North Adams, Massachusetts.
- The Ria’s opening in Norton will be “the second of many coming to the region,” according to the announcement, signaling that EG Group may be increasing its foodservice push in its U.S. c-stores.
Dive Insight:
EG Group’s foodservice operations in its U.S.-based c-stores include partnerships with Arby’s, Burger King, Cinnabon, Pizza Hut, Sbarro, Sprint Kitchen, Subway and Taco John’s. Its newest at Cumberland Farms, Ria’s Pizzeria, will offer pizza by the slice and made-to-order whole pizza pies with proprietary dough and “quality ingredients.”
Besides traditional pies, Ria’s menu includes specialty pizzas like Nashville hot chicken; chicken bacon ranch; loaded baked potato; and bacon, egg and cheese. Ria’s own Bolis — mini strombolis — and bite-sized sweet or savory dough snacks called Ninos will also be available.
Ria’s will offer various grand opening deals for a limited time only. The first 50 people to visit on opening day will receive a coupon for a free whole pizza up to $15.99, while for the first 30 days, customers can get two free Ninos with every purchase as well as discounted pizzas.
EG Group isn’t the only c-store company increasing its restaurant push. In late November, TravelCenters of America (TA) opened a new full-service Black Bear Diner at its travel center in Amarillo, Texas, its fifth in total. The retailer has also said it plans to open more IHOP locations as well as introduce a new proprietary restaurant brand in the near future.
Blackburn, U.K.-based EG Group operates over 1,700 convenience stores and gas stations in the U.S. and more than 6,300 globally. EG acquired Cumberland Farms’ 567 c-stores spanning seven northeast states and Florida in October 2019.
