Foodservice ‘renaissance’: How grocers are spicing up their deli and premade meals

As competition grows from restaurant chains and c-stores like Foxtrot, supermarkets are getting creative with offerings, deals, labor models and shopping experiences to differentiate beyond price.

By Catherine Douglas Moran • Nov. 6, 2023

Fast-growing Majors Management bringing pizza restaurants to 100 locations

The first of the Noble Roman’s franchise locations will be in stores by summer of 2024, with all sites expected to be operational by September 2026.

By Jessica Loder • Nov. 3, 2023

Twice Daily brings made-to-order foodservice to all locations

After testing the concept at select locations earlier this summer and seeing positive results, the convenience retailer broadened the program.

By Brett Dworski • Oct. 25, 2023

Sprint Mart opens its largest store to date

The 16,000-square-foot location in Alabama features a new sit-down restaurant concept, Sadie’s Diner.

By Jessica Loder • Oct. 23, 2023

Limited-time offers have come roaring back to life. Here’s how c-stores are capitalizing.

After a dip during the height of the pandemic, LTOs have been gaining steam and are nearly back to pre-pandemic levels as retailers look to spur traffic with exciting new dishes.

By Christine Blank • Oct. 18, 2023

Cal’s Convenience taps Dash In category manager to lead foodservice operations

Benjamin Lucky, who has led food programs at several major c-store retailers, joined Cal’s in early October.

By Brett Dworski • Oct. 17, 2023

How pumpkin spice became the unshakeable king of coffee LTOs

Developing the autumnal flavor for cold drinks, which are surging in popularity, is a technical feat. But recent innovations may secure the flavor’s dominance for years to come, experts say.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Oct. 13, 2023

4 c-store breakfast trends to wake up to

Morning is the busiest time of day for c-stores. Here’s how TXB, Rutter’s and others are updating their menus to connect with customers.

By Christine Blank • Oct. 10, 2023

How 2 midsize c-stores are pushing made-to-order meals to the next level

Leaders from High’s Dairy Stores and Friendly Express discussed how they’re constantly learning ways to improve their premium food programs.

By Brett Dworski • Oct. 6, 2023

McLane launches proprietary pizza line

The distributor’s Prendisimo brand adds another offering to its fast-growing foodservice program that launched this summer.

By Jeff Wells • Oct. 5, 2023

Royal Farms joins the fall flavor rush

Pumpkin-flavored coffee and muffins, along with a variety of seasonal items from other vendors, accompany a separate spicy fries LTO from the retailer.

By Jessica Loder • Sept. 21, 2023

Consumers can now order Allsup’s burritos online for delivery

Parent company Yesway has made the savory dish available via its digital shop to celebrate 50 years of selling the item.

By Brett Dworski • Sept. 19, 2023

Pennsylvania c-store chain adds Tex-Mex LTO

Dandy has added tacos, loaded nachos and taco pizza to its menu, offering a different spin on fall food options. 

By Jessica Loder • Sept. 18, 2023

7-Eleven expands seasonal LTO menu

After releasing its pumpkin spice latte last month, the convenience retailer has added gingerbread cookies, a French toast breakfast sandwich and more.

By Jessica Loder • Sept. 14, 2023

As c-stores level up in foodservice, catering could be an ‘ideal’ next step

Convenience retailers, especially those in rural areas, can boost revenue and grow their brand presence by offering food that is both delicious and durable.

By Amanda Baltazar • Sept. 13, 2023

Casey’s expands automated ordering technology

The system, which the retailer has been testing for the past year, answers incoming phone calls, processes new orders and connects to Casey’s loyalty platform.

By Brett Dworski • Sept. 6, 2023

Sheetz debuts new doughnut collection

The eight new flavors were conceived by Master Baker Lee Ann Adams, who formerly taught baking at The Culinary Institute of America.

By Brett Dworski • Sept. 6, 2023

A closer look at 7-Eleven’s upgraded coffee program

With regular brews, specialty drinks and multiple flavors, the offering embraces the company's strength in the morning daypart.

By Jessica Loder • Sept. 5, 2023

Diners are happy with c-store food — but retailers have work to do, report says

Operators need to guard against complacency, as the number of customers “extremely satisfied” with c-store foodservice has fallen from 2022, Intouch Insight said.

By Jessica Loder • Sept. 5, 2023

White Bison Coffee adds fall LTOs

The coffee shop, which is mostly found inside Twice Daily c-stores, added several pumpkin-flavored drinks alongside three waffle sandwiches.

By Jessica Loder • Sept. 1, 2023

McLane launches new c-store foodservice program

McLane Fresh is designed to meet consumers' expectations for healthy, quality food and aims to position convenience stores “as hubs for culinary excellence on the go.”

By Brett Dworski • Aug. 30, 2023

Why c-stores are upgrading their coffee programs

Players like 7-Eleven, Circle K, Arko and GetGo are refreshing their offerings with new machines, flavors and specialty options. 

By Jessica Loder • Aug. 29, 2023

Rutter’s adds senior director of advertising and food service

The newly created role comes as the Pennsylvania-based c-store chain is expanding both its overall footprint and its focus on made-to-order meals.

By Jessica Loder • Aug. 29, 2023

QuickChek rolls out 4 new subs for NFL partnership

The retailer’s deal with the New York Giants is the latest example of a c-store chain appealing to pro sports fans.

By Jessica Loder • Aug. 28, 2023

Early releases and innovative flavors spice up c-stores’ fall menus

While pumpkin and apple dishes are still runaway favorites, retailers such as Rutter’s and Stewart’s Shops are also testing offerings like pierogis and butternut squash soup.

By Christine Blank • Aug. 28, 2023