It comes to no surprise that convenience stores have evolved over the last 20 years. Built to cater to our hectic lives, they have become the life line of busy Americans everywhere. There was a reported 152,794 convenience stores in the United States as of 2015, with sales topping 696 billion dollars. With that much customer traffic it is mind boggling that the average convenience store visit only last 3.33 minutes. So the question is; how is it possible to give customers exactly what they are looking for in less than 4 minutes?
The answer is simple. Keep the equipment as advanced as the customers. The proper equipment is important to any foodservice establishment; however the speed and versatility of c-store equipment is what keeps the convenience industry growing. Equipment manufacturers have heard the cries for speed and convenience and are continuously changing and adapting foodservice equipment to help convenience stores stay ahead of the game.
Let’s take a look into the latest advancements in foodservice equipment.
Microwaves and Ovens: TurboChef was one of the first manufacturers to design rapid-cook ovens (combination of microwave and standard oven) for convenience stores. Retrofitting the once bulky equipment into a smaller, faster format, TurboChef has become a trusted name in the C-store industry. Here are a few of their designs that are giving speed a new name.
The answer is simple. Keep the equipment as advanced as the customers. The proper equipment is important to any foodservice establishment; however the speed and versatility of c-store equipment is what keeps the convenience industry growing. Equipment manufacturers have heard the cries for speed and convenience and are continuously changing and adapting foodservice equipment to help convenience stores stay ahead of the game.
Let’s take a look into the latest advancements in foodservice equipment.
Microwaves and Ovens: TurboChef was one of the first manufacturers to design rapid-cook ovens (combination of microwave and standard oven) for convenience stores. Retrofitting the once bulky equipment into a smaller, faster format, TurboChef has become a trusted name in the C-store industry. Here are a few of their designs that are giving speed a new name.
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Fryers: Fryers have always been a hassle in the foodservice industry. They are large, slow, and can be unsafe. They also require extensive ventilation, cleaning and maintenance. Perfect Fry has found the solution to all these problems with one of the most innovative and simple-to-operate counter-top deep frying solutions in the world. With semi or fully automatic models, these fryers are changing the ways convenience stores prepares fried food.
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- PFA Fully Automatic Fryer: The PFA series deep fryers minimize staffing requirements and preparation time while maximizing cooking capacity and efficiency - all in only 17 linear inches of counter space! Also vent-less, and weekly cleaning can be done in under an hour.
Beverage Machines: Beverage machines have been making advances for many years now. From the F’real milkshake machine of 2005, to the Coca-Cola Freestyle of 2012, it’s hard to imagine drinks becoming any more convenient. However Cornelius has done it with not one, but two innovative beverage machines. Not only do they give C-store customers more options, they are also more energy efficient and maintenance friendly.
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Coolers and Freezers: Coolers and freezers have evolved over the years as well. They are now more energy efficient and less hazardous to the environment. Some other advancements that have really improved how c-stores utilize coolers and freezer is through merchandising. Style Line, a leading commercial refrigeration door company, has brought new light to merchandising, with LED lighting.
- LED’s: The green lights feature exceptional illumination, energy efficiency and durability. With advanced reflective and refractive optics, and the use of 70% less wattage than florescent lighting. Style Line’s LED lighting entices c-store customers and increases impulse buys.
This is only a few of the advancements in foodservice equipment that we are seeing throughout the industry. Convenience Stores are constantly changing and evolving to meet customer trends, therefore equipment will continue to evolve. The Association for Convenience and Fuel Retailing (NACS) is also doing their part to aid the evolution of foodservice equipment. NACS hosts an annual show in which retailers, manufacturers, and other convenience store related professionals are invited for four days of learning, buying and selling, networking, and unveiling new technology. Attendees also have the option to attend the “Technology Edge at the NACS Show”, where they have the opportunity to take part in group discussions so manufacturers and designers can get firsthand knowledge of what the next advancement should be. It’s exciting to see how much has changed in the last ten years, and thrilling to see what the next ten years has in store.
Clark C-Store is also making the evolution easier for c-stores. Clark works with c-store customers through every step of the process, offering drafting and design, supply, and installation services to make opening a convenience store a fast, efficient process. Whether you are simply updating, completing a total renovation, or building a new store from the ground up, Clark Convenience Store Products has the knowledge, expertise, and professional competence necessary for a successful business!
Written by: Becky Simmons
Edited by: Tilghman Grandstaff
Edited by: Tilghman Grandstaff