With foodservice becoming an integral part of convenience stores, it’s important to be aware of emerging consumer demands. Since we help keep the convenience store industry's foodservice programs up and running with expert service and repair, we thought it is important to highlight how foodservice in the c-store industry is evolving. Adapting your c-store menu to these emerging trends will allow you meet the needs of your hungry c-store consumers and most importantly, increase your revenue:
GOOD EATS:
1. Breakfast. The Faster the Better - If you thought we couldn’t speed up foodservice operations for time-pressed consumers any more than we already have, then you would be wrong. In a world of convenience, consumers are demanding breakfast options that take less time out of their busy schedules. Since c-stores are a destination for commuters fueling up on their way to work, offering quick breakfast items will add additional revenue.
2. Pizza - Slicing up pizza isn’t just for pizza shops anymore. With pizza accounting for 38.7 billion dollars in yearly sales, your c-store can benefit by offering this easy, yet popular meal. Plus, with the innovative cooking technology of high-speed hybrid ovens you can have pizza out to your customers in as little as three minutes.
3. Hispanic Foods - By 2060, the Hispanic population is due to make up 31% of the United States. Offering Hispanic foods on your c-store menu will help you tap into this growing segment of the population. Jennifer Aranas, Datassential Project Director, stated that “c-stores are missing an opportunity if they don’t look at adding an authentic Hispanic experience to their foodservice.”
4. Fresh Foods - As organic, farm-to-table and non-GMO products are becoming a mainstay in the foodservice industry, your c-store may want to scrap cheaper, processed food items and begin attracting new customers with these offerings. Since consumers demand fresher, more sustainable options, don’t let your c-store fall behind the times by not offering healthier offerings.
BEVERAGES:
1. Gourmet Coffee - With improved coffee programs and coffee's growing popularity, consumers are starting to demand fresh, better tasting coffee options. It’s time to reevaluate your coffee program and serve above average coffee. As coffee gains popularity so does the appeal of the coffee shop. Consider giving your coffee area a face-lift by incorporating a "coffee shop feel" in a corner of your store.
2. More water, less soda - By 2017, studies suggest that bottled water will outsell soft drinks. With that being said, now is the time to begin offering alternatives to sugary soft drinks. Flavored water and bottled water are among consumers’ favorites, as people begin to embrace healthier lifestyles. Consider creating your own brand of bottled water and flavored water to increase profits.
EQUIPMENT:
1. Less is more: One issue facing convenience store operators is how to start or increase a foodservice program within the constraints of a small space. With the need to make more foods in less space, it’s crucial to consider which equipment can meet all of your needs. Most foodservice needs of convenience stores can be met by three to four major pieces of equipment. Contact Clark Convenience Store Products today to schedule a consultation to identify and fulfill your foodservice operation's equipment needs.
2. Foodservice as a necessity: If your c-store isn’t offering a foodservice program, you’re missing out thousands, even millions of additional revenue each year. With the increase in demand for foodservice, convenience stores like Rutters who offer an extensive MTO and grab and go foodservice program have flourished.
3. Efficient Foodservice: If your c-store has a foodservice program, but your waiting times are longer than desired, you may be doing more harm than good. As cooking technology increases there are many ways to improve the efficiency of your c-store foodservice operation. Manufacturers are coming out with highly programmable pieces of equipment that allow your staff to "set it and forget it." This increases cooking time and decreases time spent training your kitchen staff.
4. Looks Matter: The way you display your snacks, dry goods and shelved items impacts customers’ impulse buys. The more attractive your display, the more likely consumers will be drawn to your offerings. It is critical, now more than ever, to pay attention to the way consumers flow through your store. The more items they see, the more likely they are to buy, it's that simple.
For all of your convenience store needs including foodservice equipment and menu development, please contact our convenience store division Clark Convenience Store Products.
GOOD EATS:
1. Breakfast. The Faster the Better - If you thought we couldn’t speed up foodservice operations for time-pressed consumers any more than we already have, then you would be wrong. In a world of convenience, consumers are demanding breakfast options that take less time out of their busy schedules. Since c-stores are a destination for commuters fueling up on their way to work, offering quick breakfast items will add additional revenue.
2. Pizza - Slicing up pizza isn’t just for pizza shops anymore. With pizza accounting for 38.7 billion dollars in yearly sales, your c-store can benefit by offering this easy, yet popular meal. Plus, with the innovative cooking technology of high-speed hybrid ovens you can have pizza out to your customers in as little as three minutes.
3. Hispanic Foods - By 2060, the Hispanic population is due to make up 31% of the United States. Offering Hispanic foods on your c-store menu will help you tap into this growing segment of the population. Jennifer Aranas, Datassential Project Director, stated that “c-stores are missing an opportunity if they don’t look at adding an authentic Hispanic experience to their foodservice.”
4. Fresh Foods - As organic, farm-to-table and non-GMO products are becoming a mainstay in the foodservice industry, your c-store may want to scrap cheaper, processed food items and begin attracting new customers with these offerings. Since consumers demand fresher, more sustainable options, don’t let your c-store fall behind the times by not offering healthier offerings.
BEVERAGES:
1. Gourmet Coffee - With improved coffee programs and coffee's growing popularity, consumers are starting to demand fresh, better tasting coffee options. It’s time to reevaluate your coffee program and serve above average coffee. As coffee gains popularity so does the appeal of the coffee shop. Consider giving your coffee area a face-lift by incorporating a "coffee shop feel" in a corner of your store.
2. More water, less soda - By 2017, studies suggest that bottled water will outsell soft drinks. With that being said, now is the time to begin offering alternatives to sugary soft drinks. Flavored water and bottled water are among consumers’ favorites, as people begin to embrace healthier lifestyles. Consider creating your own brand of bottled water and flavored water to increase profits.
EQUIPMENT:
1. Less is more: One issue facing convenience store operators is how to start or increase a foodservice program within the constraints of a small space. With the need to make more foods in less space, it’s crucial to consider which equipment can meet all of your needs. Most foodservice needs of convenience stores can be met by three to four major pieces of equipment. Contact Clark Convenience Store Products today to schedule a consultation to identify and fulfill your foodservice operation's equipment needs.
2. Foodservice as a necessity: If your c-store isn’t offering a foodservice program, you’re missing out thousands, even millions of additional revenue each year. With the increase in demand for foodservice, convenience stores like Rutters who offer an extensive MTO and grab and go foodservice program have flourished.
3. Efficient Foodservice: If your c-store has a foodservice program, but your waiting times are longer than desired, you may be doing more harm than good. As cooking technology increases there are many ways to improve the efficiency of your c-store foodservice operation. Manufacturers are coming out with highly programmable pieces of equipment that allow your staff to "set it and forget it." This increases cooking time and decreases time spent training your kitchen staff.
4. Looks Matter: The way you display your snacks, dry goods and shelved items impacts customers’ impulse buys. The more attractive your display, the more likely consumers will be drawn to your offerings. It is critical, now more than ever, to pay attention to the way consumers flow through your store. The more items they see, the more likely they are to buy, it's that simple.
For all of your convenience store needs including foodservice equipment and menu development, please contact our convenience store division Clark Convenience Store Products.
All statistics in this article were obtained from csnews.com and cstoredecisions.com
Written By: Emily Shuler
Edited By: Tilghman Grandstaff
Written By: Emily Shuler
Edited By: Tilghman Grandstaff