OMAHA, Neb. -- Travel and convenience-store brand Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores is installing 64 new Express locations of Godfather’s Pizza in 16 states through early 2017. These expansion plans will represent an increase of more than 300% in the total number of Love’s sites that currently house Godfather’s Pizza Express.
Love’s offers Godfather’s as a foodservice option in 21 locations; this deal will bring the total number of grab-and-go Express units to 85. Love’s stores with Godfather’s Pizza Express sites currently are located in Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee. Earlier this year, Love’s launched seven new Godfather’s Pizza Express locations in Arkansas, Colorado, Tennessee and Texas.
Love’s and Godfather’s began their partnership in 1999, with an initial unit in Oklahoma. While the current growth plan is aggressive, both companies expressed optimism that a big influx of Godfather’s units will address the expressed needs of convenience-store guests and Love’s customers in particular.
“Our customers have expressed interest in more dining options as we continue to add locations nationwide,” said Joe Cotton, director of restaurant services for Love’s. “We had a great relationship with Godfather’s and we knew they would give us an excellent product at a competitive price, so expanding our partnership was a natural fit.”
“The Love’s team understands what sells in travel stops and convenience stores--their execution is second to none,” said Dave Gartlan, Godfather’s vice president of development. “They’re a very well-respected company and the yellow sign with the heart is iconic across the nation.”
The latest Technomic research from its 2016 Pizza Consumer Trend Report shows that 28% of consumers purchase pizza from a convenience store at least once a month. Of these customers, 42% are consumers aged between 18 and 34. Additionally, according to 57% of consumers overall, the convenience aspect of the actual foodservice location is the top driver influencing purchases of pizza.
“Travel stops and convenience stores make their money by selling food and snacks,” said Gartlan. “Branded pizza products, like Godfather’s Pizza Express, are proven to increase profitability."
Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores is based in Oklahoma City and currently operates more than 390 locations in 40 states.
Founded in 1973, the Godfather’s concept has expanded to more than 445 locations in more than 34 states, ranging from traditional dine-in restaurants to express outlets at airports, convenience stores and college campuses.
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