Which C-Store’s Coffee Is Best?
By Aimee Harvey on Sep. 28, 2017BOSTON -- Sept. 29 is National Coffee Day, and in honor of this staple beverage, convenience stores, coffeehouse chains and independent coffee cafes are promoting their customers’ favorite brews.
According to the most recent industry estimates from Technomic's Convenience Store Insights program, powered by Ignite, the hot-dispensed-beverage category totals $61.5 billion in sales at c-stores, making up 11% of the overall hot-dispensed category in the United States. And it’s projected that total hot-beverage sales will increase by nearly 3% through 2018.
Meanwhile, Boston-based GasBuddy, which connects more than 70 million drivers with nearby gas stations, recently conducted a footfall report that found more than half of Americans (56%) who have visited a c-store in the past three months feel that c-stores prepare coffee drinks that are just as good as those offered at coffeehouses.
“Americans love coffee. Our consumption has increased over the years with premium and gourmet coffees serving as the catalyst,” said Frank Beard, convenience store and retail trends analyst for GasBuddy. “It is evident that gas-station convenience stores are taking market share from QSRs and cafes by creating a true coffee experience.”
To gain more perspective from the frequent c-store coffee customer, GasBuddy asked its users (or GasBuddies) which gas stations offer the best coffee “when you need a pick-me-up while on the road.”
The survey allowed GasBuddy to name the best c-store coffee brand by state (above) and rank the best brands across the country. Here's a look at the results ...
1. Buc-ee's
GasBuddy’s data scientists reviewed nearly 2 million user reviews covering more than 140,000 retail locations where gasoline is sold and found that 51% of GasBuddies gave positive ratings in the coffee category.
The winner for best coffee brand in the country was Buc-ee’s, which dominated in its home state of Texas and captured the highest overall ratings in the nation as being the best gas station c-store for a cup of joe.
Buc-ee's ranked No. 192 on CSP's 2017 Top 202 list of the largest c-store chains in the United States.
2. QuikTrip
QuikTrip, Tulsa, Okla., ranks second for coffee in the United States. It received top marks in seven states: Arizona, Georgia, Kansas, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma and South Carolina. QuikTrip’s coffee program is anchored by its Premium Espresso Oro blend, featuring traditional hot and cold brewed coffee, as well as specialty coffees, all made to order.
QuikTrip ranked No. 11 on CSP's 2017 Top 202 list of the largest c-store chains in the United States.
3. Wawa
Wawa, Pa.-based Wawa ranks third overall and was declared the best c-store coffee in six states: Delaware, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Known for coffee variety, Wawa offers brews in four categories: mild, medium, rich and bold. Seasonal coffee flavors and $1-for-any-size price promotions are a fixture of its beverage menu.
Wawa ranked No. 13 on CSP's 2017 Top 202 list of the largest c-store chains in the United States.
4. Cumberland Farms
Cumberland Farms, based in Westborough, Mass., ranked fourth in the nation for its coffee. The chain was named as a favorite coffee destination in New York and New England, including Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. Cumberland Farms offers 100% Arabica origin beans for its coffee blends, and customers can create their own hot or iced specialty coffee drink with free flavor shots at each store’s Flavor Station.
Cumberland Farms ranked No. 14 on CSP's 2017 Top 202 list of the largest c-store chains in the United States.
5. Casey's General Stores
Ankeny, Iowa-based Casey's General Stores was named the victor in four states: Arkansas, Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota. It ranked fifth overall. In addition to its regular hot and iced coffee offerings, Casey's promotes a wide range of cappuccinos in various flavors, including its High Energy Mocha, Fat Free Vanilla, English Toffee and seasonal Pumpkin Spice varieties.
Casey's General Stores ranked No. 4 on CSP's 2017 Top 202 list of the largest c-store chains in the United States.