YORK, Pa. -- Rutter’s Farm Stores is differentiating its menu with the help of seafood. The York, Pa.-based chain now offers upwards of 25 varieties of fish, more than any other convenience store in central Pennsylvania, according to the company.
Many of the chain’s seafood items are fried, such as Fried Shrimp Tacos, the Tavern Battered Cod Sandwich, Crabcake Sliders, Fried Scallops and the Fried Clams Basket Meal. However, the brand also offers Crab and Roasted Corn Chowder, among other alternatives.
“We always want to be able to provide customers with as many food possibilities as we can,” said Ryan Krebs, director of foodservice. “We are proud of the food varieties we offer, including our seafood. We commit to restaurant-quality, local and fresh ingredients across our menu and are excited to continue to grow our seafood selections to meet consumers’ needs.”
Rutter’s is betting on an increasing demand for seafood, which presents an opportunity for c-stores outside of Lent.
Growing health consciousness around meat consumption has more consumers opting for seafood, according to Technomic’s Center of Plate: Seafood & Vegetarian Consumer Trend Report. The report shows that about one in five consumers would eat seafood if it were more affordable at retail locations.
Rutter’s Crabcake Sliders are featured on the value menu, with menu items priced at 99 to $1.99.
Other convenience stores are also working to develop seafood options at affordable price points. For a limited time, United Dairy Farmers is promoting a Lobster Seafood Roll for $4.99. The sandwich features chunks of lobster and other seafood blended with herbs, spices, celery and mayo on a sub roll. Customers can get $1 off the sandwich through the chain’s loyalty app.
Rutter’s has about 65 locations in central Pennsylvania. It ranked No. 92 in CSP's2017 Top 202 list of the largest c-store chains in the United States.
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