Foodservice

Sheetz Tweetz

Chain uses social-networking site to drive traffic to sampling truck
ALTOONA, Pa. -- The Sheetz Bros. Coffee truck isn't exactly a new concept. The convenience store chain began testing the concept of a foodservice truck offering food and coffee samples back in 2007. What is new is the way the company is letting customers know where to find the truck: through Twitter.

"Right now we are only on Twitter. If you're part of the general public, that's the only place you're going to find the announcement," the company's resident Twitterer told CSP Daily News in an interview through the social-networking website.

A recent Tweet fromSheetzCoffeeTRK noted, "We'll be visiting the Lewistown and Wingate PA Sheetz stores Wednesday and ThursdayCome and see us for lunchfree smoothies!!!"

While most of the truck's stops are made at Sheetz c-stores, the sample-providers also visit events the company sponsors, such as the recent Pittsburgh Marathon or the Pennsylvania High School State Track Championships.

Sheetz's Twitterer, who preferred to remain anonymous, offered this interview in questions and answers of 140 characters or less.

CSP: How many trucks do you have?

SheetzCoffeeTRK: We have one staffed truck on the road and one on the way.

CSP: How often are they on the road?

SheetzCoffeeTRK: SBC truck #1 is on the road 5-6 days per week.

CSP: How long have you been doing this?

SheetzCoffeeTRK: SBC truck #1 has been in operation since January 2007.

CSP: What's the reaction been from consumers?

SheetzCoffeeTRK: Customers love FREE! So the reaction is really great. We do everything free out of there. We either sample or do full-size drinks.

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