The c-store industry is witnessing international players permeate U.S. borders, while Circle K is branching out into the rest of the world and 7-Eleven’s parent company is setting aggressive goals. Consolidation stateside, meanwhile, is shuffling brands with strong foodservice programs, including Nice N Easy and Stripes. What could this mean for globally influenced foodservice, as well as the future of existing industry stalwarts?
The Gen Z set is emerging with a whole new attitude about c-store foodservice. Opportunities abound to capture their attention. But c-stores must strike a menu balance to avoid alienating their millennial core. Nearly 60% of all foodservice consumers believe that c-stores are just as capable as restaurants in providing fresh food and beverages, according to Technomic. Of these consumers, 67% were millennials.
Wages, benefits, hiring and retention: Workforce issues are on top of the priority list for all industries, but the challenges are especially unique for c-stores and supermarkets. These segments must build a foodservice culture to begin with. This includes training workers to think like a kitchen staff, implementing customization through technology and old-school hospitality, as well as teaching food safety.
Foodservice Flavor Focus: Bo’s Bird Dog from Bojangles is a different take on the hot dog, while a new limited-time offer at Quiznos is the Queso Philly Sub with Black Angus steak
