3 Fastest-Growing Sandwiches in C-Stores

CHICAGO -- Technomic's annual look at convenience stores reveals which foodservice categories are taking in industry stores.

CSP's sister research partner has released its overarching look at the convenience-store industry. Its 2017 Convenience Store Market Intelligence Report, an update of its yearly report from the firm's Convenience Store Insights Program, reveals exclusive industry, menu and consumer data related to c-store foodservice. It provides key takeaways for the year and forward-looking analysis of the year ahead for the industry.

According to the report, c-store foodservice remains a bright spot in the industry. Despite challenges that have arisen from competitive channels, convenience stores are still elevating foodservice and expanding menu offerings. One of the top entree categories that has shown 7% year-over-year growth in the number of menu items is sandwiches. The sandwich category leads all other entree types in c-stores and is among the fastest-growing clusters in the segment.

Within the sandwich category, three varieties are rapidly emerging, according to Technomic's MenuMonitor, powered by Ignite. Here are the top three fastest-growing sandwich types in convenience stores ...

Brisket is the fastest-growing type of sandwich available in convenience stores. Look for continued exposure of brisket as a protein platform for c-store sandwiches, particularly as a seasonal limited-time-offering (LTO) option, due to the popularity of barbecue during summer months.

Wawa, Pa.-based Wawa tested chopped beef brisket during summer 2017. Available in a sandwich or hoagie, or atop mashed potatoes in a Brisket Bowl, the brisket was listed on Wawa's lunch and dinner menus at select locations only.

Salami is the No. 2 fastest-rising sandwich variety in c-stores. The growth of Italian-style subs and paninis is pushing the addition of salami forward.

Salt Lake City-based retailer Maverik offers an Italian Sub topped with salami on a ciabatta roll, and it recently introduced a new Italian Wrap with salami. Another salami-topped option includes its new Righteous Italian Sandwich, featuring salami, capicola, pepperoni and turkey with provolone cheese, dressing, pickle, lettuce and tomato.

Chicken parmesan rounds out the three fastest-growing sandwich types at c-stores. The classic combination of chicken breast topped with marinara sauce and cheese is a growing favorite on menus at leading c-store chains.

York, Pa.-based Rutter's Farm Stores offers a Chicken Parmesan sandwich with the option of grilled or breaded chicken, and Altoona, Pa.-based Sheetz tops its Chicken Parm Sub with mozzarella sticks.

For more information on the 2017 Convenience Store Market Intelligence Report, check out Technomic's Convenience Store Insights Program here.