Consumers' Favorite C-Stores for Foodservice
By Brett Dworski on Dec. 09, 2019CHICAGO — Convenience stores are moving away from the stereotype of being a spot for low-quality food. Instead, as consumer demand for fresh, healthy offerings has increased, many c-stores now offer premium, made-to-order foodservice. But which c-stores are outpacing the competition?
Food & Wine magazine ranked the top 22 c-store chains in terms of foodservice. In compiling its rankings, the magazine asked readers one question: How happy would they be to come back here, either for a bite to eat, a cup of coffee, an ice cream or more?
“You name it, we’re eating it at the gas station,” the Food & Wine editors said. “And sometimes, what we are eating is seriously delicious.”
Here's a countdown of the top c-store chains for foodservice, according to Food & Wine …
22. 7-Eleven
For Irving, Texas-based 7-Eleven Inc., which ranked No. 22 on Food & Wine’s list, readers mentioned taquitos, pizza and Slurpees.
21. Thorntons
Thorntons Inc., Louisville, Ky., took the 21st spot on Food & Wine’s list. Highlighted items included its doughnuts; sausage, egg and cheese burritos; and self-service soft-serve ice cream.
20. Daily’s
For Daily’s, a division of First Coast Energy LLC, Jacksonville, Fla., Food & Wine highlighted the chain's made-to-order pimento cheese sandwiches, freshly brewed iced teas and its wine selection.
19. GetGo
Pittsburgh-based GetGo, a division of Giant Eagle, ranked No. 19 on the list. Readers mentioned items such as the chain's Pilgrim sandwich, a Thanksgiving-themed sandwich on a stuffing-flavored roll.
18. Byrne Dairy
Byrne Dairy Co., Lafayette, N.Y., came in at No. 18 for its made-to-order sandwiches, milkshakes, house-made ice cream and cheeseburgers.
17. Weigel’s
Weigel’s Stores Inc., Powell, Tenn., ranked No. 17 for its in-house dairy and bakery, homemade eggnog, doughnuts and pizza.
16. Cumberland Farms
Westborough, Mass.-based Cumberland Farms took the No. 16 spot on Food & Wine’s list because of its coffee and homemade whoopie pies.
15. Turkey Hill
Cincinnati-based Turkey Hill earned a spot on the list because of its bottled drinks and ice creams.
14. Kum & Go
Des Moines, Iowa-based Kum & Go LC was No. 14 on the list for items such as its cheesy breadsticks and breakfast pizzas, which feature sausage, bacon and Canadian bacon.
13. QuickChek
QuickChek Corp., based in Whitehouse Station, N.J., earned a spot on the list because of its full sandwich bars, array of coffees and comfort foods such as macaroni and cheese, empanadas and french fries.
12. QuikTrip
Tulsa, Okla.-based QuikTrip Corp. was No. 12 on Food & Wine’s list. Highlighted items included its 12-hour smoked brisket sandwiches, chorizo breakfast tacos and soft-serve ice cream.
11. Royal Farms
Baltimore-based Royal Farms just missed the top 10 on Food & Wine’s list. Featured items include its flagship fried chicken and potato wedges.
10. Rutter’s
Rutter’s, York, Pa., was No. 10 on Food & Wine’s top c-stores for foodservice. Highlighted items include ribs, chicken wings and cheesecake.
9. Allsup’s
Allsup’s Inc., Clovis, N.M., finished No. 9 for items such as its deep-fried bean and cheese burritos and deep-fried pizzas.
8. United Dairy Farmers
Norwood, Ohio-based United Dairy Farmers ranked eighth on the list. Highlighted items include its old-fashioned soda fountain and chocolate malt beverages.
7. Maverik
Maverik Inc., Salt Lake City, earned a spot on the list for items such as its breakfast tacos, skillet meals and raspberry fritters.
6. Casey’s General Stores
Ankeny, Iowa-based Casey’s General Stores Inc. took the No. 6 spot on Food & Wine’s list. The featured item was its flagship pizza, which can be ordered via the company’s mobile app.
5. Parker’s
The Parker Cos., Savannah, Ga., was No. 5 on Food & Wine’s list. Readers mentioned items such as its biscuits and fried chicken tenders.
4. Sheetz
Sheetz Inc., based in Altoona, Pa., took the No. 4 spot on the list for items such as its new blonde ale beer, quesaritos, totchos, fried macaroni and cheese bites and more.
3. Stewart’s Shops
Stewart’s Shops Corp., based in Ballston Spa, N.Y., won the bronze in Food & Wine’s c-store rankings. Featured items include its buttered rolls, hot coffee and after-dinner ice cream cones.
2. Wawa
Wawa, Pa.-based Wawa Inc. took second place in Food & Wine’s rankings. Highlighted items include its made-to-order hoagie sandwiches, coffee, iced tea, house beers, ice creams, soft pretzels and breakfast sandwiches.
1. Buc-ee’s
Buc-ee’s, based in Lake Jackson, Texas, took the top spot in Food & Wine's rankings. Readers mentioned the chain's house-branded Beaver Nuggets, smoked sausages on a stick and Texas-sized beverages.