Breakfast has long been said to be the most important meal of the day. Convenience stores, with their accessible locations and diverse product offerings, have become morning commuters’ go-to destinations for quick and satisfying options to fuel their day.
C-stores have an opportunity to offer a diverse array of options to cater to varying tastes, dietary preferences and nutritional needs. From hearty breakfast sandwiches and freshly baked pastries to healthier choices like yogurt parfaits and fruit cups, convenience stores can provide something for everyone.
The evolution of grab-and-go
While donuts and pastries have been a staple in the morning rush, new innovations have entered the market space with restaurant-quality foodservice options that eliminate the need to wait in long lines or sit down for a meal.
“The morning daypart has a lot of room for growth in the c-store segment,” said Ryan Malkowski, senior director of foodservice at Core-Mark. “Innovative, hand-held items are an area that can be leveraged to increase retail profits. We refer to these items as ‘dashboard dining friendly’ or more commonly what consumers can eat behind a steering wheel.”
Diverse flavor profile trends drive increased traffic
Core-Mark’s flexible, turnkey foodservice programs can simplify the ability to provide hearty offerings to c-store customers with options that can meet labor and space capabilities.
For customers looking to grab-and-go, Core-Mark offers Stuffed Bites, which comes in two poppable flavors. The Breakfast Bite offers a hearty combination of sausage and egg nestled in a jalapeno cheese biscuit, while the Apple Pie Bite is a favorite for any day part combines cinnamon, brown sugar and apple encased in a flaky pastry crust.
The Red Seal Express® Breakfast Pizza combines the familiar flavors of breakfast with the classic appeal of pizza. It features a self-rising crust, a creamy cheese sauce, fresh whole milk mozzarella, scrambled eggs and savory breakfast sausage.
The Contigo Taqueria® program brings a latin flair with components that can be used to create breakfast tacos, burritos and bowls that can be customized with fresh salsas and toppings to meet the flavor profile desires of the customer.
The Perfectly Southern Fried Chicken program offers a savory chicken and waffle option that will satisfy any morning craving. Add on fluffy, buttermilk biscuits and crunchy hashbrowns, and customers can start their day with a filling meal.
Core-Mark also recently launched the exclusive Hot Take Crave Away line offering unparalleled restaurant-quality sandwiches with the flexibility, versatility, and convenience to help retailers compete for their share of the breakfast segment. The Hot Take lineup includes a savory menu of English muffins, croissants, bagels, biscuits, ciabatta bread and more. Crafted with the finest ingredients and bursting with flavor, the line includes traditional favorites as well as unique flavor combinations that are conveniently packaged and offer unbeatable taste.
But first, coffee
No breakfast experience is complete without a cup of coffee, and convenience stores have embraced the rise of coffee culture with enthusiasm. The My Daily Crave program is Core-Mark’s one-stop beverage shop that offers customers the ability to customize their drinks. Offering a wide selection of freshly brewed coffee, ranging from classic blends to specialty flavors, the program includes all of the drink options a consumer could want. The My Daily Crave program includes six tiers of coffee programs, teas, lemonades, bubbler programs and more. Branded point-of-purchase and packaging is available as well.
The importance of convenience
Ultimately, convenience and value are the driving forces behind the popularity of breakfast offerings in the c-store segment. While traditional breakfast options at cafes or restaurants can be expensive, convenience stores typically offer competitively priced items that provide an excellent value for the money. Whether it's a quick bite on the way to work or a grab-and-go snack during a busy morning, convenience stores provide a hassle-free solution for busy individuals and budget-conscious consumers who need a convenient and satisfying breakfast option. With diverse offerings, a focus on quality and freshness and a commitment to meeting the needs of their customers, convenience stores continue to be a reliable destination for breakfast on-the-go in today's fast-paced world.
This post is sponsored by Core-Mark