WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. -- Convenience-store retailer QuickChek has introduced the world’s first 3D-printed subs, exclusively available with Mobile Ordering on the QC Mobile App.
The company said it is “proud to have perfected the art of delivering superior taste and quality at the speed customers are seeking.”
“This technological breakthrough was created to enhance our app-based Mobile Ordering platform,” said John Schaninger, vice president of sales and marketing. “Mobile Ordering allows app-users to order subs, salads and breakfasts on the go, for fast and easy pick-ups from QuickChek. 3D-printed subs are the perfect addition to this convenient service when your hunger really can’t wait!”
Although the popularity of its recently launched Mobile Ordering feature prompted QuickChek’s leadership to expeditiously explore further developments in mobile foodservice technology, the idea to offer 3D-printed subs was only realized as the byproduct of impeccable timing and luck.
“This project was first imagined when our inkjet printer ran out of yellow toner,” recalls Eric Rush, digital marketing manager at QuickChek. “An intern jokingly suggested refilling the empty cartridge with a tasty new mustard we were testing, and that’s when it hit us!”
The leadership team wasted no time getting started. QuickChek’s chefs worked alongside the same team who brought Mobile Ordering to the feature-packed QC Mobile App. Remarkably, QuickChek’s sub-printing prototype was developed in less than a month’s time.
“We were very hungry, and that’s what motivated us to complete the prototype at such an accelerated pace,” said Jen Vespole, senior director of foodservice and the chef mastermind behind the integration of 3D printers and all-natural ingredient replication technology. “The first edible sample was fully printed—and consumed—in less than 10 minutes.”
Like all of QuickChek’s fabulous fresh food offerings, the 3D printed subs underwent rigorous testing for quality, freshness and overall taste. The results exceeded expectations.
“To our delight, we found that the printed subs were just as delicious as those created through our traditional sub preparation process,” said Schaninger, who admitted to printing and eating multiple subs during each day of testing.
The first of their kind, these auto-assembling subs can be made-to-order in all varieties. Starting April 1, app-users are encouraged to experience the awesomeness by tapping the “print” button when placing mobile orders. Lucky readers of this announcement can use the code “FoolsDay” to get an extra 1,000 bubble pop game credits. As always, those who place their first mobile order will receive a free bag of Deep River kettle cooked potato chips.
Whitehouse Station, N.J.-based QuickChek Corp. has 142 convenience stores throughout New Jersey, New York’s Hudson Valley and Long Island.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.