In August 2016, Louisville, Ky.-based Thorntons rolled out its “Real Kitchen. Real Food” concept, which aimed to increase the guest experience through quality items made in a kitchen setting. Fast-forward to September 2017, when USA Today rated Thorntons coffee as the best of all gas stations in Kentucky. Within the past few years, the brand has added a Cinnabon-flavored cappuccino and dark and light roast blends to its coffee lineup. “Their coffee is the best and their personnel are consistently friendly and helpful,” one consumer said in Technomic’s Consumer Brand Metrics survey.