Foodservice within the C-Store industry has evolved dramatically over the last five years, providing customers with more options and a better and more convenient experience. Capitalizing on foodservice trends and experimenting with innovative ideas, has lifted the common C-Store out of the classification of just “gasoline” and into “restaurant.” Beyond combining convenience, gas, and foodservice, C-Stores are dipping their toes into more specialized foodservice and using innovative ideas and concepts to drive sales, create an experience, and retain loyal customers.
Beverages
Feeling parched on your long commute? The modern C-Store is no stranger to providing ice–cold beverages to relieve any thirsty patron. Isles of coolers stocked generously with soda, water, tea, and even cold coffee drinks appease many as they take on their day. Need a jolt of caffeine to wake up before that meeting? You can also find hot self-serve coffee options at most C-Stores, making it easy to get that extra kick of energy before moving on to the next item on your list of things to accomplish. But what if your C-Store took it one step further?
7-Eleven’s lab store in Dallas, TX experimented with several modern ideas to make beverages even more appealing to the local C-Store patron. Offering made-to-order specialty coffee drinks, including flavored lattes, mochas, and cappuccinos with a coffee bar within the store. If the customer does not want to wait in line for their drink, updated technology with touch screen machines that brew delicious custom hot coffee drinks, including espresso drinks and shots of espresso, appease those in a hurry. Additionally, they implemented cold drinks that were made to order, including fruit smoothies, agua frescas, and cold brew coffee.
Made Fresh
Now and again, we need to satisfy that sweet tooth we all have. Stress eating, sugar craving, or just need a reward? C-Stores are upping their sweet treats game by offering a cold treats bar with multiple ice cream flavors and frozen yogurt selections that can be combined (or swirled together) and multiple toppings to choose from. Add these selections to already existing cookies, croissants and pastries baked in-store fresh daily, and the sweet-seeking customer will always have something to satisfy their craving.
Craft Beer and Wine Takeover
The industry has seen a huge growth in alcohol sales and options. Offering more variety in addition to domestic beers, C-Stores have introduced numerous craft beer options as well as wine options. Creating walk-in beer caves and dedicated areas to wine, customers can find their preferred alcoholic drink after a long day while also getting gas, food, or other household items. Several stores have taken this a step further, using innovative thinking and adding a personalized touch to the craft beer they offer.
Collaborating with local breweries is a trend we are seeing across the board. In Wisconsin, the La Crosse-based convenience store chain, introduced a limited-time Glazer Bean Beer to its Wisconsin Kwik stores, working directly with a local brewery, Karben4. Jumping on the bandwagon, PA-based Wawa worked with brewery 2SP brewing company to launch their Wawa Winter Reserve Coffee Stout and C-Store retailer Sheetz worked with brewer Rusty Rail Brewing Company to offer Project Coffee Hopz, a coffee bean IPA.
Taking it One Step Further…
Using innovative and creative thinking has pushed some C-Stores into a whole new playing field. In addition to partnering with local breweries and creating their own specific craft beer, C-Stores have been offering craft brews on tap with growler services to take your favorite beer to go. There are beer gardens, taprooms, and tastings right within the store, with ambitions to change the way customers acquire their new favorite drinks. Vendors selling wine and beer are being drawn to C-Stores to promote and sell their products and newest creations, upping alcohol products and consumer visibility. Customers can also construct their own 6 packs of different beers they enjoy or want to try at home. Tapping into this craft beer craze has increased awareness of local businesses and improved profits.
Keeping up with the Supply and Demand
Offering these options for the everyday consumer presents many challenges in keeping up with the supply and demand. Local breweries and wineries will want to feature their products in your C-Store once the reputation has been established that customers can get that product. They cannot find it anywhere else conveniently, right there at your C-Store. Quantum Services specializes in your store and industry and can help provide accurate and timely inventory audits to ensure you continue to meet your customers’ needs. We take pride in offering a service specific to your business and want to make ordering and counting easier on you and your staff. Contact us today to start a conversation.