Major convenience-store distributor McLane Co. Inc. has launched the National Commissary program, an extension of its McLane Fresh programs, delivering fresh, never-frozen, grab-and-go foods with a seven-day refrigerated shelf life to c-stores across the country.
“McLane’s new National Commissary program represents our investment in shaping the future of food in convenience retail,” said Jon Cox, McLane’s vice president of retail foodservice. “The program is built around what today’s consumer expects—fresh, flavorful food—and what operators need: safety, efficiency and simplicity.”
Convenience retailers are experiencing growing demand for fresh food options that rival what consumers can get at fast-casual restaurants and grocery stores, McLane said. McLane Fresh, with programs like Central Eats, CupZa! and Prendisimo, meets this trend by offering a consistent and operationally seamless way for retailers to grow food sales without expanding in-store prep or labor.
Central Eats, part of McLane Fresh, provides retailers with high-quality, prepackaged, grab-and-go cold items, such as subs, sliders, salads and fruit cups, with a seven-day shelf life and no artificial additives. Products are prepared through the nationwide commissary network, ensuring consistent quality and safe delivery via McLane’s proprietary cold-chain logistics.
McLane’s National Commissary line, developed under its Central Eats brand, includes:
- Cold handhelds (sandwiches, wraps and sliders)
- Protein-rich snack trays and sweet-and-salty combos
- Better-for-you options such as veggie cups, salads, oatmeal and parfaits
- Global flavor combinations for modern palates
All items are fresh, never frozen and individually wrapped. Packaging is designed for easy merchandising and customer enjoyment, whether in refrigerated cooler cases, near hot food items for bundling or as part of a store’s all-day meal options, from breakfast to late-night snacks.
Westborough, Massachusetts-based EG America, which just launched online ordering and delivery via DoorDash, Uber Eats and Grubhub at 500 locations in partnership with Vroom, is participating in McLane’s new program.
- EG America is No. 6on CSP’s 2025 Top 202ranking of U.S. c-store chains by store count.
“EG America recognizes that scaling our foodservice offerings presents an opportunity to add more high-quality, grab-and-go items. Participating in McLane’s National Commissary program has allowed us to do just that,” said Brian Ferguson, EG America chief marketing officer and senior vice president. “Central Eats’ fresh, never-frozen products and premium ingredients align perfectly with our commitment to quality and convenience. This program is helping us elevate our foodservice strategy and drive growth across our stores.”
McLane’s program supports operators of all sizes with flexible piece-pick ordering, reducing waste and enabling customization by location. Customers receive National Commissary items alongside their regular McLane deliveries, simplifying inventory and reducing operational complexity, the company said.
Founded in 1894, McLane is one of the largest distributors in America, serving convenience stores, mass merchants and chain restaurants. With headquarters in Temple, Texas, McLane has more than 80 distribution centers across the country, employs more than 25,000 teammates and delivers to nearly every zip code in the United States. McLane is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., Omaha, Nebraska.
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