Foodservice at convenience stores has changed dramatically over the years. Customers are finding improved food selections at c-stores that taste better, are more appealing and are more convenient. Offering a variety of food options across all dayparts that meet consumers’ demands can be beneficial for c-store retailers, and is an opportunity to increase impulse purchases with grab-n-go meals for customers on the move. But with ongoing labor concerns, it’s critical to be strategic in expanding offerings. By utilizing ingredients that make updating foodservice options easy and low-labor, retailers can appeal to customers without maxing out their employees.
C-store consumer purchasing behavior
According to Technomic’s Q1 2024 C-Store Consumer Market Brief, 62% of consumers that entered c-stores during times when they were fueling or recharging their cars purchased food items. The top reason for prepared purchases at c-stores is convenience, said 76% of consumers. But consumers also expressed that they are satisfied with the quality of prepared food at c-stores, and they like the taste and selection of prepared foods at c-stores.
As for what drives consumers to make a foodservice purchase, quality and taste are of course key, but variety and convenience/speed are also important. Forty-nine percent of consumers, according to Technomic’s 2023 Retail Foodservice Consumer Trend Reports, said that variety of items offered is an important factor for them when making the decision to purchase a prepared item or meal from retail.
Additionally, lunchtime is the daypart when most consumers make foodservice snack purchases from c-stores—55% of consumers stated that they purchase food items from c-stores during midafternoon, according to the Q1 2024 C-Store Consumer Market Brief —and 26% of consumers make midmorning purchases, 12% make purchases in the early evening, and 6% late at night.
Variety for all dayparts
Offering more variety doesn’t have to be difficult. Nestle Chef-mate® provides a variety of heat-and-serve products that can be used across the menu as an ingredient, topping, dip and more.
Chef-mate products are cooked before canning for ultimate freshness and scratch-like taste, which reduces labor and prep time, and allows for menu creativity, customization and convenience. Products are made with real/natural ingredients and no artificial flavors or preservatives, and offer consistency without sacrificing flavor or quality.
Here are some Nestle Chef-mate menu ideas, prepared with traditional and comfort food flavors that can be offered at c-stores across all dayparts:
It’s A Breakfast Wrap—Seasoned, golden brown hashbrowns and onions are combined with Chef-mate Country Sausage Gravy and wrapped up in a hot tortilla for a handheld on-the-go meal.
The Cheeseburger Pizza—Pizza dough is smothered in sauce, and topped with beef, Chef-mate Cheddar Cheese Sauce, mozzarella cheese and tomatoes. This baked to perfection grab-n-go meal is ideal for customers on the run.
Breakfast Tacos—A soft tortilla is filled with heated Chef-mate Corned Beef Hash, soft scrambled eggs and shredded poblano cheese. Served with sour cream, salsa, lime and cilantro, and ready for on-the-go guests.
Nacho Bowl—Tortilla chips are topped with Chef-mate Cheddar Cheese Sauce and Chef-mate Chili con Carne with Beans, as well as tomatoes, red onions, lettuce, pickled jalapenos and sour cream.
For retailers looking to expand their foodservice offerings without adding a lot of labor, speed-scratch products such as these from Nestle Chef-mate are the perfect solution.
To learn more about Nestle Chef-mate products and recipes, click here.
This post is sponsored by Nestlé Professional