The5For

Posted on April 19, 2025

What a Friday it was in the convenience and foodservice worlds! From surprising consumer trends to major strategic moves, April 18th, 2025, delivered some noteworthy headlines.

Welcome to your Saturday edition of The5For, where we break down the five things you absolutely need to know. We are reviewing the key news from the convenience and foodservice world. These news items hit the wires this past Friday, April 18th. It was a day marked by revealing numbers, strategic moves in tech and branding, a somewhat surprising consumer trend, and a major milestone for a growing chain. Grab your coffee, and let’s dive into the 5 things you need to know.

1. Crunching the Foodservice Numbers

The National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) put a spotlight on the progress being made in c-store foodservice, highlighting “3 Big Numbers” (check out the C-Store Dive article for the specifics!). The key takeaway? Foodservice is no longer just an afterthought; it’s a continued and significant driver of success in this industry. We’re discussing sophisticated foodservice programs. They are driving traffic and boosting margins. These programs are reshaping consumer perception of what a convenience store offers. It’s clear that investing in fresh, quality food isn’t just a fad – it’s a core strategy for growth and relevance in today’s market. It seems the humble convenience store has truly become a foodservice powerhouse! These numbers underscore that stores not prioritizing their food offerings could be leaving serious money on the table.

2. Leveling the Tech Field: Vroom for Smaller Players

Delivery isn’t just for the giants anymore. Vroom Delivery is making strategic moves. They are partnering with companies like Petrosoft. Their goal is to make sophisticated delivery and loyalty solutions accessible to smaller and mid-sized c-store operators. This includes operators like Megasaver Oil, as mentioned in the C-Store Dive piece. This is fantastic news for independent stores. It helps democratize the technology that consumers are increasingly expecting. This allows smaller players to compete more effectively with larger chains. Larger chains often have bigger budgets for tech development. Companies like Petrosoft are teaming up with Vroom Delivery. They aim to bring these advanced delivery and loyalty tools to smaller players. Access to these tools can be a game-changer for customer retention and reaching new shoppers.

3. BP Steps Boldly into Private Label

In a significant branding move, BP officially launched its own private label brand this week, as reported by NACS Daily. This follows a trend we’ve seen growing across the industry. Why does this matter? Private label products typically offer retailers higher profit margins compared to national brands, and they can foster customer loyalty. By developing its own brand, BP is looking to capture more value, differentiate its offerings, and build a stronger connection with its customers beyond the fuel pumps. It signals a deeper commitment to the in-store experience and will be interesting to watch which product categories they emphasize. Which product categories do you think BP will focus on with their new private label brand? Snacks? Beverages? Maybe even some grab-and-go meal options?

4. Forget Ozempic? The Bakery Boom Continues!

Here’s a trend that might seem counterintuitive given the buzz around weight-loss medications and health consciousness: the bakery sector is booming! Restaurant Business Online highlighted this phenomenon. Despite health trends, the demand for fresh-baked goods – from breads to pastries and treats – remains incredibly strong. What does this tell us? Consumers still crave comfort, indulgence, and quality treats. Perhaps it’s the “affordable luxury” aspect, or maybe a desire for balance. For c-stores, a strong bakery program offers an opportunity. This is true whether products are baked in-store or sourced from quality local/regional suppliers. Don’t underestimate the power of a good donut or a fresh croissant! Read more about it here.

5. Parker’s Kitchen Hits a Major Milestone: Store #100!

Speaking of growth, let’s give a shoutout to Parker’s Kitchen! This week, Parker’s Kitchen celebrated the opening of its 100th retail location, reported by CSP Daily News. Parker’s has built a strong reputation, particularly in the Southeast, for its high-quality foodservice (often cited for its chicken!), clean stores, and appealing design. Reaching 100 locations is a testament to a successful operating model and a brand that resonates with consumers. It solidifies their position as a major regional player and signals their ambition for continued expansion. Definitely a chain to watch.

The bottom line

So, there you have it – 5 key takeaways from a busy Friday in the c-store universe. The emphasis on foodservice continues to intensify. Technology is becoming more accessible for all players. Branding strategies like private label are heating up. Consumer desires keep surprising us. Successful brands keep growing.

What news caught your eye this week? Anything surprise you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Have a fantastic weekend!