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As a long-time observer and participant in the convenience store industry, I’m constantly sifting through news and trends to spot what truly matters for owner/operators like you. Tuesday, July 15th, was a particularly insightful day, offering up a handful of news items that I believe are not just interesting, but absolutely critical for your strategic planning. These aren’t just headlines; they’re direct signals about where our industry is headed and how you can position your business for sustained success. Let’s dive into the 5 key takeaways from this week and discuss what you should be doing about them.

1. Pouring Profits: Your Ultimate Guide to a Winning C-Store Beverage Program

C-Store Dive recently highlighted the critical role of dispensed beverage programs, underscoring that a majority of NACS consumer survey respondents come into stores specifically for a beverage. This isn’t just about quenching thirst; it’s about driving foot traffic and boosting your bottom line. My research further emphasizes that variety, competitive pricing, and personalization are key, with iced coffee and unique frozen beverages being major draws, especially for younger demographics. Brands like Pepsi are even launching new “dirty soda” platforms to meet this demand, and successful operators like Yatco are touting self-serve options with an array of choices. We’re seeing frozen beverages emerge as the fastest-growing segment due to high profit margins and customer loyalty.

Why it matters to you: Dispensed beverages are a high-margin, high-traffic category. A top-tier program can be your store’s biggest differentiator, drawing customers who might otherwise bypass your location. The emphasis on cleanliness, variety, and customization means you can compete directly with quick-service restaurants (QSRs) and specialty coffee shops.

What you should be doing:

• Prioritize cleanliness: Go beyond basic cleaning; ensure all machines, nozzles, and condiment stations are spotless and well-maintained. Consider systems that simplify this process.
• Diversify your offerings: Beyond traditional sodas, invest in high-quality coffee (both hot and iced options like cold brew and espresso-based drinks), specialty teas, and a compelling frozen beverage lineup. Think multi-flavor dispensers.
• Embrace personalization: Offer a wide array of syrups, sweeteners, and creamers. Explore advanced bean-to-cup machines that allow for push-button customization.
• Integrate with loyalty: Link your beverage program to your loyalty program to reward frequent purchasers and gather valuable data on preferences.
• Promote value and excitement: Use eye-catching signage and limited-time offers to highlight new flavors and drive impulse purchases, especially for frozen drinks that play on nostalgia.

More Information: CStore Dive.

2. Love’s Leads the Way: The Future of Order-Ahead for C-Stores

Love’s Travel Stops just launched an order-ahead service at over 130 Carl’s Jr. locations nationwide, powered by the Bite platform and accessible through the Love’s Connect App. This allows customers to place and customize orders from their mobile devices, even specifying a pick-up time up to an hour in advance. This move follows their earlier successful integration of order-ahead for Arby’s locations and the deployment of intelligent kiosks. As Joe Cotton, Love’s VP of Food Service, stated, it’s all about enhancing the customer experience through quick, accurate orders and investing in convenience. Love’s isn’t stopping there, with plans to expand order-ahead to other QSR brands like Hardee’s, Bojangles, and Taco John’s. My research shows that mobile ordering is no longer a luxury but a necessity, with consumers increasingly preferring to order via apps for convenience, speed, and accuracy, often leading to larger ticket sizes.

Why it matters to you: This isn’t just about large travel centers; it’s a clear signal for every convenience store. The demand for frictionless, personalized ordering is skyrocketing. Implementing order-ahead capabilities can significantly reduce wait times, improve order accuracy, and free up your staff, directly impacting customer satisfaction and your operational efficiency.

What you should be doing:

• Evaluate order-ahead solutions: Research mobile ordering platforms that integrate with your existing POS system to streamline operations.
• Prioritize customer convenience: Consider options that allow customers to order from anywhere, pay online, and pick up quickly, whether in-store or curbside.
• Integrate with your loyalty program: Ensure your order-ahead system links to your loyalty program to offer personalized rewards and track customer preferences.
• Promote the new service: Use in-store signage, digital channels, and special promotions (like Love’s free burger offer) to encourage adoption of your app and order-ahead service.
• Plan for operational impact: Assess how mobile orders will affect your kitchen workflow and staffing, potentially creating dedicated prep lines for digital orders to maintain efficiency.

More Information: NACS.

3. From LTO to Loyalty: Lessons from 7-Eleven’s Foodservice Strategy

7-Eleven, Speedway, and Stripes are rolling out an exciting summer menu with limited-time offers (LTOs) like the Bacon Lover’s Pizza with Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce and the Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Taquito. Their Speedy Café and Laredo Taco Company brands are also getting new additions, demonstrating a commitment to evolving their foodservice. This aligns perfectly with broader convenience store trends showing a growing consumer demand for prepared foods and a willingness to try new, on-trend options. These LTOs are designed to capture attention and drive impulse purchases.

Why it matters to you: Seasonal LTOs generate buzz, encourage repeat visits, and allow you to test new concepts without a full menu overhaul. They keep your offerings fresh and exciting, catering to consumers’ desire for variety and novelty.

What you should be doing:

• Embrace seasonality: Plan your menu to incorporate seasonal flavors and ingredients. Think about how you can offer fresh, relevant items that align with current consumer cravings (e.g., lighter, refreshing options in summer; hearty comfort foods in winter).
• Experiment with LTOs: Don’t be afraid to try new and unique items for a limited time. This reduces risk and provides valuable insights into what resonates with your customers.
• Leverage partnerships: Explore partnerships with popular local or national brands (like 7-Eleven with Sweet Baby Ray’s) to add excitement and credibility to your menu.
• Promote new offerings effectively: Use in-store signage, digital displays, and your loyalty program to announce and highlight your LTOs. Create a sense of urgency.
• Focus on grab-and-go: Ensure your seasonal items are convenient and easy for customers on the go, meeting the demand for quick, quality meals and snacks.

More Information: NACS.

4. Simplify Your Kitchen: The Power of McLane’s National Commissary

McLane has launched its National Commissary program, an extension of McLane Fresh, delivering fresh, never-frozen, grab-and-go foods with a seven-day shelf life directly to convenience stores. This program, operating under the Central Eats brand, offers items from sandwiches to salads and protein trays, all prepared through a nationwide network with robust cold-chain logistics. EG America is already on board, recognizing this as a way to scale high-quality foodservice without expanding in-store prep or labor.

Why it matters to you: Foodservice is a huge growth driver for c-stores, but it often comes with challenges like labor costs, food waste, and maintaining consistency. A commissary program can solve these problems, allowing you to offer a diverse, high-quality fresh food menu with reduced operational complexity.

What you should be doing:

• Evaluate commissary options: Investigate programs like McLane’s National Commissary to see if they align with your fresh food strategy. This can significantly reduce your need for extensive in-store kitchens and trained staff.
• Focus on “fresh, never frozen”: Consumers are increasingly demanding fresh, healthier options. Ensure your foodservice offerings meet this expectation, as it directly impacts perceived quality.
• Leverage pre-packaged solutions: Embrace individually wrapped, ready-to-merchandise products that simplify inventory and reduce waste.
• Prioritize cold-chain integrity: Whether using a commissary or your own system, ensure your cold chain logistics are impeccable to maintain food safety and product freshness.
• Bundle and promote: Integrate these fresh items into meal deals or bundles with beverages to increase average basket size and offer clear value to customers.

More Information: CSP Daily News.

5. Monetizing Every Click: EG America’s Blueprint for Retail Media and Loyalty

Brian Ferguson, CMO of EG America, provided a fascinating look into their multi-faceted strategy, emphasizing the overhaul of their SmartRewards loyalty program with AI-driven personalization, the launch of a retail media network with Axonet, and an expansion of their foodservice through partnerships like Wonder (a ghost kitchen concept). This holistic approach focuses on understanding customer preferences, monetizing digital touchpoints, and offering quality, convenient food options.

Why it matters to you: EG America, a top c-store chain, is showing us the future. Loyalty programs are no longer just about points; they’re about personalized engagement. Retail media networks are a new revenue stream and a powerful way to connect with brands. Foodservice remains a core growth area, increasingly supported by technology and external partnerships.

What you should be doing:

• Modernize your loyalty program: Move beyond simple points systems. Implement a program that uses data and AI to offer personalized rewards and promotions, making customers feel truly valued.
• Explore retail media: Consider how you can leverage your digital touchpoints (in-store screens, app, pump TVs) to create a retail media network. Even smaller chains can participate in aggregated networks.
• Invest in foodservice innovation: Don’t be afraid to look beyond traditional in-store prep. Explore partnerships with ghost kitchens or external food providers to expand your menu with high-quality, easy-to-execute options.
• Emphasize value meals: In the current economic climate, value is king. Create appealing meal deals and bundles that offer quality products at competitive prices.
• Embrace data and AI: Use data from your POS, loyalty program, and other sources to inform decisions across your business, from merchandising to staffing and marketing. This is how you gain a competitive edge.

More Information: CSP Daily News.

The Bottom Line

These 5 news items are more than just industry updates; they’re a roadmap for action. By focusing on enhanced dispensed beverage programs, embracing order-ahead technology, leveraging seasonal LTOs, exploring commissary models, and investing in advanced loyalty, retail media, and foodservice strategies, you can ensure your convenience store thrives in an ever-evolving market. It’s about adapting, innovating, and always putting the customer at the center of your strategy.