The5For

Hey everyone, welcome back to The5For.com! This last night, as I was sifting through the latest headlines, a few things really jumped out at me, the kind of stuff that I know keeps you, the hardworking convenience store owner/operator, up at night (or at least, should be on your radar!). Running a successful c-store in today’s fast-paced environment requires staying ahead of the curve. You need to understand evolving consumer preferences. Be ready to adapt. So, grab your coffee, take a quick break, and let’s dive into the 5 news items from around Wednesday, July 30th (and their modern equivalents!) that I think are crucial for you to consider right now. Trust me, these aren’t just fleeting headlines; they’re potential game-changers.

1. The Snack Wrap Revisited: It’s Not Just Nostalgia, It’s Opportunity

Remember the McDonald’s Snack Wrap craze? Well, it’s back, and according to a recent Restaurant Dive article titled “How McDonald’s dug into nostalgia and reignited the chicken wars,” this seemingly simple menu item is making waves again by tapping into consumer demand for convenience, portability, and a lighter, customizable option.

Why should you care? This resurgence isn’t just about McDonald’s; it’s a powerful indicator of broader consumer trends. Your customers are increasingly looking for quick, satisfying snacks and light meals that fit their busy lifestyles. They want something easy to grab on the go, something that can be tailored to their preferences, and something that doesn’t necessarily break the bank. If a giant like McDonald’s is seeing success with this, it’s a loud signal for the convenience store industry.

What You Should Be Doing:

• Evaluate your current grab-and-go offerings: Are you meeting the demand for convenient, handheld options beyond the standard hot dog or pre-made sandwich?
• Consider introducing or expanding your own “snack wrap” style items: Think beyond just chicken. Explore options with deli meats, veggies, hummus, or even breakfast fillings.
• Focus on fresh ingredients and customization: Offer options for different sauces, cheeses, and fillings to cater to individual tastes.
• Merchandise these items strategically: Place them in high-traffic areas, near beverages and other impulse buys.
• Promote your new offerings: Use in-store signage, social media, and your loyalty program to highlight these convenient choices.

More Information: Restaurant Dive.

2.  Future-Proofing Your C-Store: Essential Trends You Can’t Ignore

The National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) is always a great resource for understanding where our industry is heading, and their article “The Path to the Future” offers some crucial insights. It emphasizes that the future of convenience isn’t just about selling gas and snacks anymore; it’s about creating an experience, leveraging technology, and meeting rapidly changing consumer expectations.

Why should you care? Ignoring these future trends is a recipe for getting left behind. The c-store landscape is becoming increasingly competitive, not just from other convenience stores, but from quick-service restaurants, grocery delivery services, and even online retailers. Understanding the long-term vision for our industry will help you make strategic decisions today to ensure your business thrives tomorrow.

What You Should Be Doing:

• Stay informed about emerging technologies: Explore options like mobile ordering, self-checkout, and AI-powered inventory management.
• Analyze your customer demographics and preferences: Understand what your target audience will expect from a convenience store in the coming years.
• Consider the blurring lines between retail and foodservice: How can you enhance your foodservice offerings to become more of a destination for quick meals?
• Think about the overall customer experience: Are you creating a welcoming and efficient environment that encourages repeat business?
• Engage with industry resources: Regularly read publications from NACS and other industry experts to stay ahead of the curve.

More Information: NACS.

3. Foodservice Frenzy: How to Make Your C-Store a Mealtime Magnet

The CSNews Foodservice Study, aptly titled “Building a Better Offer,” really underscores something I’ve been saying for a while now: foodservice is no longer a side hustle for convenience stores; it’s a core element of your business and a significant driver of foot traffic. The study highlights that customers are increasingly choosing c-stores for meals and snacks, but they have expectations for quality, variety, and experience.

Why should you care? A well-executed foodservice program can significantly boost your profitability, attract new customers, and increase the frequency of visits from your regulars. Conversely, a lackluster offering can send customers elsewhere. This study provides valuable insights into what consumers are looking for in c-store foodservice, allowing you to make data-driven decisions about your menu, operations, and marketing.

What You Should Be Doing:

• Invest in your foodservice infrastructure: Ensure you have the right equipment and layout to efficiently prepare and serve high-quality food.
• Focus on menu innovation: Regularly introduce new and appealing items that cater to current food trends and customer preferences.
• Prioritize fresh, quality ingredients: Customers are increasingly discerning about the food they consume, even in a convenience setting.
• Train your staff effectively: Ensure your team can prepare food consistently and provide excellent customer service.
• Gather customer feedback: Actively solicit opinions on your foodservice offerings and use that information to make improvements.

More Information: CS News.

4. Beyond Soda: Innovating Your C-Store’s Beverage Program for Bigger Sales

Dunkin’ recently made headlines with a collaboration with “The Summer I Turned Pretty” star Gavin Casalegno, releasing new Refreshers and an innovative “Mix Your Own Refresher” option on their app. The new Golden Hour Refresher (Casalegno’s signature) and the Blueberry Breeze Refresher are designed to capture the essence of summer, offering vibrant, fruity iced beverages. What’s even more interesting for us is the app’s new “mixology” feature, allowing customers to customize their own Refresher combinations.

Why should you care? This move by Dunkin’ is a prime example of how major quick-service brands are focusing on beverage innovation and personalization to drive engagement and sales. Beverages, especially customized and “Instagrammable” ones, are huge profit drivers. Offering unique, refreshing drinks that can be tailored to individual tastes can significantly boost your grab-and-go beverage sales and attract a younger, trend-conscious demographic. The integration of celebrity endorsement also highlights the power of targeted marketing.

What You Should Be Doing:

• Review your current beverage menu: Are there opportunities to introduce new, innovative iced beverages beyond traditional sodas and coffees?
• Explore customizable drink options: Can you offer flavor shots, different mixers, or even a “build-your-own” concept for iced teas, lemonades, or cold brew?
• Consider seasonal or limited-time offerings: Create excitement and encourage repeat visits with rotating specialty drinks.
• Invest in quality ingredients and presentation: Make sure your drinks look as good as they taste to encourage social sharing.
• Think about simple loyalty program tie-ins: Like Dunkin’s $3 medium Refresher deal, can you offer incentives for new or customized beverages?

More Information: Patriot Ledger.

5. Elevate Your Coffee: Why Cold Foam is Your Next Must-Have Offering

For those of you with a coffee program (and if you don’t, you should seriously consider it!), a recent article on Restaurant Business Online titled “Starbucks cold foam big, bright spot” caught my eye. It highlights the immense popularity and profitability of cold foam as a coffee add-on for Starbucks. This seemingly small addition is proving to be a significant driver of beverage sales and customer satisfaction.

Why should you care? The success of cold foam at Starbucks is a clear indication of evolving consumer preferences in the beverage market. Customers are looking for more than just a basic cup of coffee; they want customization, indulgence, and visually appealing drinks. Offering options like cold foam can elevate your coffee program, attract a younger demographic, and potentially increase your average transaction value.

What You Should Be Doing:

• Assess the feasibility of adding cold foam to your coffee menu: Consider the equipment, training, and cost implications.
• If feasible, invest in the necessary equipment and train your baristas: Ensure they can consistently prepare high-quality cold foam.
• Promote your cold foam offerings prominently: Use in-store signage, menu boards, and digital displays to highlight this new option.
• Consider offering flavored cold foams: Experiment with different syrups and toppings to create unique and appealing beverages.
• Monitor customer feedback and sales data: Track the performance of your cold foam offerings and make adjustments as needed.

More Information: Restaurant Business Online.

The Bottom Line

So, there you have it, 5 key news items (and their modern counterparts!) that I think every convenience store owner and operator should be thinking about. From the resurgence of convenient handheld foods to the ever-evolving landscape of technology and foodservice, our industry is dynamic and full of opportunity. By staying informed, being proactive, and adapting to these trends, you can position your business for continued success.

Keep up the great work, and I’ll catch you next time on The5For.com!