Foodservice
ExtraMile Expands Core-Mark Partnership to Nearly All Stores
ExtraMile convenience stores' supply partnership with Core-Mark has expanded to 1,034 stores, covering the vast majority of its U.S. locations. The partnership focuses on food service innovation, utilizing a 'one-truck' delivery model. ExtraMile plans to enter Texas in 2027 and reach approximately 1,500 total stores by 2029.
7-Eleven, Circle K, Rutter's Launch Spicy Chicken Items This Summer
The convenience store industry has recently seen a wave of limited-time spicy chicken products: 7-Eleven introduced a spicy chicken sandwich, Circle K partnered with Pepsi to offer Flamin' Hot boneless wings, and Rutter's added several new spicy chicken items. Additionally, Kwik Trip collaborated with Mountain Dew on a new donut flavor, Stewart's launched a peanut butter cup, and UDF's Dulce De La Cruz ice cream entered grocery channels.
McLane Promotes Farley Kaiser to Vice President of Retail Foodservice
McLane Company has promoted Farley Kaiser to Vice President of Retail Foodservice, where she will lead the strategy, growth, and execution of the company's retail foodservice and private brand programs. Kaiser previously served as Senior Director of Culinary Innovation, succeeding the departing Jon Cox.
Kentucky convenience store chain to introduce PJ's Coffee brand
Kentucky convenience store operator Estepp Energy announced it will introduce PJ's Coffee at its seven locations, using formats ranging from full coffee shops to end-cap counters, to enhance beverage quality and expand fast-food partnerships.
Whataburger bets on convenience store channel to expand non-traditional growth territory
Restaurant brands are increasingly viewing convenience stores as expansion vehicles. This year, Whataburger partnered with Love's Travel Stops and Refuel Operating Co. to open its first travel center location and develop co-built sites. The company has operated in the convenience store channel for 26 years, currently has about 40 locations, and will optimize its non-traditional business layout with new prototype designs in the future.
Competition in the made-to-order beverage sector intensifies: QSRs accelerate expansion, convenience stores still hold the advantage
As consumers view beverages as affordable indulgences amid economic pressure, competition between QSRs and convenience stores in the made-to-order beverage space is intensifying. Brands like McDonald's and Whataburger are introducing innovative products, while convenience stores such as 7-Eleven and Wawa continue to lead with established systems. Industry experts suggest that convenience stores should learn from QSRs' menu innovation and digital operations to strengthen their own advantages.
Convenience Store Industry Observation: Three Food and Beverage Executives Discuss Industry Status and Opportunities
Food and beverage innovation is increasingly critical in convenience store retail, but shrinking consumer spending and price sensitivity pose obstacles. PepsiCo Beverages President Mike Del Pozzo, Driscoll's CEO Soren Bjorn, and Athletic Brewing CEO Bill Shufelt shared their assessments of the current state of the convenience store channel and growth strategies at the WSJ Global Food Forum.
Convenience stores join forces with FMCG brands and professional sports to refresh menus and attract customers
Over the past few weeks, the U.S. convenience store industry has seen the return of several popular limited-time products, new co-branding collaborations, and sports-based menu innovations. From Casey's Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza to Wawa's Gritty smoothie co-branded with the Philadelphia Flyers, to 7-Eleven's World Cup-themed meals, chains are attracting consumers through differentiated food services.
7-Eleven launches Slurpee Happy Hour to counter intensifying fast-food competition
7-Eleven is offering a $1 Slurpee Happy Hour on weekdays from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM between April 29 and August 25, available to 7Rewards and Speedy Rewards members. This initiative, combined with the annual Slurpee Day and exclusive canned new products, aims to boost summer foot traffic and aligns with store upgrades to address dining competition.
Refuel convenience store to introduce first Whataburger restaurant
Refuel Operating Company has confirmed it will open its first Whataburger next to its upcoming convenience store in Kenedy, Texas, expected to operate by the end of 2026, offering a full menu and drive-thru service. This move is the company's latest step to expand fast-food partnerships and boost traffic at its locations.