Foodservice
7-Eleven Launches Kids' Meals, Strengthening Fresh Food Strategy
7-Eleven announced on Monday that all its proprietary restaurant brands (Laredo Taco Company, Raise the Roost Chicken & Biscuits, Speedy Café) have officially launched kids' meals, starting at $3.99, including an entrée, side, drink, and a toy or small gift. This move is the latest step in the company's ongoing efforts to expand food service and position its stores as dining destinations, aligning with its overall transformation plan.
Couche-Tard appoints head of QSR and made-to-order food service for Circle K in the U.S.
Alimentation Couche-Tard has appointed Grant Morris as head of QSR and made-to-order food service for Circle K convenience stores in the U.S. Morris, who joined the company in 2019, previously served as interim head of food service support in North America. This appointment is one of several changes to Couche-Tard's food service business this year, aimed at accelerating food revenue growth in the U.S.
International Flavors Sweep Convenience Stores: Rutter's, 7-Eleven, and QuickChek Launch New Menus
Over the past few weeks, international flavors have become a core theme in convenience store menu innovation. Rutter's launched its South of the Border series on March 31, featuring over 20 tacos and customization options; 7-Eleven's Laredo Taco Company offers walking nachos from April 29 to June 23; QuickChek introduced a limited-time ube vanilla coffee; Coen Markets added three new pizza roll flavors and partnered with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds; Stewart's Shops auctioned naming rights for $50,000 to launch Dake's Passion ice cream.
Foodservice Success Doesn't Depend on Franchising, But on This One Thing
Success in foodservice is not limited to just independent operation or franchising. Industry experts point out that the key is finding a partner with distribution networks, product depth, and operational support. Starting with non-branded products and gradually introducing brands is a growth path for many successful convenience stores.
7-Eleven Expands Catering Delivery Services at Food Venues
7-Eleven announced a partnership with food technology platform ezCater to launch scaled catering delivery services at its food venues, initially covering Speedy Café, Laredo Taco Company, and most Raise the Roost locations. This move is the latest step in the company's strategy to strengthen food service in North America and paves the way for a potential IPO.
Love's Travel Stops' First Whataburger Location Set to Open Soon
Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores will launch its first Whataburger restaurant on May 4 at a newly opened travel center in San Antonio. The partnership was originally planned to open in 2025 but was delayed to this year due to construction setbacks. This move is the latest step in a series of operational updates at Love's, including improved ordering technology, updated rewards programs, and the addition of electric vehicle charging stations.
Five convenience stores leverage fast-food brand partnerships to upgrade food service
Food service has become a key area of competition in the convenience store sector. Beyond giants like 7-Eleven and Circle K, several regional operators have recently accelerated the introduction of food offerings through partnerships with or franchising of fast-food brands. This article highlights five convenience store cases that have drawn attention recently.
Rutter's Launches 35 New Tacos, Menu Revamped and Upgraded
Convenience store chain Rutter's announced the launch of its new 'South of the Border' menu, initially including over 24 new or improved taco recipes, 8 limited-time specialty tacos, and more customizable Tex-Mex options. This move aims to strengthen its food service program and support the company's plan to expand to 130 stores by 2028.
Convenience stores prepare for spring: frozen drinks and fresh flavors take center stage
As winter draws to a close, multiple convenience store retailers are preparing for warmer weather by launching or updating frozen drinks, seasonal ice cream, and hot food menus to attract customers.
Couche-Tard Appoints Family Dollar Executive to Lead U.S. Food Merchandising
Dan Larmondra will join Alimentation Couche-Tard on March 23 as head of U.S. food merchandising, after 12 years at Family Dollar. He will lead Circle K's fresh food merchandising operations and work alongside the company's recent promotion of Trey Powell to drive U.S. food service revenue growth at four times the rate of merchandise revenue.