Foodservice
How Convenience Stores Can Leverage 2026's Trending Flavor Trends
While consumers often visit convenience stores for familiar and indulgent foods, this doesn't mean convenience stores can't add excitement and attract diners through trendy flavors and unique combinations. Not all options among 2026's trending flavors are applicable, but there are still plenty of popular flavors that can align with convenience store menus. From the evolution of heat beyond hot honey, the infiltration of international flavors, to a focus on protein and dietary fiber, this article outlines several flavor trends that convenience stores can capitalize on this year.
Oxxo USA opens first Doña Tota store-in-store at Texas location
Oxxo USA has opened its first Doña Tota restaurant inside a convenience store in El Paso, marking the first time the FEMSA brand has entered its U.S. convenience stores. The location offers traditional Mexican gorditas, with plans to continue expanding within the year.
Couche-Tard Executive Changes: Trey Powell Named Senior Vice President of U.S. Food and Retail Operations
Alimentation Couche-Tard announces several executive appointments: Trey Powell promoted to Senior Vice President of U.S. Food and Retail Operations, Hélène Drolet to oversee Canadian Food and Retail, and Gordon Lawlor to lead European Merchandise, Food, and Marketing. These changes come as the company advances its retail and food service expansion plans.
Couche-Tard's US Food Business Shows Early Results After 18-Month Restructuring
Canadian convenience store giant Alimentation Couche-Tard is gradually recovering its US food service business after an 18-month "reset." By streamlining SKUs, optimizing processes, and focusing on localized menus and value meal deals, the company's food penetration rate has increased by 72 basis points over the past year.
Three New Ways to Enjoy Convenience Store Chicken Value Meals
In early 2026, several convenience store giants launched low-priced chicken meal deals, including 7-Eleven, Chester's, and Krispy Krunchy Chicken, attracting customers with limited-time offers.
Couche-Tard Global Senior Vice President of Food and Marketing to Depart
Mette Uglebjerg, Senior Vice President of Global Food and Marketing at Alimentation Couche-Tard, will transition to CEO of European health and beauty brand Matas Group on May 1. Since late 2024, she has led food service and marketing across the company's convenience store network. After her departure, the allocation of her responsibilities remains undetermined, and the company has not responded to requests for comment.
2026 Convenience Store Foodservice Innovation Starts Strong: Multiple Brands Launch New Items to Compete in Breakfast and Pizza Segments
Less than eight weeks into 2026, innovation in the U.S. convenience store foodservice sector remains robust. Operators including Casey's, Stewart's Shops, Rutter's, RaceTrac, and 7-Eleven have successively introduced limited-time new items, ranging from spicy chicken pizza to breakfast sandwiches, grilled cheese menus, and waffle lines, highlighting the central role of foodservice in convenience store competition.
The 'Food' Revolution of Convenience Stores: How Foodvenience Reshapes the Industry Landscape
Convenience stores are shifting from 'selling everything' to 'food-first,' making foodvenience the new industry keyword. IDDBA points out that the key to success lies in balancing convenience and quality while addressing consumers' core needs for decision simplicity, emotional comfort, and purchase confidence.
How Convenience Stores Can Build a Better Sandwich Product Line
Sandwiches hold a significant position in convenience store foodservice, with sales reaching $6.9 billion in 2024 and projected to grow to $8.6 billion by 2029. Operators are improving freshness and appeal through streamlined SKUs, LTO launches, and optimized supply chains and packaging.
7-Eleven Hires Industry Veteran to Lead Fresh Food Business
7-Eleven announced the hiring of Richard Guidry as Senior Director of Fresh Food for its convenience stores in the U.S. and Canada. Guidry brings about twenty years of leadership experience in convenience store operations and food service, having previously served as Senior Vice President of Food Service at GPM Investments, where he launched the Fas Craves food program. This appointment comes as 7-Eleven continues to invest in food-focused convenience stores.