News Summary

  • Alimentation Couche-Tard has appointed Grant Morris as head of QSR (quick-service restaurant) and made-to-order foodservice for its U.S. Circle K stores, a company spokesperson confirmed to C-Store Dive.
  • Morris, who has been with Couche-Tard since 2019 and most recently served as interim head of North American foodservice support, revealed the news in a LinkedIn announcementlast week. In his new role, Morris reports to Gary Brant, vice president of North American foodservice and QSR at Couche-Tard, who has held that position since last spring, according to the spokesperson.
  • Morris's promotion is one of several changes Couche-Tard has made to its foodservice business this year, as the retailer seeks to grow food revenue in the U.S. at four times the rate of merchandise revenue (see related coverage）。

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Although QSR is not a core pillar of its flagship "Fresh Food, Fast" program, which focuses on grab-and-go items, QSR remains crucial to Couche-Tard. The company operates hundreds of Circle K locations in the U.S. that feature adjacent restaurants such as Subway and Little Caesars. Additionally, the retailer has partnerships with lesser-known QSR brands, such as Burrito Express。

in Arizona. Although made-to-order foodservice has never been Couche-Tard's specialty, the retailer is actively expanding this business area. Company leadership has stated that the acquisition of GetGo Café + Markets(formerly the convenience store division of supermarket chain Giant Eagle) was primarily aimed at strengthening its made-to-order capabilities.

Elevating Morris to a leadership role overseeing QSR and made-to-order operations signals that Couche-Tard is eager to grow both segments while expanding its "Fresh Food, Fast" program.

"As we continue to grow and elevate our food program, I am excited about this opportunity to help drive innovation, strengthen our offerings, and create greater value for our customers," Morris said in his LinkedIn announcement.

Before his most recent role, Morris spent four years as executive director of food operations for Couche-Tard's North American business, according to his LinkedIn profile. Previously, he served as director of foodservice for stores in Florida.

Morris is the third foodservice executive Couche-Tard has appointed in the past few months. In February, the company named Trey Powell as senior vice president of food and retail for U.S. operations,responsible for all food, merchandise, marketing, private brands, supply chain strategy, sourcing, and procurement operations. A month later, Couche-Tard hired former Family Dollar executive Dan Larmondra as head of U.S. food merchandising.