C-stores step up foodservice gameC-stores step up foodservice game

Recent research suggesting that convenience store foodservice is increasingly competitive with conventional quick-service restaurants tells the what, but not the why.

The short answer to “why” for some is: better guest frequency and margins. And that should concern traditional restaurant operators.

A late 2011 Technomic Inc. report found that C-store foodservice operations are increasingly “falling into the same consideration set as fast-food restaurants” for consumers. The same topic was addressed as part of a broader look at how improving retailer prepared-food offerings and settings are affecting conventional restaurants in the Dec. 19 issue of Nation’s Restaurant News.

C-store operator Susser Holdings Corp. recently outlined its motivat...