Back in the day Retail Foodservice; Don’t “Thank Heaven” for this food!

In the minds eye of the consumer roller grill food is cultural phenomenon of the 70’s. Today’s it is accepted but not embraced by the consumer. During a recent focus group of 18 – 24 years old participants, roller grill food was described as “mystery” food.

Here at Foodservice Solutions we have repeatedly praised 7 Eleven for entering the fresh food space and noted their introduction of fresh fruit, hot breakfast and lunch items. However the above pictures were taken last week in Tampa, Florida highlights the operational difficulties in converting legacy franchisee into contemporized food retailers.

Operational follow through is an imperative when rolling out a new program. Aluminum Foil wrapped containers are sign of a half hearted effort to begin the process of modernization of this legacy brand. Success does leave clues; the first clue is DO IT RIGHT or DO NOT DO IT AT ALL.

The roller grill filled with “mystery” food creates an awkward feeling of nostalgia and emotion with most consumer. That feeling is a step back. We suggest instead of introducing new flavors of “mystery”, update your look feel and presentation methodology at the same time. Here is a link to a article published by Steven Johnson:

http://www.foodservice.com/articles/show.cfm?contentid=5512&title=Roll, Roll, Roll, Away Roller Grill!

Foodservice Solutions specializes in outsourced business development; we can help you identify, quantify and qualify additional food retail segment opportunities and brand leveraging integration strategy. Since 1991 Foodservice Solutions of Tacoma, WA has been the global leader in the Grocerant niche for more on Steven A. Johnson and Foodservice Solutions visit http://www.linkedin.com/in/grocerant or on Facebook at Steven Johnson.