Pilot Flying J Fresh Food Fast

Fresh food fast dominates within the restaurant sector with 80.7 % of all restaurant sector visits occurring at fast food restaurants. It’s no wonder that all foodservice retailers are expanding fresh food fast formats with increasing success according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.

Fresh food fast and flavorful is top of mind at Pilot Flying J as they continue to expand Pilot Express units with a heavy emphasis on food and service.  Conceptualization of Pilot Express began at the end of 2016, with "earnest developments" rolling out at the start of 2017 as regular readers of this blog know as we excel within this space. 

The smaller-format concept particularly spotlights Pilot Flying J's commitment to food and beverage innovation, in line with the company's Facility Enhancement Plan (FEP). Introduced at the start of 2017, the FEP is the travel center operator's $500-million, five-year commitment to reimage existing locations through total facility image, menu and retail environment enhancements, and the addition of new services.

Pilot Flying J Chief Merchant Brian Ferguson explained  "Our Pilot Express locations have a smaller footprint compared to our traditional travel centers, just compressed to focus on food and beverage because that’s what our guests want, what they need and what they’re asking for,"

Built around the retailer's PJ Fresh Marketplace program, Pilot Express stores offer homestyle meals, grab-and-go and made-to-order sandwiches and salads, premium beverages, a "bean-to-cup, make-it-your-way, you-are-your-own-barista" coffee experience, and weekly limited-time offers. I bet that sounds familiar to many of you and you think about Foodservice Solutions® FIVE P’s of Food Marketing.

Ferguson continued, additional Pilot Express locations will open in 2018 and continue to play a strategic role in the success of its FEP, which is now in phase two. Pilot Flying J is targeting 50 locations this year for reimaging. Projects were completed at 50 locations in 2017 as part of phase one.

Furguson added "Our mission is deliver care and a smile at every stop, so when drivers are making the decision to get off the interstate to stop at a Pilot, Flying J or Pilot Express, we want guests to say, 'Pilot Flying J has tremendous service hospitality, amazing food,”

Interested in learning how Foodservice Solutions 5P’s of Food Marketing can edify your retail food brand while creating a platform for consumer convenient meal participation, differentiation and individualization? Email us at: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us or visit:  www.FoodserviceSolutions.us for more information.