Tuesday, February 18, 2025

RaceTrac Foodservice at the Intersection of Yesterday and Today

 


RaceTrac Inc. continues to expand its foodservice menu, but rather than leveraging its platform to propel the industry forward with fresh, consumer-relevant food trends, the retailer remains anchored in legacy offerings that reflect consumer familiarity according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®. The latest example? Taco Pizza—a fusion of two well-loved classics designed to appeal to existing consumer comfort zones rather than redefine the convenience food landscape.

For a limited time, select RaceTrac locations will offer Taco Pizza, a creation that combines a nacho cheese base with mozzarella, beef crumbles, pico de gallo, and taco sauce. While undeniably indulgent, these offerings underscore RaceTrac’s ongoing commitment to nostalgia-driven food choices rather than pioneering the fresh-forward movement sweeping the industry.


"For our busy guests, RaceTrac is dedicated to crafting unforgettable flavors that surprise and delight," said Tony DeSerto, director of category management at RaceTrac. "Whether it's a lunchtime pick-me-up or a late-night snack, Taco Pizza brings a unique blend of savory goodness that transforms everyday cravings into extraordinary experiences without sacrificing convenience or value."

This approach reinforces RaceTrac’s strategy of maintaining a balance between yesterday’s consumer preferences and today’s expectations for quick, convenient comfort foods. While other industry players focus on scratch-made, chef-inspired, and health-conscious menu expansions, RaceTrac continues to lean on tried-and-true convenience staples that keep customers in their comfort zones.


The company’s menu lineup highlights this philosophy, featuring:

·         Grab & Go pizza and sandwiches made with high-quality ingredients

·         Whole and cut fruit and salads

·         RaceTrac's Swirl World frozen treat station with a variety of frozen yogurts, sorbets, and toppings

·         Six blends of freshly ground, freshly brewed "Crazy Good Coffee" with popular creamers, sweeteners, and toppings

·         Roller grill classics such as Nathan's Famous 100% Premium All Beef Hot Dogs

·         Tornados, featuring battered and fried tortillas filled with meats, cheeses, and spices

While RaceTrac’s offerings remain reliable and satisfying, they also beg the question: Is there an opportunity to evolve beyond familiarity and embrace the future of fresh, chef-inspired convenience dining?



RaceTrac, a family-owned business based in Atlanta, operates more than 800 retail locations under the RaceTrac and RaceWay brands. With over 10,000 team members supporting RaceTrac and its affiliated companies, the brand remains a major player in the convenience foodservice space. Whether it will leverage this influence to drive industry innovation or continue holding steady at the intersection of nostalgia and convenience remains to be seen.

Stay Ahead of the Competition with Fresh Ideas

Is your food marketing keeping up with tomorrow’s trends—or stuck in yesterday’s playbook? If you're ready for fresh ideations that set your brand apart, we’re here to help.

At Foodservice Solutions®, we specialize in consumer-driven retail food strategies that enhance convenience, differentiation, and individualization—key factors in driving growth.

👉 Email us at Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us
👉 Connect with us on social media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter






Monday, February 17, 2025

Hey Starbucks, Bet You Can’t Beat This!

 


Wawa’s $5 Big Breakfast Deal Redefines Value, Speed & Convenience

Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® knows a winning foodservice formula when he sees one, and Wawa’s latest move is set to shake up the breakfast game. From February 17 through March 24, Wawa is rolling out its unbeatable $5 Big Breakfast Deal, offering customers any size hot or iced coffee, a Sizzli® breakfast sandwich, and a hash brown—all for just five bucks. With 1,100 locations executing at peak efficiency, Wawa proves why it dominates the convenience dining space in both price and speed of service.

Mix & Match: A Bundled Deal That Delivers

The food industry has long known that mix-and-match meal bundling is a pricing strategy that boosts both customer satisfaction and sales. Wawa’s $5 Big Breakfast Deal gives customers full control over their morning choices while keeping costs low. With over 10 Sizzli® varieties—including classics like Croissant, Bacon, Egg & Cheese and the limited-time French Toast, Sausage, Egg & Cheese—this deal offers premium variety at a price Starbucks and fast-food chains simply can’t match.


Speed Matters: Wawa Wins on Efficiency

Speed of service is the name of the game in breakfast, and Wawa’s streamlined, self-serve model runs circles around competitors. Customers can grab their breakfast in minutes—no long lines, no waiting for a barista. Wawa’s self-serve coffee pour bar features seven varieties, including Regular, Decaf, French Vanilla, Hazelnut, Cuban Roast, 100% Colombian, and Dark Roast, with rotating limited-time flavors like Caramel Cream. Prefer iced coffee? Wawa’s handcrafted, freshly brewed iced coffee is customizable in dozens of ways through its in-store ordering kiosk, ensuring a quick and personalized experience every time.

Wawa’s Legacy of Breakfast Innovation

"We are on a mission to make mornings easier for our customers, and our new $5 Big Breakfast Deal does just that by providing a hearty offering at a great price that’s sure to get your morning off to a great start," said Mary-Rose Hannum, Chief Marketing Product Officer at Wawa.

First introduced in 1996, the Sizzli® breakfast sandwich remains a customer favorite nearly 30 years later—proving that Wawa understands the evolving needs of breakfast consumers better than most. With an unmatched combination of value, speed, and quality, Wawa’s $5 Big Breakfast Deal is a game-changer in the foodservice industry.

Starbucks, McDonald’s, Dunkin’—consider this your wake-up call.


Price and Service Matter If you Want A


Larger Share of Stomach





Success Leaves Clues—Are You Ready to Find Yours?

One key insight that continues to drive success is this: "The consumer is dynamic, not static." This principle is the foundation of our work at Foodservice Solutions®, where Steven Johnson, the Grocerant Guru®, has been helping brands stay relevant in an ever-evolving market.

Want to strengthen your brand’s connection with today’s consumers? Let’s talk. Call 253-759-7869 for more information.

Stay Ahead of the Competition with Fresh Ideas

Is your food marketing keeping up with tomorrow’s trends—or stuck in yesterday’s playbook? If you're ready for fresh ideations that set your brand apart, we’re here to help.

At Foodservice Solutions®, we specialize in consumer-driven retail food strategies that enhance convenience, differentiation, and individualization—key factors in driving growth.

👉 Email us at Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us
👉 Connect with us on social media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter





Why Some Restaurant Brands Succeed in Grocery While Others Vanish

 


For decades, restaurants thrived on foot traffic, but today, the real revenue opportunity extends beyond the dining room—it’s in the grocery aisles. The ‘Frozen Food Court’ has transformed into a battleground where national restaurant brands compete for consumer dollars, leveraging retail to expand reach, drive revenue, and maintain brand loyalty. With convenience reigning supreme, quick-service and fast-casual chains are capitalizing on grocery sales in ways that make or break their long-term success according to Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.


The Key to Winning the Grocery Game

Not every restaurant brand finds success in the grocery space. The difference between thriving and failing in retail often boils down to a few key factors:

1.       Signature Flavors & Brand Equity – Consumers crave the signature flavors they associate with their favorite restaurants. Brands that successfully translate their in-store dining experience into retail products—such as Taco Bell’s taco kits and White Castle’s frozen sliders—win big. Chi-Chi’s, once a beloved Mexican restaurant chain, has managed to survive solely in grocery stores by focusing on its salsa and tortilla line, preserving brand recognition despite restaurant closures.



2.       Convenience & Versatility – The modern shopper values ease and speed. Products that require minimal preparation, like Checkers & Rally’s Famous Fries or Chick-fil-A’s frozen nuggets, continue to dominate grocery aisles. Taco Bell has tapped into this demand by offering ready-to-use sauces, meal kits, and frozen burritos, making it easier for fans to recreate their restaurant favorites at home.

3.       Marketing & Consumer Engagement – Brands that foster consumer interaction beyond the product itself build stronger loyalty. White Castle, for example, promotes unique recipes like its ‘Castle-con-Queso Dip,’ reinforcing brand presence beyond the slider. Meanwhile, Nando’s encourages shoppers to spice up their meals with Peri-Peri sauce, positioning its products as essential kitchen staples rather than occasional indulgences.


Want to Build a Larger 

Share of Stomach


Restaurant Brands Winning the Frozen Food Court

Several restaurant brands have successfully extended their presence into grocery stores, creating a secondary revenue stream while strengthening brand recognition. Some of the biggest players include:

1.       White Castle – Frozen Sliders (multiple varieties)

2.       Taco Bell – Seasoning Packets, Taco Kits, Hot Sauces, Frozen Burritos

3.       Chick-fil-A – Breaded Nuggets, Waffle Fries

4.       Checkers & Rally’s – Chicken Bites, Famous Fries

5.       TGI Fridays – Frozen Appetizers (loaded potato skins, mozzarella sticks)

6.       California Pizza Kitchen – Restaurant-Style Frozen Pizzas

7.       Nathan’s Famous – Hot Dogs, French Fries

8.       Arby’s – Frozen Crinkle & Curly Fries

9.       PF Chang’s – Frozen Asian Entrees & Appetizers

10.   Marie Callender’s – Pot Pies & Comfort Foods

11.   Boston Market – Homestyle Frozen Meals

12.   Uno Pizzeria & Grill – Chicago-Style Frozen Pizzas

13.   Panera Bread – Soups, Mac ‘n’ Cheese

14.   Krispy Kreme – Retail Doughnut Offerings

15.   Nando’s – Peri-Peri Sauces

16.   Chi-Chi’s – Salsas, Tortillas, Seasoned Chips



Why Some Brands Fail in Grocery

Not every restaurant-to-retail transition has been successful. Brands that failed to maintain quality, misunderstood consumer demand, or lacked strong retail partnerships saw their grocery ambitions fizzle out. For example, Burger King’s attempt at frozen burgers never captured the taste or appeal of the fresh experience. Likewise, some pizza chains struggled to differentiate themselves in an already crowded frozen aisle. Even Chi-Chi’s, despite its grocery success, serves as a cautionary tale—without a restaurant presence to reinforce its branding, it risks fading from consumer memory over time.

The Importance of an Integrated Customer-First Approach

What separates long-term winners from short-lived failures? A customer-first mindset. Brands that succeed in retail don’t just slap their name on frozen food—they ensure the product delivers the same quality, taste, and experience that made them famous. This means:

·         Product authenticity: Taco Bell’s sauces taste exactly like the ones served in-store, keeping loyal fans engaged.

·         Retail partnerships: Brands like White Castle and Nando’s secure prime shelf space and work with retailers to maximize visibility.

·         Marketing & storytelling: Checkers & Rally’s continuously engages customers with new products, creative recipes, and brand nostalgia.

Consumers aren’t just buying food; they’re buying into a brand experience. Those who seamlessly integrate their restaurant identity into retail will continue to thrive, while those who don’t will find themselves a forgotten name in the frozen aisle.

 


Outsourced Business Development—Tailored for You

At Foodservice Solutions®, we identify, quantify, and qualify new retail food segment opportunities—from menu innovation to brand integration strategies.

We help you stay ahead of industry shifts with fresh insights and consumer-driven solutions.

🔗 Connect with us on social media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter

 


Ready to Find Your Next Success Clue?

We specialize in outsourced food marketing and business development ideations—helping brands seize opportunities in food retail, technology, and menu innovation.

📩 Reach out today: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us
🔗 Follow us: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter

Sunday, February 16, 2025

Restaurants Will Outshine Retail Food Competitors in 2025

 


The restaurant industry is set to maintain its upward trajectory, outpacing other food retail sectors and solidifying its role as a dominant force in the U.S. economy. After surpassing $1 trillion in sales for the first time in 2024, the National Restaurant Association projects an even stronger 2025, with sales expected to hit $1.5 trillion. According to the association’s newly released 2025 State of the Restaurant Industry report, 80% of operators anticipate higher or stable sales compared to the previous year.

Why Restaurants Will Outperform Other Food Sectors

The restaurant industry's growth extends beyond menu price increases according to Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®. While price hikes peaked at 9% in March 2023 and have since cooled to 3.6%, the real driver behind this surge is increasing consumer demand. A staggering 80% of consumers express a desire to dine out more frequently if their financial situation allows.

Unlike grocery stores and other food retailers, restaurants provide an unmatched blend of convenience, social engagement, and experiential dining. The latest data from the National Restaurant Association highlights that 88% of adults enjoy dining out, compared to just 73% who enjoy grocery shopping. Additionally, 80% of consumers see dining at a restaurant as a better use of their leisure time than preparing meals at home.


A Strong Economic Outlook Fuels Restaurant Growth

Financial conditions are improving, as evidenced by stabilizing consumer confidence. Traffic and sales figures are steadily rebounding from early 2024 levels. Potbelly CEO Bob Wright has noted a “breathing room” in consumer spending, as wage growth begins to outpace inflation and household debt levels stabilize.

Bloomberg Intelligence’s senior industry analyst, Michael Halen, reinforces this sentiment, pointing out that rising wages and slowing debt accumulation signal increased spending power. He predicts that as economic stability improves, so will restaurant sales in 2025.

Competitive Expansion and Job Growth

Despite ongoing challenges, including food and labor costs, restaurant operators are optimistic about expansion. The number of chain restaurant locations in 2024 neared pre-pandemic levels, with 691,181 locations compared to just over 703,000 in 2019. The National Restaurant Association’s data shows that 29% of operators plan to open new locations in 2025, with limited-service restaurants (35%) leading the expansion over full-service establishments (22%).

The industry is also expected to add more than 200,000 net new jobs in 2025, pushing total restaurant employment to nearly 16 million workers. Michelle Korsmo, president and CEO of the National Restaurant Association, affirms that “the fundamentals of the restaurant industry are strong,” and the expected 4% growth in sales will be driven by operators who balance value, experience, and operational innovation.


Key Trends Shaping 2025

1.       Value-Driven Dining: Consumers are increasingly value-conscious, with 95% of restaurant operators reporting heightened demand for deals and promotions. In response, 55% of operators introduced new discounts and loyalty programs in 2024, a trend expected to accelerate in 2025. The concept of value now extends beyond price to include enhanced experiences and superior service.

2.       Loyalty Programs and Consumer Retention: Customer loyalty programs remain a vital strategy for attracting and retaining diners. A reported 61% of consumers consider loyalty programs essential when selecting a restaurant for delivery, and 76% of limited-service restaurants have seen increased traffic due to these programs.

3.       On-Premises vs. Off-Premises Balance: While fine dining restaurants rely heavily on in-person experiences, off-premises dining remains a crucial growth driver. About 82% of consumers express interest in expanding delivery options, should their budgets allow, highlighting the need for operators to optimize both dine-in and takeout experiences.

4.       Technology as a Competitive Edge: Innovation in restaurant technology is at an all-time high. The industry recognizes the benefits, with 83% of operators acknowledging technology’s role in boosting efficiency. More than two-thirds (67%) of restaurant operators have integrated additional tech solutions, focusing on cybersecurity, AI-driven operations, digital marketing, and cost-control technologies to streamline their businesses.


Think About This

As consumers increasingly prioritize convenience, social engagement, and experiential dining, restaurants will continue to outperform traditional retail food sectors in 2025. With growing consumer confidence, strategic expansion, and technological advancements, the industry is poised for another record-breaking year. Restaurants that successfully adapt to evolving consumer preferences and economic conditions will remain at the forefront of the food industry’s transformation.

Success Leaves Clues—Are You Ready to Find Yours?

One key insight that continues to drive success is this: "The consumer is dynamic, not static." This principle is the foundation of our work at Foodservice Solutions®, where Steven Johnson, the Grocerant Guru®, has been helping brands stay relevant in an ever-evolving market.

Want to strengthen your brand’s connection with today’s consumers? Let’s talk. Call 253-759-7869 for more information.

 


Stay Ahead of the Competition with Fresh Ideas

Is your food marketing keeping up with tomorrow’s trends—or stuck in yesterday’s playbook? If you're ready for fresh ideations that set your brand apart, we’re here to help.

At Foodservice Solutions®, we specialize in consumer-driven retail food strategies that enhance convenience, differentiation, and individualization—key factors in driving growth.

👉 Email us at Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us

👉 Connect with us on social media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter



Saturday, February 15, 2025

Topgolf: Interactive, Participatory, and Fresh Fun

 


Interactive, participatory fresh food experiences—particularly those featuring hand-held food for immediate consumption—continue to captivate consumers across all demographics, especially Millennials seeking discovery. According to Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA-based Foodservice Solutions®, brands that fuse dining with immersive entertainment are driving innovation and securing long-term consumer engagement.

Topgolf is a prime example of this trend. The company recently announced a strategic partnership with esports company Super League Gaming, reinforcing its leadership in interactive entertainment while expanding its foodservice offerings in a highly engaging format. This move aligns with a broader industry shift where experiential venues integrate foodservice to enhance consumer dwell time and spending.

Interactivity Drives Brand Relevance

for a Larger Share of Stomach


Esports and Foodservice Convergence

Esports is a rapidly growing industry, with the average number of concurrent viewers on Twitch more than doubling to 1.3 million over the past two years. Competitive video gaming has birthed leagues around games such as "Overwatch," "Fortnite," and "League of Legends," where top players earn millions. Recognizing the business potential, traditional sports organizations, including the NBA, have launched their own esports leagues.

Restaurant chains, often grappling with a declining dine-in culture, are increasingly incorporating esports elements to attract digital-native customers. Buffalo Wild Wings, for instance, has integrated video gaming into its store design, and now Topgolf is positioning itself as an esports-friendly entertainment hub.

To kick off this initiative, Topgolf will launch its Super League Gaming event series in Las Vegas, featuring "Super League Clash Nights," centered around the mobile game "Clash Royale." This follows a previous partnership between Topgolf and electronics giant TCL to establish esports lounges within select venues, outfitted with real-time gameplay broadcasts on TCL televisions, including live streams from Twitch, YouTube, and other digital platforms.

"Topgolf has established one of the most impressive experiential brands in the world and recognizes that esports can be a significant additional growth engine for their business," said Matt Edelman, Chief Commercial Officer of Super League Gaming.


The Role of Strategic Partnerships in Foodservice Growth

The convergence of entertainment and foodservice is not new, but strategic partnerships amplify the impact. The synergy between Topgolf and Super League Gaming highlights how collaborations can enhance brand relevance, increase consumer engagement, and drive incremental sales.

Topgolf’s multilayered entertainment complexes already boast high-tech golf experiences, climate-controlled hitting bays, live music, and events. The food and beverage offerings include a menu rich in shareable, portable items—appetizers, flatbreads, sandwiches, burgers, and handcrafted cocktails—designed to complement the entertainment experience seamlessly.

Johnson emphasizes that strategic partnerships serve as a proven platform for driving both top-line revenue and bottom-line profits. “This relationship is an outstanding example of how a brand can drive incremental adoption, injecting fresh electricity into brand relevance.”


The New Electricity in Foodservice Innovation

What is the “new electricity” that will propel brands forward? According to Johnson, brand relevance stems from innovation in food offerings, new distribution channels, and enhanced customer experiences.

“The new electricity must be highly efficient for the supply chain and encompass fresh foods, free sampling, beer programs, urban brand collaborations, grocerant positioning, fresh food messaging, autonomous delivery, cashier-less retail, digital hand-held marketing, and esports,” he explains.

To remain competitive, food retailers must embrace the artificial intelligence revolution while simultaneously offering fresh, portable, and familiar food options with a differentiated edge. Whether through esports, gamification, or unique partnerships, the brands that successfully integrate interactive experiences with quality food will thrive in the next generation of retail and entertainment.


Is your brand ready to harness the new electricity of experiential dining?

Don’t over reach. Are you ready for some fresh ideations? Do your food marketing ideations look more like yesterday than tomorrow? Interested in learning how Foodservice Solutions® can edify your retail food brand while creating a platform for consumer convenient meal participationdifferentiation and individualization?  Email us at: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us or visit us on our social media sites by clicking the following links: Facebook,  LinkedIn, or Twitter