Tuesday, February 4, 2025

7-Eleven Scores with Free Pizza for the Big Game: Grocerant Guru's Insights on Why Free Food Works

 


For football fans feeling sidelined because their favorite teams didn’t make it to the Big Game, 7-Eleven Inc. is serving up some consolation—a free pizza to bring smiles to disappointed fans. The convenience store powerhouse is delivering this delicious gesture through its 7NOW Delivery app, where customers making their first order can enjoy a complimentary whole pizza pie, including popular options like Extreme Meat or Philly Cheesesteak.

As the Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®, I can assure you that offering free food is one of the most compelling brand invitations in the industry. Why? Because food, particularly when it’s free, triggers emotional connections with customers and lowers the perceived barrier of entry to trying other menu items. Free food builds trust, creates brand affinity, and motivates trial behavior that often leads to repeat purchases—a crucial strategy for any convenience store looking to grow its fresh food offerings.


Food industry research has consistently shown that promotions like this work wonders for brand engagement. A recent study revealed that 80% of consumers are more likely to return to a brand after a positive freebie experience, and nearly 60% end up purchasing additional items during their next visit. For a brand as storied as 7-Eleven, this promotion is not only a smart way to re-engage customers but also a nostalgic nod to childhood memories of Slurpee runs. Many customers first fell in love with 7-Eleven as kids, and a well-placed “welcome back” promotion can reignite that loyalty.

Why It Works: Nostalgia Meets Innovation Nostalgia is a powerful driver in today’s food landscape. For decades, children across the country made trips to 7-Eleven for Slurpees and quick treats. As adults, they’re not opposed to revisiting this beloved brand—especially when an enticing offer like free pizza beckons. By tapping into this emotional tie, 7-Eleven strengthens its relevance and invites consumers to explore its evolving food and drink lineup.


Promotional Plays to Drive Big Game Success In addition to the free pizza offer, 7-Eleven has crafted other game-winning deals on the 7NOW Delivery app:

·         BOGO Pizza: Buy one large pizza, get one free. Double the flavor, double the fun.

·         Save on Party Essentials: Customers can save $20 on a $30 order with promo code “BIGGAME.”

·         $5 Off Beer: Large beer packs are discounted by $5, ideal for pairing with pizzas and enhancing any game day celebration.

"At 7-Eleven, we know the Big Game is about more than just football — it's about gathering with friends, enjoying delicious food, and making lasting memories," said Brandon Brown, senior vice president of fresh foods at 7-Eleven. "Whether you're a football fanatic, a halftime show enthusiast, or simply a pizza lover, we're here to support your game day experience with free pizza and other tasty deals that will make everyone feel like a winner."


A Fresh Playbook for Customer Adoption 7-Eleven’s robust delivery app, now with real-time tracking for speedy 30-minute deliveries, ensures convenience and reliability. These offers are not only designed to meet consumer needs but to entice first-time customers to explore more—from craft beers to hot snacks—and build an emotional connection with the brand. Beyond the Big Game, this strategy creates an opportunity to drive habitual ordering patterns as customers integrate 7-Eleven into their everyday routines.

7-Eleven’s Legacy as a Food Innovator With more than 13,000 stores across the U.S. and Canada, 7-Eleven continues to solidify its place at the intersection of convenience and food innovation. The company’s portfolio, including Speedway, Stripes, Laredo Taco Co., and Raise the Roost Chicken and Biscuits locations, further extends its footprint and capabilities in serving modern consumers.

As the Grocerant Guru® in the grocerant space, I see this initiative as a win not just for 7-Eleven but for customers rediscovering why the brand is synonymous with convenience. Offering free food is more than a gimmick—it’s an open invitation to a richer, tastier world of possibilities that no football fan should pass up.

Invite Foodservice Solutions® to complete a Grocerant ScoreCard, or for product positioning or placement assistance, or call our Grocerant Guru®.  Since 1991 Foodservice Solutions® of Tacoma, WA has been the global leader in the Grocerant niche. Contact: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us or 253-759-7869



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