Who Moved My Meal? How C-Stores Are Winning the Foodservice Race

 

In a post-pandemic landscape where consumer habits have shifted faster than a TikTok trend, convenience stores (c-stores) have emerged as unlikely champions in the foodservice arena according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®. While legacy restaurant chains struggle to regain foot traffic and relevance, c-stores are thriving by embracing technology, expanding food offerings, and meeting customers where they are—digitally, physically, and emotionally.

As the Grocerant Guru® puts it:

“Retailers must look beyond their current four walls and empower their brand messaging to become handheld. All the while simultaneously empowering consumers to buy what they have always bought using digital technology.”

Let’s explore how c-stores are outpacing traditional restaurants and what lessons the Grocerant Guru® offers for future success.

 

C-Stores Are Growing While Legacy Chains Stall

According to Circana’s Q2 2025 report, foodservice is now one of the top six categories driving growth in the convenience channel—even as overall c-store sales dipped 7.9% due to fuel weakness. This growth is fueled by fresh, flavorful, and fast food options that rival quick-service restaurants (QSRs) in quality and convenience.

Meanwhile, legacy restaurant chains are facing headwinds:

·       Applebee’s continues to close underperforming locations amid declining dine-in traffic.

·       Ruby Tuesday has struggled to reinvent its brand post-bankruptcy.

·       Boston Market has seen store closures and legal troubles over unpaid bills.

·       Subway, despite its scale, is losing relevance among younger consumers due to outdated store formats and inconsistent quality.

 

Four C-Stores Leading the Foodservice Revolution

Here are four standout c-store brands redefining what it means to eat on the go:

1. Wawa

·       Offers made-to-order hoagies, breakfast sandwiches, and smoothies.

·       Mobile ordering and curbside pickup drive repeat visits.

·       Strong loyalty program and app integration.

2. Casey’s General Store

·       Known for its pizza, which rivals national chains in taste and value.

·       Expanded menu includes breakfast bowls, subs, and bakery items.

·       Uses data-driven promotions to increase visit frequency.

3. Sheetz

·       Combines tech-forward ordering kiosks with a robust app.

·       Offers customizable meals, including plant-based options.

·       EV charging stations and digital lottery enhance dwell time.

4. Dandy Mini Marts

·       Focuses on fresh dough pizza, brisket sandwiches, and seasonal flavors.

·       Emphasizes customization and made-to-order meals.

·       Growing foodservice segment through flavor innovation.

 

Why Legacy Chains Are Losing Ground

Legacy restaurant chains are struggling to adapt to the new consumer reality:

·       They rely heavily on dine-in formats while consumers prefer portability.

·       Many lack integrated digital platforms for ordering, rewards, and delivery.

·       Their marketing often feels stale, failing to resonate with Gen Z and Millennials.

·       Operational costs and labor shortages hinder innovation and agility.

 

Five Grocerant Guru® Insights for Future Success

Steven Johnson offers five actionable strategies for food retailers to stay ahead:

1. Handheld Branding

Make your brand portable. From mobile apps to branded packaging, ensure your food travels well and your messaging does too.

2. Digital First, Physical Second

Prioritize digital engagement. Loyalty apps, mobile ordering, and personalized promotions should lead the customer journey.

3. Flavor Innovation

Rotate seasonal flavors, sauces, and limited-time offers to keep menus fresh and exciting. Think brisket pizza, spicy chicken sliders, or global fusion bowls.

4. Tech-Enhanced Dwell Time

Use amenities like EV charging, bitcoin ATMs, and digital lottery to increase dwell time and cross-sell foodservice.

5. Community Integration

Position your store as a local hub. Offer seating, free Wi-Fi, and community boards. Make your store a destination, not just a stop.

Think About This: The Cheese Has Moved—Are You Following?

Consumers haven’t stopped eating—they’ve just changed where and how they eat. C-stores that embrace this shift are winning not just meals, but loyalty. Legacy restaurants must evolve or risk becoming relics of yesterday’s dining habits.

Success leaves clues. And as the Grocerant Guru® reminds us, the future of foodservice is handheld, tech-enabled, and flavor-forward.

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