Casey’s General Stores Strengthens Consumer Bonds with ‘Darn Good Coffee’ Launch

 

In a bold move to deepen its relationship with consumers and elevate its position within the convenience store sector, Casey’s General Stores, Inc. has introduced eight new blends in its innovative “Darn Good Coffee” lineup. With this launch, Casey’s is poised to redefine how consumers view coffee offerings from convenience stores, leaning into decades of consumer adoption trends and the vital role coffee plays in driving incremental food sales within the C-store space according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.

A Legacy of Coffee at Convenience Stores

The history of coffee consumption at convenience stores underscores its profound connection to consumer habits and purchasing behavior. In the 1970s and 1980s, convenience stores began offering coffee as an essential on-the-go beverage. By the 1990s, C-stores solidified their role as coffee hubs for millions of Americans, delivering a quick and affordable caffeine fix that seamlessly complemented breakfast or snack purchases. Today, more than 50% of all convenience store shoppers buy coffee, with nearly two-thirds pairing it with food items such as pastries, breakfast sandwiches, or snacks. Coffee sales have long been a catalyst for driving basket size and fostering consumer loyalty—and Casey’s knows it.

“Coffee has always been more than just a beverage—it’s an invitation to linger, to pair, and to enjoy. By enhancing its coffee offering, Casey’s isn’t just filling cups; it’s filling baskets,” said the Grocerant Guru®.

Celebrating Darn Good Coffee with Free Brews

To celebrate this milestone, Casey’s Rewards members are invited to enjoy a free any-size coffee through January 28, with one free coffee per transaction. This promotion not only underscores the brand’s commitment to quality but also serves as an opportunity for customers to explore the elevated coffee experience Casey’s is delivering. By investing in freshly ground and brewed-on-demand coffee, Casey’s is meeting and exceeding consumer expectations of quality—proving that coffee at a convenience store can indeed rival other premium offerings.

The Coffee Lineup: Tailored to Every Palate

Casey’s new “Darn Good Coffee” lineup, made from high-quality beans, features blends for every type of coffee lover:

·         Casey's Country House Blend: Approachable, well-rounded, and always smooth.

·         100% Colombian: A bright and rich aroma with a well-balanced flavor.

·         French Roast: Full-bodied dark roast with a satisfying depth.

·         Rooster's Call High Caffeine: A bold burst of energy with a dark, satisfying finish.

·         Salted Caramel Toffee: Buttery toffee meets creamy caramel with hints of salt.

·         Light Roast: Crisp and balanced for early risers and night owls.

·         Decaf: A lighter roast with none of the caffeine, perfect for all times of day.

·         Toasted Pecan (Limited Time): A rich and nutty flavor profile with smooth balance.

All blends can be customized with complimentary creamers, sweeteners, and condiments, reinforcing Casey’s as a consumer-centric destination.

Deepening the Coffee and Food Connection

Historically, convenience stores that elevate their coffee programs see a direct correlation in increased food sales. From breakfast sandwiches to sweet treats, consumers are more likely to add food items when they perceive the coffee experience as premium. For Casey’s, this launch not only satisfies current coffee fans but also invites new guests to explore the full breadth of its culinary offerings, including its acclaimed pizza and breakfast options.

“Casey’s has cracked the code: a quality cup of coffee isn’t just an end in itself—it’s the key to unlocking deeper consumer engagement and higher check averages,” added the Grocerant Guru. “By aligning coffee excellence with its food offerings, Casey’s is strengthening the all-important relationship between their brand and their customers.”

Casey’s Continued Commitment to Innovation

With over 50 years of history and more than 2,600 locations across 17 states, Casey’s has consistently demonstrated its ability to adapt to consumer demands and set industry trends. As the third-largest convenience store chain in the United States and the fifth-largest pizza retailer, this latest initiative firmly positions Casey’s as a leader in redefining the convenience store experience.

For coffee enthusiasts and convenience store patrons alike, Casey’s Darn Good Coffee is more than just a beverage—it’s an invitation to explore, enjoy, and embrace the evolving world of modern convenience. Don’t miss the chance to try it for free before January 28. The Grocerant Guru® guarantees you’ll leave with more than just a smile.

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 participation, differentiation and individualization?  Email us at: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us

KFC Invigorating the Grocerant Niche with $5 Bowls Featuring Nashville Hot Favorites

 

In a move that rekindles its innovative roots in the Ready-2-Eat fresh prepared food sector, KFC has announced a fresh new lineup of $5 flavor-packed bowls, that according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.

Once a trailblazer in the grocerant space, KFC redefined how consumers approached convenient meal solutions with its iconic bucket of chicken—and later, the Famous Bowl. Now, they aim to reignite their position as an industry leader by offering five bold and hearty bowls, each combining their signature flavors and consumer value for just $5.

This initiative brings the anticipated return of their crowd-pleasing Nashville Hot Sauce and introduces inventive new dishes that are sure to capture the imagination of on-the-go diners looking for convenience without compromise. Here's what’s on the menu:

·         NEW Nashville Hot Loaded Fries Bowl – A flavor-packed combination of crispy fries, coleslaw, pickles, and five Original Recipe® Nuggets drizzled with Nashville Hot Sauce, offering an unexpected explosion of taste.

·         Nashville Hot Mac & Cheese Bowl – A tantalizing twist blending creamy mac & cheese, a three-cheese medley, five Original Recipe® Nuggets, and a kick of Nashville Hot Sauce.

·         Nashville Hot Famous Bowl – Layers of comfort, including mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, a three-cheese blend, five Original Recipe® Nuggets, and their signature spicy sauce.

·         Mac & Cheese Bowl – An iconic favorite featuring creamy mac & cheese topped with five Original Recipe® Nuggets and melted three-cheese blend.

·         Famous Bowl – A long-standing KFC hallmark, delivering the perfect mix of mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, three-cheese blend, and nuggets.

The Historical Trail of KFC’s Grocerant Success

In the 1960s and ’70s, KFC not only brought fried chicken to the masses but also pioneered the idea of restaurant-branded Ready-2-Eat meals. Families found comfort in the convenience of bringing a bucket of chicken—a complete meal—home, bypassing the need for preparation or cleanup. The Famous Bowl, introduced in the mid-2000s, signified a bold step in appealing to the grocerant mindset: bundling comfort, quality, and convenience in a single dish. It resonated with busy customers seeking fresh, satisfying, and accessible meal solutions.

However, as competition stiffened, KFC’s focus on consumer-driven innovation waned, allowing competitors to step into the grocerant niche with Ready-2-Eat and Heat-n-Eat solutions that captured market share. This new bowl lineup, priced to attract today’s price-sensitive customer, signals KFC’s intention to reclaim its rightful place in the fresh prepared food market.

A Consumer-First Focus: The Key to Regaining Industry Leadership

KFC’s $5 bowls illustrate a commitment to delivering value-packed meal solutions that resonate with today’s consumer. With 61% of consumers deciding what to have for dinner at 4 PM or later, KFC’s fresh, hearty, and portable offerings meet a critical need for quick decision-making. By reviving Nashville Hot Sauce—a proven fan favorite—and debuting flavor-forward innovations like Korean BBQ bowls, KFC is blending nostalgia with novelty to engage new and returning customers alike.

The Path Forward: KFC’s Chance to Reclaim the Grocerant Throne

The road to resurgence lies in staying laser-focused on the consumer. By consistently introducing high-quality Ready-2-Eat options that highlight their core strengths—bold flavors, comforting ingredients, and convenience—KFC has the opportunity to regain the innovative edge it once held. As grocerants continue to evolve to meet the demands of busy, flavor-driven diners, KFC’s proactive reinvention of its offerings exemplifies how legacy brands can remain relevant in a highly competitive market.

For those seeking a hearty, flavorful solution to their post-holiday cravings, KFC’s $5 bowls are available nationwide through KFC.com and the KFC app. With every bowl, KFC takes a step closer to reestablishing itself as the undisputed leader in the grocerant niche.

Will KFC fully reclaim its crown? If they keep listening to their customers and adapting to evolving tastes, there’s every reason to believe they will.

For international corporate presentations, regional chain presentations, educational forums, or keynotes contact: Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions.  His extensive experience as a multi-unit restaurant operator, consultant, brand / product positioning expert, and public speaking will leave success clues for all. For more information visit GrocerantGuru.com, FoodserviceSolutions.US or call 1-253-759-7869

Food Price Wars and Service in Focus: EG America Introduces $3 Meal Deal

 

Throughout history, price wars have shaped consumer decision-making in the competitive foodservice landscape according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.

However, price alone seldom guarantees success; service, convenience, and quality frequently emerge as decisive factors. In this context, EG America’s introduction of its $3 Meal Deal signals a strategic bid to solidify its position amid intensifying competition between convenience stores (C-stores) and quick-service restaurants (QSRs).

EG America’s promotion, launching on Jan. 8 at participating Cumberland Farms and Fastrac locations, offers breakfast enthusiasts a sausage, egg, and cheese croissant sandwich paired with a choice of any size coffee (hot or iced) for just $3. Customers can enhance their meal with a hashbrown for an additional $1. This value proposition underscores the historical tendency of C-stores to evolve by blending cost-conscious offerings with an emphasis on fast, efficient service.

A Historical Perspective on Price Wars in Foodservice

The tug-of-war over pricing in the food industry dates back decades, often precipitated by economic downturns or shifts in consumer behavior. In the late 20th century, fast food brands like McDonald’s and Burger King slashed menu prices to maintain traffic during recessions, later realizing that the effectiveness of these tactics depended heavily on accompanying service improvements. Convenience stores, traditionally known for fuel and snacks, have evolved to embrace “heat-and-eat” and “ready-to-eat” meals, offering both affordability and convenience to a growing demographic of time-strapped consumers.

“We understand the importance of providing high-quality, delicious meals at an affordable price,” remarked Mendy Meriwether, vice president of food, dispensed beverage, and QSR at EG America. “Our $3 Meal Deal offers guests a quick and tasty breakfast option that doesn't compromise on flavor or convenience, all at an incredible price.” This emphasis on quality and service aligns with historical lessons—even during fierce price wars, consumers remain loyal to brands delivering seamless and pleasant experiences.

Leveraging Historical Consumer Insights

EG America has experimented with meal deal promotions to build its value-oriented reputation. The $3 Meal Deal follows the successful implementation of a $5 customizable summer Meal Deal, which offered customers a wider array of choices for several months in 2023. Building on this momentum, EG America introduced fall promotions that bundled breakfast sandwiches with popular beverages for $5, reinforcing the idea that convenience store chains must constantly adapt to meet evolving consumer preferences.

This historical pivot toward more structured and value-driven food offerings reveals C-stores’ intent to disrupt traditional QSR daypart domination. Breakfast, once the QSR’s stronghold, is now under scrutiny as C-stores enhance their competitive positioning. This latest deal targets time-pressed morning commuters seeking alternatives to higher-priced fast-food breakfasts.

Looking Forward: The Price-Service Equation

C-stores’ future growth hinges on balancing affordability with superior service—a lesson derived from decades of competition in the foodservice industry. As EG America competes with QSR heavyweights, its ability to combine low pricing with a dependable and pleasant customer experience will determine its sustained success. The targeted rollout across Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New York, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont reflects the company’s intent to bolster customer loyalty in regions with established convenience store cultures.

EG America operates more than 1,500 locations across the U.S. and is owned by EG Group, a U.K.-based retail powerhouse. With service-focused initiatives like the $3 Meal Deal, EG America is poised to leverage historical insights into consumer preferences, positioning itself as a formidable competitor in both pricing and service excellence in 2024 and beyond.

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

Food Retailers’ 7 Clues to Success in 2025

 

The food retail landscape is evolving faster than ever, driven by advancing technology, shifting consumer behaviors, and the relentless demand for convenience. As we navigate 2025, these dynamics underscore the importance of understanding emerging trends and leveraging them to capture incremental sales according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.  Let’s explore seven key strategies that will shape food retailer success this year, with actionable examples and industry-backed insights.

1. Anticipating Customer Needs in Real-Time

Industry Fact: Studies reveal that 61% of consumers decide what to eat for dinner after 4 PM. With rising last-minute purchase habits, retailers must master real-time convenience.
Actionable Example: Kroger leverages artificial intelligence (AI) in their mobile app to suggest meal solutions based on current promotions and inventory, offering instant savings and recipe suggestions.

To win, grocers should adopt predictive analytics and integrate loyalty data with real-time meal kits or Ready-2-Eat (RTE) displays that fit customer lifestyles.

2. Seamless Omnichannel Experiences

Industry Fact: Shoppers who engage across multiple platforms—online, in-store, and delivery—spend 23% more per visit than single-channel users.
Actionable Example: Aldi introduced an upgraded online shopping experience allowing mix-and-match bundling. Their "Dinner for Two Under $10" bundles outperform competitors in driving cart value while engaging multiple touchpoints.

Simplifying app and in-store integration will build loyal, time-strapped customers who prefer omnichannel ease over isolated experiences.

3. Fresh-Focused, Locally Relevant Assortments

Industry Fact: According to FMI data, 45% of consumers are actively seeking local or sustainably sourced food.
Actionable Example: Whole Foods remains a leader by curating assortments like locally crafted sauces and meal kits incorporating regional flavors. Their emphasis on in-store signage sharing local producer stories fosters trust.

Retailers that prioritize local sourcing can tap into evolving consumer demand while highlighting freshness and sustainability.

4. Investment in High-Tech Solutions

Industry Fact: Self-checkout and app-driven navigation systems reduce basket abandonment by 20%.
Actionable Example: Amazon Fresh uses "Just Walk Out" technology to remove traditional checkout altogether, offering frictionless shopping experiences that set new convenience benchmarks.

Grocers embracing touchless payments, QR-coded promotions, and AI inventory tracking systems will outpace their tech-laggard competitors in shopper satisfaction.

5. Highlighting Health and Wellness

Industry Fact: NielsenIQ reports that 73% of households look for functional foods with added health benefits.
Actionable Example: Trader Joe's launched a "Healthy Hackables" series in their app and in-store displays, showcasing quick recipe ideas using nutrient-packed ingredients. Items like chickpea pasta paired with pre-diced vegetables have seen increased sales.

Integrating wellness-driven marketing campaigns and meal solutions simplifies decision-making for time-starved families.

6. Innovation in Ready-2-Eat and Heat-n-Eat Meals

Industry Fact: RTE and Heat-n-Eat food sales are projected to grow by 9.2% CAGR through 2027, highlighting sustained demand.
Actionable Example: H-E-B's robust meal solution program, offering globally inspired meals like Korean BBQ chicken or Mexican tamales, attracts millennials and Gen Z seeking flavorful convenience.

Retailers must invest in diverse RTE offerings, balancing global flavors with consistent quality that resonates across generational demographics.

7. Social Media as a Shopper’s Assistant

Industry Fact: 83% of Millennials and Gen Z shoppers rely on social platforms like Instagram for meal inspiration.
Actionable Example: Publix’s engaging TikTok recipes, featuring their branded meal components, drove 150K impressions per video while increasing RTE sales by 17%.

Food retailers must embrace TikTok, Instagram Reels, and Pinterest to influence purchase decisions where consumers spend their time scrolling for ideas.

Think About This: Success is in the Blend

As food retailers chart the path forward in 2025, success lies in seamlessly blending technological innovation, consumer insight, and convenience. By focusing on these seven strategies, grocers can stay ahead of shifting expectations and ensure they remain relevant in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

Remember, it’s all about delivering what the consumer wants—before they even realize they need it.

What strategy resonates most with your current efforts? Share below!

Success does leave clues. One clue that time and time again continues to resurface is “the consumer is dynamic not static”.  Regular readers of this blog know that is the common refrain of Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.  Our Grocerant Guru® can help your company edify your brand with relevance.  Call 253-759-7869 for more information. 

 

The Risk of Raising Restaurant Prices in 2025

 

In 2025, the foodservice landscape is rapidly evolving, creating significant challenges for restaurant operators contemplating price increases. While higher menu prices may offset rising labor, rent, and ingredient costs, they come with heightened risks in an era where consumer behavior has dramatically shifted. From the Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® perspective, this period marks a decisive shift in how consumers evaluate food options. With more alternatives and easier access to these choices than ever before, the stakes for restaurants have reached unprecedented levels.

The Perils of Price Hikes

Price sensitivity among diners is more acute today than at any point in the past decade. A 2025 Technomic study revealed that nearly 70% of consumers are open to switching dining venues if their preferred option raises prices. Unlike the pre-pandemic era, where brand loyalty often anchored consumer choices, today’s diners prioritize value and convenience, effectively eroding traditional loyalty.

When prices increase, the question consumers ask isn’t just, “Is it worth it?” but also, “What are my alternatives?” Compounding the challenge is the explosion of Ready-2-Eat and Heat-n-Eat meal options available across a variety of distribution channels. Convenience stores like Wawa and Sheetz, grocerants such as Whole Foods, and third-party food delivery platforms like DoorDash now offer flavorful, high-quality meals that rival traditional restaurant fare at lower prices.

Five Critical Consumer Shifts Driving Risk

1.       Declining Dining Out Frequency: Inflation and economic uncertainties have reduced the number of discretionary outings, prompting customers to scrutinize menu prices more closely.

2.       Value Alignment: Consumers increasingly align spending with perceived value, which includes food quality, portion size, and service efficiency.

3.       Evolving Work Lifestyles: With remote work persisting, fewer people dine out near office hubs, redirecting foot traffic to non-traditional points of food distribution.

4.       Savvy Spending on Subscriptions: Subscriptions to meal kits or grocery delivery services such as Blue Apron or Instacart+ offer budget-conscious alternatives to dining out.

5.       Expanding Palates: Consumers seeking global flavors often explore lower-cost options, including international food halls, street vendors, or meal services emphasizing diverse cuisines.

 

Technology and Consumer Empowerment

Technology is the ultimate equalizer in 2025, empowering consumers to explore, compare, and choose alternative dining options faster than ever. Mobile apps, social platforms, and AI tools have broken barriers, enabling a seamless migration away from restaurants with rising prices.

1.       Apps Driving Discovery: Platforms like Too Good To Go and Foodora reduce food waste while offering discounted meals, allowing customers to try premium items at accessible prices.

2.       Personalized Search Tools: With AI-powered meal finders like ChatGPT plugins or Google Lens, consumers can instantly find cheaper, nearby alternatives offering their favorite dishes.

3.       Aggregator Evolution: Delivery apps now compete on price transparency and service fees. For example, Uber Eats introduced loyalty programs tying discounts to recurring orders from specific cuisines.

4.       Subscription-Based Models: Monthly meal passes on platforms like Grubhub+ attract budget-savvy users who want to save on delivery fees while dining from local establishments.

5.       Cooking Assistance with AI: Services like Cooklist utilize pantry data and recipe databases to show how home-prepared meals can replicate restaurant-quality dishes for a fraction of the cost.

Technology doesn’t merely inform—it actively pulls diners toward alternatives that fit their budgets and convenience preferences, eroding traditional dining models further.

 

Customer Migration Has Never Been Easier

Gone are the days when trying a new restaurant or meal format required effort or risk. Today’s consumers explore an increasingly accessible web of food options spanning convenience stores, meal kits, and even vending solutions that offer fresh, quality meals.

Five Examples of Seamless Migration

1.       Convenience Store Ascension: Chains like Kwik Trip and Circle K excel by selling high-quality meals such as fresh salads and artisan sandwiches. Some stores now operate mini food courts with rotating menu items.

2.       Grocerant Integration: Retailers like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods Market have transformed into meal-prep hubs with pre-seasoned proteins, global meal kits, and heat-and-eat entrees.

3.       Vending Renaissance: Advanced vending machines offering items like poke bowls, sushi, and grain bowls have popped up in high-traffic areas, bringing fresh, high-quality food closer to consumers.

4.       Crowdsourced Dining Recommendations: Localized Facebook groups and TikTok influencers guide users to the best low-cost dining options in their area, stealing foot traffic from more expensive restaurants.

5.       Event Partnerships: Food trucks now partner with popular events, offering restaurant-level quality for casual gatherings like farmers’ markets, game days, or music festivals.

These options increasingly make Ready-2-Eat and Heat-n-Eat formats preferable for price-sensitive, convenience-seeking diners.

 

Mitigating Risks from Price Increases

Raising prices in 2025 doesn’t have to mean losing customers, but it does demand strategy. The Grocerant Guru suggests restaurants consider:

1.       Reinforcing Value Messaging: Highlighting portion sizes, locally sourced ingredients, or eco-friendly packaging to justify pricing.

2.       Offering Tiered Pricing: Small, medium, and large portion sizes ensure that diners at different price points feel catered to.

3.       Digital Exclusives: Providing app-based loyalty discounts or time-specific offers to reward frequent customers.

4.       Investing in Quality Differentiation: Standing apart from non-traditional competition by showcasing unique dishes or premium ingredients.

5.       Expanding Non-Dine-In Sales: Launch Ready-2-Eat or Heat-n-Eat product lines sold in nearby grocers or delivery services to ensure consumer engagement beyond the restaurant setting.

 

The Path Forward

Restaurants must recognize they are no longer the default meal provider—they're one choice among many. Success in 2025 requires offering compelling value, leveraging technology to build loyalty, and embracing innovation to retain customer relevance.

As non-traditional points of food distribution thrive, restaurants can no longer afford to assume customer loyalty. By embracing flexibility, transparency, and digital-savvy strategies, restaurants can turn the risk of price increases into an opportunity for long-term brand stability. Failure to do so may result in customers migrating toward competitors that prioritize affordability, ease, and consumer convenience.

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 participation, differentiation 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