Thanksgiving VALUE Served Hot: How Hy-Vee’s $30 Meal Deal Embodies the Grocerant Advantage

 

This Thanksgiving, VALUE is the ultimate side dish consumers crave, and Hy-Vee is serving it up hot according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®. As food inflation and time scarcity reshape the American dinner table, Hy-Vee’s $30 Thanksgiving Meal Deal exemplifies how the Grocerant Model — blending restaurant quality with grocery convenience — meets today’s consumers where they live, shop, and eat.

According to the USDA Food Price Outlook (October 2025), grocery prices have risen 21.5% since 2019, while restaurant menu prices are up nearly 28%. Meanwhile, the average American household food budget has expanded 19% in just three years (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Consumers are feeling pressure and VALUE is now the number one decision driver for both grocery and dining occasions.

Hy-Vee’s $30 Thanksgiving Meal Deal is more than a promotional option. It’s a strategic solution for the 2025 consumer: a complete meal for under $5 per person that provides flavor, tradition, and convenience without financial strain.

 

A Feast of Facts: Why This $30 Meal Matters

The American Farm Bureau Federation reports that the average cost of a classic Thanksgiving meal for 10 people rose to $61.17 in 2024, up from $53.31 just two years earlier — a 15% increase. Hy-Vee’s $30 meal, serving up to six, cuts that cost by nearly half, allowing families to preserve holiday traditions without compromising on quality or abundance.

That’s real savings and real satisfaction — a hallmark of modern Grocerant innovation.

 

Three Ways Hy-Vee Creates a Win-Win for Consumers

1. PRICE: The Value Equation That Resonates

A Numerator October 2025 study found that 64% of consumers plan to spend less on Thanksgiving dinner this year, while 72% say they’ll shop multiple stores for the best deals. Hy-Vee simplifies that search by offering restaurant-quality food at grocery pricing, packaged as an all-in-one value experience.

Even Hy-Vee’s gluten-free meal deal remains frozen at $50, defying inflation and signaling brand integrity and consistency — two attributes are increasingly tied to consumer trust and loyalty in food retail.

 

2. COOKING TIME: The New Currency of Convenience

Consumers no longer measure meal value in dollars alone — they measure it in minutes saved. Research from Technomic’s 2025 Foodservice Report shows that 71% of U.S. households cite convenience as a top factor in meal decisions, while 42% plan to cook less often this holiday season.

Hy-Vee’s Prepared Holiday Meal Packs meet this need head-on. With pre-cooked proteins and sides that only need reheating, families can enjoy a complete Thanksgiving dinner in under 45 minutes — versus the traditional 4 to 5 hours of prep and cooking time.

The result: a four-hour return on time invested, creating more opportunity for what truly matters — connection, not kitchen duty.

 

3. MEAL PLANNING: Seamless Shopping Meets Smart Solutions

Consumers increasingly demand simplicity. Hy-Vee’s move to allow meal deal and grocery orders in the same online basket is a subtle but significant food retail innovation.

According to NielsenIQ (2025), 57% of grocery shoppers now expect “one-click solutions” that combine meal planning, ingredient purchasing, and fulfillment in a single step. This integration reinforces Hy-Vee’s Grocerant leadership, bridging the gap between shopping and serving.

Whether customers choose in-store pickup or delivery, Hy-Vee is ensuring that Thanksgiving comes stress-free and on time — even as stores remain closed on the holiday itself.

 

Four Insights from the Grocerant Guru®

1.       Value is the New Differentiator.
Today’s consumers are pragmatic, not impulsive. They balance price, quality, and convenience — and they reward retailers who protect the customer’s wallet and time in equal measure.

2.       The Grocerant Model Is Retail’s Growth Engine.
Whether it’s a C-Store, Restaurant, or Service Deli, the path forward lies in ready-to-eat and ready-to-heat offerings that combine the hospitality of dining out with the practicality of grocery shopping.

3.       Time Has Become a Premium Ingredient.
As dual-income households rise and meal fatigue grows, consumers seek out shortcuts without compromise. Hy-Vee’s model shows how to turn convenience into both a profit driver and loyalty anchor.

4.       Cross-Channel Collaboration Is the Future.
Restaurants and retailers must learn from each other. The restaurant industry’s operational expertise and the grocery industry’s pricing and scale can merge to create hybrid food experiences that win across demographics.

 

Think About This: A Recipe for the Future of Foodservice

Hy-Vee’s $30 Thanksgiving Meal Deal is not just a seasonal success story — it’s a roadmap for retail resilience. By combining affordability, speed, and culinary quality, Hy-Vee proves that the Grocerant Model is not a trend — it’s the future of food retailing.

As consumers continue to “trade down” from restaurants but refuse to trade away experiences, hybrid solutions like this will define the new era of dining — one that’s built on VALUE, VARIETY, and VERSATILITY.

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Since 1991, Foodservice Solutions® has been the global leader in the Grocerant niche—helping brands identify high-growth strategies that resonate with modern consumers.

📞 Call 253-759-7869 or 📩 Email Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us

The Best Drive-thru Thanksgiving Dinner: Fresh, Fast, and Flavorful!

 

When Thanksgiving rolls around, we often picture a cozy kitchen filled with the aromas of turkey, stuffing, and pie. But times are changing, and for many, the classic sit-down feast has become a drive-thru experience! Today, restaurants, convenience stores (C-stores), and grocery delis have stepped up, offering festive meals right through the window — fresh, fast, and full of flavor according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®. Imagine a Thanksgiving spread that you didn’t have to cook or spend hours preparing, ready to enjoy in minutes!

Thanksgiving on the Go: Why Drive-thru Meals are a Holiday Hit

The drive-thru Thanksgiving dinner is gaining popularity, especially among busy families, solo diners, and even holiday travelers who crave a festive meal without the fuss. In fact, a recent survey revealed that more than 25% of consumers are interested in quick-service holiday meals, especially when they can avoid the prep and cleanup. And the best part? Many drive-thru Thanksgiving options are fresh, chef-crafted, and often made from scratch, so there’s no sacrifice in quality.

So, let’s take a look at the best options for a delicious, easy Thanksgiving on the go:

 

1. Restaurants with a Twist: Savory Feasts at Your Fingertips

Some of your favorite fast-casual and sit-down restaurants have adapted their drive-thru menus to make Thanksgiving easy. Cracker Barrel, for instance, rolls out heat-and-serve family-style meals available through their curbside pickup, giving you a Thanksgiving spread including turkey, dressing, sides, and pie — ready in a flash. And they’re not alone. Dickey’s has long offered a variety of Thanksgiving options via takeout or curbside pickup, including classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, and their famous smoked turkey.

Restaurants are leaning into these seasonal offerings to bring family-style goodness to go. Many even let you customize the meal size based on the number of diners, and some are even offering individual Thanksgiving plates — perfect for a solo holiday celebration that still feels special.

2. Convenience Stores Gobbling up the Holiday Meal Market

Surprising to some, convenience stores have become serious players in the holiday food scene, and Thanksgiving is no exception. C-stores like Wawa and Sheetz make it easy for people to pick up turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing in their drive-thru or to-go format. For those seeking a quick, comforting holiday meal, C-store giants have cracked the code, combining speed with tradition in a big way.

7-Eleven, too, offers pre-packaged seasonal sides and desserts that make for a fantastic Thanksgiving feast in minutes. C-stores have discovered that consumers love the convenience of grabbing a warm, hearty meal with minimal wait time. Turkey sliders, mini pumpkin pies, and mashed potato bowls are popular offerings, making the holiday meal accessible to those short on time or simply looking to avoid crowded restaurants.

 

3. Grocery Store Delis: Gourmet on the Go

For those who want a more gourmet Thanksgiving, grocery store delis like Whole Foods, Wegmans, and Kroger have risen to the occasion. Whole Foods, known for its seasonal menu, allows you to order a complete Thanksgiving dinner online and pick it up curbside. From a juicy turkey to vegan and gluten-free sides, these gourmet drive-thru feasts have every dietary preference covered.

Wegmans takes it a step further by offering single-serving Thanksgiving meals alongside family-sized options, all made fresh and packaged for quick pick-up. Their meals often include items like herb-stuffed turkey breast, garlic mashed potatoes, and candied yams — all prepared by expert chefs who aim for the flavor and warmth of a homemade meal.

 

Why Drive-thru Thanksgiving is Here to Stay

As the demand for ready-to-eat meals continues to grow, especially around holidays, restaurants, C-stores, and grocery delis are responding with ever more creative, flavorful options. Drive-thru and curbside Thanksgiving dinners offer a few key advantages:

·         Time-Saving Convenience: With holiday shopping and travel, spending less time cooking and cleaning up means more time to actually relax and enjoy.

·         Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Pre-packaged by professionals, these meals balance fresh ingredients with holiday flavor, making it possible to enjoy a high-quality Thanksgiving meal without any hassle.

·         Perfectly Portioned: Many drive-thru options let you order just the amount you need, making it easy to feed one person, a couple, or the whole family without excessive leftovers.

 

Tips for Making the Most of Your Drive-thru Thanksgiving

If you’re ready to give the drive-thru Thanksgiving a try, here are a few quick tips to make sure you get the best meal possible:

1.       Order Ahead: Many places allow pre-orders for Thanksgiving to ensure freshness and avoid waiting. Popular drive-thru options can sell out quickly, so it’s smart to reserve your meal early.

2.       Check Dietary Options: Restaurants and grocery stores increasingly offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free Thanksgiving dishes, so ask about these if you have specific dietary needs.

3.       Pair with Your Own Special Touch: Pick up a few extras to make the meal feel festive — maybe some sparkling cider, a favorite dessert, or a holiday-themed side dish to add a little flair.

 

A Modern Feast for the Modern World

The drive-thru Thanksgiving meal reflects a shift in how we celebrate, embracing the convenience of fast, easy access to our favorite holiday flavors. With fresh, chef-prepared dishes and minimal fuss, Thanksgiving on the go is the perfect blend of tradition and modern convenience — a true holiday feast without the stress!

So, this year, if you’re craving turkey but not a marathon cooking session, roll through a drive-thru near you and let them do the work. Thanksgiving has never been so easy or delicious!

Retailers 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

Why Mix-and-Match Meal Components Are the Ultimate Choice for Thanksgiving Dinner

 

As Thanksgiving approaches, many people imagine gathering around a table filled with classic dishes, from roasted turkey to creamy mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce. But while the tradition is cherished, the reality of hosting Thanksgiving can be overwhelming, with endless hours of cooking, rising grocery bills, and the challenges of balancing varied taste preferences across family members. This year, mix-and-match meal components offer a smarter, easier path to Thanksgiving perfection—one that meets the demands of flavor, budget, and time according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.

The Rise of the Mix-and-Match Meal Trend

Mix-and-match meal components, which allow customers to build a custom meal from an assortment of prepared dishes, have grown popular in recent years, especially for holiday gatherings. According to a 2023 survey by the National Restaurant Association, more than 40% of Americans prefer a more flexible dining experience, opting for curated meal components rather than full set meals when dining at home for holidays. Major grocers and specialty food retailers have taken note, expanding their offerings to include ready-made Thanksgiving sides, mains, and desserts to help families celebrate without the labor-intensive preparations.

1. Flavor Variety to Please Every Palate

One of the greatest advantages of mix-and-match meal components is the flexibility to choose flavors that suit diverse palates. Rather than committing to a single flavor profile or cooking style, families can select from a broad spectrum of dishes to create a customized feast. For instance, a Thanksgiving spread might include traditional herbed stuffing for some, while others enjoy spicy chorizo stuffing or gluten-free options, catering to different preferences and dietary needs.

The grocerant sector—retailers who blend restaurant-quality food with grocery convenience—has excelled in offering varied meal components that capture authentic holiday flavors. Brands like Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and Wegmans feature dishes like maple-bourbon glazed carrots, creamy truffle mashed potatoes, and savory butternut squash casseroles. According to industry data, grocers have seen a 28% increase in sales for pre-cooked, mix-and-match holiday dishes over the past five years, proving that variety and quality are winning consumer hearts and palates.

2. Significant Savings Compared to Dining Out

Thanksgiving dining out may sound tempting for those looking to skip kitchen duty, but it comes with a hefty price tag. Restaurant prices surged by more than 8% over the past year, driven by rising labor and ingredient costs, making a full Thanksgiving spread at a restaurant an expensive endeavor. According to the American Farm Bureau, a traditional Thanksgiving meal for ten costs around $64.05 if prepared at home, while dining out with a similar spread can easily reach $350–$500 at a mid-range restaurant.

Mix-and-match components provide a perfect middle ground, allowing families to enjoy restaurant-quality dishes without the steep markup. By purchasing only the specific components they need—whether it’s a juicy turkey breast, cornbread stuffing, or a rich pecan pie—shoppers avoid over-purchasing or paying for items they don’t want. This approach can lead to savings of 20-40% compared to both dining out and purchasing an entire pre-packaged Thanksgiving meal kit, especially as many grocery retailers offer promotions on holiday staples.

3. Time Savings Without Compromising Quality

For many, Thanksgiving’s biggest obstacle isn’t the food itself but the time required to prepare it. The traditional meal often involves hours of preparation, from thawing and brining the turkey days in advance to peeling potatoes, baking pies, and perfecting gravies. Pre-made, mix-and-match components eliminate these labor-intensive steps, offering dishes that only need to be reheated or finished off with a quick garnish before serving.

In 2022, surveys found that 58% of Americans prefer not to spend more than four hours on Thanksgiving meal prep. Mix-and-match meal components, available at most major grocers, allow a full spread to come together in a fraction of the time—usually in under an hour. With these ready-made options, families can reclaim their time, focusing on holiday traditions like watching football or parades rather than tending to a full kitchen operation.

4. Sidestepping Restaurant Drawbacks: Closures, Crowds, and Slow Service

Thanksgiving is one of the most popular dining-out holidays, yet many restaurants close for the day or operate on limited schedules, leaving diners with few options. Those restaurants that remain open often see overwhelming crowds, longer wait times, and occasionally rushed service. For large families, slow service can dampen the holiday spirit, especially when children are involved.

During the 2023 holiday season, a staggering 70% of restaurants were reported closed on Thanksgiving Day, according to a report from the National Restaurant Association. And for those open, the cost of staffing and high demand led to increased prices and decreased service quality. Families who prefer to stay in can avoid these pitfalls by opting for mix-and-match meal components at home. Not only does this approach eliminate the need for reservations, but it also allows for a relaxed, comfortable setting where diners can enjoy the holiday on their terms.

5. Reducing Waste and Catering to All Preferences

Mix-and-match options allow for precise portions, reducing food waste—a growing concern during the holidays. With pre-cooked options, families can purchase just enough for the number of guests they’re serving without overcommitting. This approach is also perfect for smaller Thanksgiving gatherings, where a full turkey or multiple large sides may feel excessive.

Moreover, for family members with dietary restrictions or specific preferences, the mix-and-match model enables flexibility. Vegan or vegetarian guests can choose from plant-based mains and sides, while those with gluten or dairy restrictions find options without fear of cross-contamination. Families can satisfy both traditionalists and food adventurers with items like vegan mushroom gravy, dairy-free mashed potatoes, or even Cajun-spiced turkey breast for a twist on the classic bird.

Think About This: A New Thanksgiving Tradition

With the rise of mix-and-match Thanksgiving meal components, families have an opportunity to embrace a new holiday tradition that combines flavor, flexibility, and convenience. This approach captures the essence of Thanksgiving—a shared meal—while addressing modern-day concerns about time, budget, and variety. The success of grocerant-style offerings suggests that consumers are ready to embrace a new, less demanding way to enjoy the holiday.

Thanksgiving can now be a joyful, low-stress celebration where everyone gets a taste of what they love—without hours in the kitchen or breaking the bank. Whether opting for a few sides or building the entire spread from scratch with pre-prepared dishes, families are free to focus on what truly matters: time spent together.

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

Grocerant Guru®: Bob Evans Excels with 'Dining Out While Dining In' This Thanksgiving

More families than ever are looking to make Thanksgiving stress-free, delicious, and reminiscent of the flavors that bring people together. Bob Evans steps in with its Farmhouse Feasts, a celebration of family, flavor, and convenience.

Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® says, Thanksgiving is all about family time, but these days, preparing the traditional feast can be daunting. Enter Bob Evans’ Farmhouse Feasts: crafted for families to savor the holiday with all the favorite dishes and none of the stress. This year, the 'Dining Out While Dining In' trend is stronger than ever as families seek the nostalgic flavors they love without hours in the kitchen. Bob Evans’ ready-to-heat-and-serve Farmhouse Feasts and other hot carryout options bring family-size convenience and cherished flavors home, all in just two hours or less.

As America’s trusted go-to for turkey and hearty family meals, Bob Evans continues to raise the bar, providing everything from slow-roasted turkey to hickory-smoked ham and all the sides, baked goods, and desserts that feel like home. “Thanksgiving is a time to cherish family moments, and with Farmhouse Feasts, we’re bringing more of those moments to the table,” said Mickey Mills, CEO of Bob Evans. “Our goal is to offer a truly relaxing holiday meal experience so families can focus on what matters most.”

Why 'Dining Out While Dining In' Is Poised to Be Big This Thanksgiving

1.       More Families Seek Time Savings – According to food industry data, over 60% of families this year want to simplify meal prep. Bob Evans offers the Farmhouse Feast as a complete solution that brings cherished flavors without hours in the kitchen.

2.       Authentic, Familiar Flavors – Studies reveal that holiday dining trends lean heavily towards comfort foods and familiar flavors. Bob Evans, known for its classic recipes, captures that nostalgia, offering slow-roasted turkey, hickory-smoked ham, and sides like bread & celery dressing that remind people of Thanksgivings past.

3.       Restaurant-Quality Meals at Home – This year, 72% of consumers are prioritizing meals from restaurants to re-create a dining-out feel at home. Bob Evans’ Farmhouse Feast embodies this trend, delivering complete meals that taste like restaurant fare but can be enjoyed around the family table.

4.       Convenience Meets Tradition – With more consumers focusing on convenience, Bob Evans bridges the gap by providing traditional Thanksgiving foods that need only heating, letting families enjoy time together without sacrificing holiday customs.

5.       Feeding Gatherings of All Sizes – With flexible options, from a family of four to larger gatherings, Bob Evans offers meals and sides that scale to any occasion, keeping family connection at the forefront of Thanksgiving celebrations.

What Bob Evans Brings to Your Thanksgiving Table

·         Farmhouse Feasts: A Full Thanksgiving Meal for Gatherings Big or Small – Select from three entrée options, including Bob Evans’ famous slow-roasted turkey, hickory-smoked ham, or slow-roasted pot roast with caramelized onions and roasted carrots. Each Feast includes crowd-pleasing sides like mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans with ham, and house-made cranberry relish. Prices start at $84.99, making this an economical choice for a stress-free holiday meal.

·         Holiday Hot Family Meals – Families on the go can enjoy Bob Evans’ signature hand-carved turkey and hickory-smoked ham served hot and ready to eat. With ample family-size portions, the Holiday Hot Family Meal, priced at $99.99, also includes mashed potatoes, buttered corn, and a freshly baked pumpkin pie, perfect for a gathering of six.

·         New Potato Lovers Bundle – Because extra potatoes are always a favorite! The Potato Lovers Bundle, available for just $29.99, features two family-size roasted sweet potato dishes plus mashed potatoes and gravy, ensuring no one leaves the table unsatisfied.

·         Family-Size Sides and Seasonal Desserts – Adding to the Farmhouse Feast, Bob Evans offers favorites like macaroni & cheese, mashed potatoes with gravy, and green beans with ham for just $12.99 each. Complete your feast with seasonal pies like pumpkin and pecan, starting at $12.29, to wrap up Thanksgiving on a sweet note.

·         Dine-In Option Available Thanksgiving Day – All Bob Evans locations will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. for guests who want a traditional dine-in experience. Enjoy the Premium Celebration Platter featuring slow-roasted turkey, hickory-smoked ham, sides, and a slice of pie, all for $18.99.

“We know families want their Thanksgiving to feel special, yet easy,” said Bob Holtcamp, President and Chief Marketing Officer at Bob Evans. “The Farmhouse Feasts deliver the flavors of home, with dishes our guests remember fondly from childhood. We’re here to help families focus on what Thanksgiving is really about.”

Families can order Farmhouse Feasts online or through the Bob Evans app, available for carryout, curbside pickup, or delivery until November 26. For details and to order, visit BobEvans.com.

Foodservice Solutions® specializes in outsourced business development. We can help you identify, quantify and qualify additional food retail segment opportunities or a new menu product segment and brand and menu integration strategy.  Foodservice Solutions® of Tacoma WA is the global leader in the Grocerant niche visit us on our social media sites by clicking one of the following links: Facebook,  LinkedIn, or Twitter