With fewer cars on the road and the gradual push toward electric and hybrid vehicles, c-stores aren’t seeing (and may never see) the kind of fuel revenue they once did. In fact, the year 2020 marked the lowest numbers in fuel consumption in 25 years. But thankfully, convenience stores’ versatility gives them an uncanny resilience and ability to pivot quickly. With an incredible 72% of national c-store sales already coming from prepared foods, c-stores can raise that number, even more, to make up for fading fuel revenue. Let’s take a look at the top three ways.
1. Improve the convenience experience
An inviting atmosphere, great prices, and excellent customer service are just some of the reasons people love c-stores. But what they love most of all is the (you guessed it) convenience a c-store offers. So, how do you find ways to introduce even more ease into the areas consumers already know and love? Start by creating more opportunities for grab-n-go pickup points. Try placing tasty packaged meals near the coffee and beverage areas, in high traffic areas, or close to the exit to promote impulse purchases.
Another way to improve the convenience factor is by introducing or expanding delivery services. Delivery has become a standard for most grocery and prepared food operations, and c-stores aren’t an exception. In fact, delivery is such a success in some operations that 20% of c-stores plan to expand the service going into 2022. But, trekking food door to door isn’t the only way to bring convenience to consumers. An increased number of c-stores are also getting in on the benefits of drive-thrus. This convenient (and growing) trend provides an effortless and limited-contact shopping experience that attracts a greater population of customers.
C-stores can also benefit from another limited-contact option and provide customers with the added convenience of automated pickup lockers. Foodservice equipment provider Hatco offers an excellent solution that leverages temperature-controlled (hot or ambient) lockers that guests can easily access on their own via an order code. Once the code is entered into the display, the guest’s locker illuminates and their hot and tasty meal is ready to grab. But locker system or not, investing in different equipment to improve the convenience of your guests’ experience is always a win that will pay off.
2. Expand your menu
The same ‘ol humdrum menu items can get pretty boring. Entice customers by expanding your menu offerings to include plant-based cuisine, ethnic fare, and more nutritious options. Truth be told, healthy is in high demand. In fact, a little more than two-thirds of surveyed consumers said they would purchase food more often from c-stores if they had more healthy foods available. Introducing limited-time offers (LTO) is a smart way to increase the variety of healthy foods on your menu. This solution allows your operation to keep the staples your customers want while also engaging guests with interesting and new food offerings. In addition to demanding a greater variety of healthy options, more consumers desire fresh, made-to-order menu options. Think about growing your on-demand food service capabilities, and please even more of your guests. The triple-threat of tasty, healthy, and fresh is a sure-fire way to increase your c-store’s bottom line.
3. Provide easy pairings
C-stores saw an overall decline in the number of purchases in the last year, but basket size increased by 18.4% in 2020. That percentage might not seem like much at first glance, but it equates to an impressive and record-breaking $255.6 billion in total sales. Bundling and pairing products works. A recent study found that only 7% of customers didn’t add additional items to their basket. Increase your profits by suggesting food or beverage pairing, place complementary items together in end caps (or at the register), and offer buy one, get one (BOGO) promotions. A small increase in each transaction creates big changes in overall profits — and who doesn’t want that?
Turning challenges into opportunities
As the saying goes, “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” The decline in fuel sales is an incredible opportunity for c-stores like yours to increase revenue by improving foodservice operations. Interested in other ways to increase your operation’s revenue? Check out our blog post, “5 Small Ways to Make Big Gains on Your Profit Margin.”
Introducing the largest size of the Shuttle family, the S2600 accommodates a full-size sheet pan, making it perfect for schools, universities, and high-volume cooking operations, and can function as either a high-performance conveyor or a closed-cavity oven with menu flexibility, enhanced by Precision Impingement technology that uses top and bottom hot air for faster cooking.
If you value precision and volume, Ovention has the perfect oven to fit your operation. The Shuttle sets the new standard for conveyor ovens everywhere. No other oven can operate as both a conveyor and a closed-cavity oven.
Cook a full menu of delicious offerings without an oven hood. The Ovention Matchbox 1718/1313 takes the traditional conveyor oven to a whole new level.
Simple, smart and the right fit for operators looking for a high-throughput conveyor oven. The Ovention Conveyor Oven is the most technologically elegant and operator-friendly conveyor on the market today.
Cook a full menu better, faster, and easier. The Ovention Matchbox M360 has Precision Impingement® technology, a unique cooking carousel, and a small footprint, making it the perfect fit for any operation.
Finish your plates with ease and precision with this robust IR finishing conveyor. Melt, sear, toast, and finish to perfection with this operator-friendly, quiet conveyor.
Revolutionary infusion of Linear Impingement and Infrared (IR) technologies. Independently controlled top and bottom cavities, each with its own interior light and control panel.
Introducing MiSA; Microwave Speed Assist. The non-stick cooking cavity, with cook plates for even browning, fits a quarter-size sheet pan and cooks up to 10 times faster than a conventional oven while using less energy, offering higher quality and higher speed in a smaller footprint.
30% of Americans eat pizza at least once a week, and it’s easy to see why! Pizza is a delicious […]
The latest oven technology advancements are not just a trend, but a game-changer for large-scale operations like hotels and supermarkets. […]
Commercial ovens are one of the largest investments you can make in your kitchen. Cleaning, inspection, maintenance, and repair can […]
Our goal is to partner with you to help you build your business. We will set up a demonstration that suits your needs, whether you want us to cook your current product, show you a range of new products, or do a side-by-side comparison with another oven we are ready to show you what Ovention can do.
Please complete ALL the fields below to schedule a demo.*
Scroll down to discover more
Experience an Ovention oven in action. We have test kitchens all across the country and representatives waiting to demonstrate our award-winning technology and ease of use. Contact us today to learn how one of our ovens can elevate your culinary versatility and build your business.
Cooked with Conveyor 2600/2000