Successfully Serving the Evolving C-store Space
Convenience stores’ evolution from just a place to fuel up and grab a quick snack on the road to becoming a destination for fresh and hot meals was a long time coming and took some time to perfect. Living up to its name, these retailers have raised the bar to give the quick-serve segment a run for its money.
“From the studies I’ve seen and what’s happening in the industry, most c-store chains are trying to get into fresh prepared food,” says Mike Kueny, executive vice president and president of fresh brands for Hy-Vee. “We recognize that [there’s a percentage of] consumers who leave the c-store to go to quick-serve restaurants, and we want to change that and become their QSR.”
This is one of the main reasons the chain moved into fresh-prepared products with its Fast & Fresh concept. This includes its Market Grille Express, Mealtime, Nori Sushi, Bakery, Produce and a wide variety of hot food and beverage offerings.
“We train our back of house team to be experts in fresh products, and also draw in customers with clean, neat stores,” Kueny explains.
Although there was some apprehension at first, when Hy-Vee came up with its Market Grille Express concept, it was a game changer.
“Consumers now identify Hy-Vee as a fresh meat solution due to our leadership mindset,” Kueny says. “It’s easy to say let’s make fresh burgers, but the difference lies in having a strategy, mission and focus.”
Much of its success is attributed to working with its equipment partners at ITW Food Equipment Group (ITW) to position its stores as destinations for fresh, hot, quality food.
“We had to rebrand, reset, remerchandise,” Kueny says. “It took working together and getting in front of it to make it happen.”
Hy-Vee now has 89 convenience store locations that offer a larger menu than its traditional supermarket.
“These stores sell more burgers, quesadillas and breakfast burritos than our regular Hy-Vee stores,” Kueny says. “We’re equipped for the future to service our menu and enhance our products.”
The extensive portfolio of ITW — consisting of brands such as Hobart, Traulsen, Vulcan and Baxter — ensures it is equipped to be a c-store partner and invested in providing end-to-end solutions for c-store foodservice programs.
As this segment has become more relevant, ITW began getting in front of its equipment needs. With menus driving convenience foodservice programs, the equipment is designed to complement the offerings. It addresses the unique needs of c-stores, with equipment and technology for tight spaces. A focus on units providing both cleanability and ease of use addresses the labor shortage and higher turnover. Sophisticated engineering combined with rugged construction ensures equipment will hold up in a c-store environment. ITW equipment helps stores reach their goals for consistency and quality, while adapting to various store layouts and design expectations.
With its end-to-end solution, ITW provides all the essential equipment for c-store foodservice programs, with service and support that are unmatched.
