Foodservice
F’real, known for blend-it-yourself milkshakes and smoothies at convenience stores, announced it will launch a new line of protein smoothies in early 2027. The drinks will contain 20 grams of protein while staying under 250 calories, with initial flavors including tropical mango and peanut butter banana with Reese’s peanut butter. The launch marks F’real’s expansion into functional beverages, using real fruit and no artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners. The company also plans updated packaging across its portfolio in early 2027, featuring a bolder color palette, modernized swirl iconography, a premium full-cup design and clearer distinctions between milkshakes and smoothies. Additionally, F’real is introducing the B8 Blender, which includes a larger touchscreen, cup recognition for consistent blending, and easier maintenance access.
Rutter’s has added a range of Italian-inspired pasta dishes to its menu at participating locations, including Italian sausage and peppers spaghetti, spaghetti marinara, and various fettuccine alfredo options. The pasta is imported from Italy, and the retailer is also adding chicken parmesan and sides like cannoli chips and cheesy garlic bread. The move is part of Rutter’s efforts to differentiate its foodservice program from typical convenience store fare. Separately, Rutter’s announced a multiyear agreement with NCR Voyix to deploy its commerce platform and managed services across its stores.
Yatco opened its first Chester's Chicken QSR earlier this month at its convenience store in Worcester, Massachusetts, with a grand opening on Sept. 17. The retailer, which operates 20 c-stores across New England, already partners with Dunkin and Coffee Connection, and plans a second Chester's location. Chester's has over 1,200 locations across North America and offers fried chicken and sides.
Kwik Trip, a convenience store chain in Wisconsin, USA, announced it will remove roller grills from all of its more than 900 stores by September 21, while retaining original grill items such as hot dogs and Tornados, which will instead be sold from in-store grab-and-go hot food warmers. Paul Servais, the company's vice president of food service, said tests showed that grab-and-go warmers generate higher sales. Previously, Murphy USA had already eliminated this equipment in its new store designs. Industry data shows that roller grills were once an important factor for consumers choosing convenience stores, but they are now being replaced by more efficient space solutions.
7-Eleven announced it will launch a new pizza crust nationwide this week, characterized by a crispy, bubbly outer layer and a light, airy internal structure, to be used on pizzas such as cheese, Italian sausage, and extreme meat. The new product will gradually debut at participating 7-Eleven, Speedway, and Stripes convenience stores starting September 3, seen as the company's latest move to strengthen its food service strategy and establish itself as a culinary destination.
Pilot Company appoints Sheeva Hoders as Vice President of Food Service, succeeding Jamie King. With nearly nine years of company experience, Hoders will be responsible for advancing food service strategies such as Pilot eats.
QuikTrip has launched its first Gen 4 store in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, with an area approximately 1,000 square feet larger than traditional stores, featuring an upgraded kitchen, self-service beverage area, and family-friendly amenities, aimed at enhancing customer experience and employee efficiency.
Corner Pantry's new store in Camden serves as the flagship model for its foodservice program, with expanded kitchen space and workflow, and the first Botrista beverage machines, providing a replicable model for future locations.
As the summer limited-time promotional season continues, convenience store companies such as 7-Eleven, Sheetz, Rutter's, RaceTrac, Stewart's Shops, and Hunt Brothers have recently introduced new products. Among them, 7-Eleven added a new private-label soda line, Sheetz launched canned energy coffee for the first time, Rutter's expanded its annual collaboration with Spam, and RaceTrac made multiple menu updates.
Asian-flavored foods are transitioning from niche to mainstream in the convenience store channel. Executives from McLane and Hissho Sushi point out that consumer demand for fresh, convenient, and globally inspired flavors is driving this trend. Data shows that 100% of convenience stores offering sushi reported sales growth over the past year, and 15% plan to add sushi this year. The article also analyzes key factors for successfully running a sushi program and recommendations for getting started.