Foodservice
7-Eleven is offering a $1 Slurpee Happy Hour on weekdays from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM between April 29 and August 25, available to 7Rewards and Speedy Rewards members. This initiative, combined with the annual Slurpee Day and exclusive canned new products, aims to boost summer foot traffic and aligns with store upgrades to address dining competition.
Refuel Operating Company has confirmed it will open its first Whataburger next to its upcoming convenience store in Kenedy, Texas, expected to operate by the end of 2026, offering a full menu and drive-thru service. This move is the company's latest step to expand fast-food partnerships and boost traffic at its locations.
7-Eleven announced on Monday that all its proprietary restaurant brands (Laredo Taco Company, Raise the Roost Chicken & Biscuits, Speedy Café) have officially launched kids' meals, starting at $3.99, including an entrée, side, drink, and a toy or small gift. This move is the latest step in the company's ongoing efforts to expand food service and position its stores as dining destinations, aligning with its overall transformation plan.
Alimentation Couche-Tard has appointed Grant Morris as head of QSR and made-to-order food service for Circle K convenience stores in the U.S. Morris, who joined the company in 2019, previously served as interim head of food service support in North America. This appointment is one of several changes to Couche-Tard's food service business this year, aimed at accelerating food revenue growth in the U.S.
Over the past few weeks, international flavors have become a core theme in convenience store menu innovation. Rutter's launched its South of the Border series on March 31, featuring over 20 tacos and customization options; 7-Eleven's Laredo Taco Company offers walking nachos from April 29 to June 23; QuickChek introduced a limited-time ube vanilla coffee; Coen Markets added three new pizza roll flavors and partnered with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds; Stewart's Shops auctioned naming rights for $50,000 to launch Dake's Passion ice cream.
Success in foodservice is not limited to just independent operation or franchising. Industry experts point out that the key is finding a partner with distribution networks, product depth, and operational support. Starting with non-branded products and gradually introducing brands is a growth path for many successful convenience stores.
7-Eleven announced a partnership with food technology platform ezCater to launch scaled catering delivery services at its food venues, initially covering Speedy Café, Laredo Taco Company, and most Raise the Roost locations. This move is the latest step in the company's strategy to strengthen food service in North America and paves the way for a potential IPO.
Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores will launch its first Whataburger restaurant on May 4 at a newly opened travel center in San Antonio. The partnership was originally planned to open in 2025 but was delayed to this year due to construction setbacks. This move is the latest step in a series of operational updates at Love's, including improved ordering technology, updated rewards programs, and the addition of electric vehicle charging stations.
Food service has become a key area of competition in the convenience store sector. Beyond giants like 7-Eleven and Circle K, several regional operators have recently accelerated the introduction of food offerings through partnerships with or franchising of fast-food brands. This article highlights five convenience store cases that have drawn attention recently.
Convenience store chain Rutter's announced the launch of its new 'South of the Border' menu, initially including over 24 new or improved taco recipes, 8 limited-time specialty tacos, and more customizable Tex-Mex options. This move aims to strengthen its food service program and support the company's plan to expand to 130 stores by 2028.