Foodservice
GPM Investments opened its first Fas Craves foodservice convenience store in Hazard, Kentucky, located inside the newly renovated Apple Market, which officially opened on February 12, becoming the sixth location of its proprietary foodservice program. Parent company Arko Corp. announced on Monday that it plans to expand to an additional 20 to 25 stores before rolling out to all 1,200 company-operated locations.
Food service in U.S. convenience stores accounts for 27.7% to 28.7% of in-store sales, contributing nearly 40% of gross profit, yet operations still depend on laminated recipe cards. The industry is at a critical juncture of transitioning from analog management to digital recipe systems.
While consumers often visit convenience stores for familiar and indulgent foods, this doesn't mean convenience stores can't add excitement and attract diners through trendy flavors and unique combinations. Not all options among 2026's trending flavors are applicable, but there are still plenty of popular flavors that can align with convenience store menus. From the evolution of heat beyond hot honey, the infiltration of international flavors, to a focus on protein and dietary fiber, this article outlines several flavor trends that convenience stores can capitalize on this year.
Oxxo USA has opened its first Doña Tota restaurant inside a convenience store in El Paso, marking the first time the FEMSA brand has entered its U.S. convenience stores. The location offers traditional Mexican gorditas, with plans to continue expanding within the year.
Alimentation Couche-Tard announces several executive appointments: Trey Powell promoted to Senior Vice President of U.S. Food and Retail Operations, Hélène Drolet to oversee Canadian Food and Retail, and Gordon Lawlor to lead European Merchandise, Food, and Marketing. These changes come as the company advances its retail and food service expansion plans.
Canadian convenience store giant Alimentation Couche-Tard is gradually recovering its US food service business after an 18-month "reset." By streamlining SKUs, optimizing processes, and focusing on localized menus and value meal deals, the company's food penetration rate has increased by 72 basis points over the past year.
In early 2026, several convenience store giants launched low-priced chicken meal deals, including 7-Eleven, Chester's, and Krispy Krunchy Chicken, attracting customers with limited-time offers.
Mette Uglebjerg, Senior Vice President of Global Food and Marketing at Alimentation Couche-Tard, will transition to CEO of European health and beauty brand Matas Group on May 1. Since late 2024, she has led food service and marketing across the company's convenience store network. After her departure, the allocation of her responsibilities remains undetermined, and the company has not responded to requests for comment.
Less than eight weeks into 2026, innovation in the U.S. convenience store foodservice sector remains robust. Operators including Casey's, Stewart's Shops, Rutter's, RaceTrac, and 7-Eleven have successively introduced limited-time new items, ranging from spicy chicken pizza to breakfast sandwiches, grilled cheese menus, and waffle lines, highlighting the central role of foodservice in convenience store competition.
Convenience stores are shifting from 'selling everything' to 'food-first,' making foodvenience the new industry keyword. IDDBA points out that the key to success lies in balancing convenience and quality while addressing consumers' core needs for decision simplicity, emotional comfort, and purchase confidence.