Recent studies reveal that consumers are purchasing more food from gas station c-stores than they did 4 years ago, driving additional revenue for gas station owners.
Americans love a quick bite. Pizzas, wraps, fries and hot dogs have become major parts of the American diet. And while quick service restaurants have traditionally been the go-to spots for most Americans for their fetch-and-munch adventures, gas station c-stores seem to be catching up in popularity with their more established food serving counterparts.
The Quick Bite Rush at Gas Station Convenience Stores—In Numbers!
According to one study, American consumers spent more than $54.3 billion on c-store food service in 2018. Compared to 2014, that’s almost a twenty-eight percent increase, which is quite significant for an industry that primarily sells fuel and fuel products.
People aged between 18 and 44 years are the largest demographic group driving this trend. They purchase food at convenience stores more frequently than people from other age groups. To elaborate, twenty percent of those aged between 18 and 29 purchase food from c-stores 3–4 times per month, while twenty-five percent of those aged between 30 and 44 purchase food at convenience stores 5 or more times per month.
So what’s causing this quick bite rush at gas station convenience stores?
The Quick Bite Rush—Explained!
Data shows that the main reason consumers are choosing convenience stores over quick service restaurants is convenience. Gas station convenience stores serve as an all-in-one stop for fuel customers, allowing them to shop for both fuel and food under one roof.
The quick bite rush can also be explained by the varied food menu offered by gas station convenience stores.
Unlike fast food restaurants, gas station convenience stores serve more than one type of cuisine to customers. This allows the customers to enjoy a more varied menu and order whatever they might want to eat.
What do American consumers usually order at gas station convenience stores?
Most Popular Food Items at Gas Station Convenience Stores
According to a study from GasBuddy, following food items generate most sales at gas station convenience stores:
- Wraps or sandwiches
- Pizza
- Fresh salad
- Fried chicken
- Burger and fries
So, is your gas station taking advantage of the quick bite rush?
The John W. Kennedy Company is your trusted gas station equipment and essentials supplying company. We’ve been serving the U.S gas stations and convenience stores since 1930. Visit our online store to learn more about our products and services.