FOODSERVICE
A Common Goal Branded partners are helping convenience store operators navigate the new foodservice landscape By Brian Berk ALTHOUGH THE FUTURE trajectory of the COVID19 pandemic remains unknown, one certainty is that consumers are returning to in-store convenience store visits. In fact, some industry insiders report that the convenience channel is close to returning to its pre-COVID levels in terms of store visits.
Once inside a convenience store, customers overwhelmingly take part in the foodservice experience, something c-store operators can often count on for strong margins. However, a retailer must decide between having its own foodservice offer or forging a partnership with regional or national restaurant brands. Partnering with a brand can provide specific benefits, with name recognition perhaps being the biggest one. Max Arnold & Sons, which operates 21 c-stores in western Kentucky and Franklin, Tenn., partners with Hunt Brothers Pizza at nine locations. The retailer has worked with Nashville-based Hunt Brothers for a decade. “We selected Hunt Brothers Pizza because
we wanted something with name recognition, quality ingredients, and an offering that didn’t require a lot of labor. As a plus, Hunt Brothers has awesome pizza that not only we love, but our customers also love,” said Karen McGregor, operations director. For Max Arnold & Sons, efficiency is the No. 1 benefit of having a branded foodservice partnership. “Hunt Brothers Pizza operates as a true partner, immediately diving in to set everything up for us, provide training, and ensure we were ready to hit the ground running once implementing the program,” McGregor recalled. “If we have turnover in the store and need extra training, they are always ready to support us, which has been really wonderful.” Hunt Brothers was founded with a mission to provide customized, ongoing support to its c-store partners, and is well-known for its success in providing food options for rural, underserved communities. Hunt Brothers aims to work hand-in-hand with its partners to ensure they feel supported and can be successful. “All of this helps c-stores maintain high profit margins, providing the best service with a fully stocked Pizza Shoppe to serve consumers every day. When stores
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