FOODSERVICE
Overcoming Adversity With Innovation For a third time, Rutter’s leads this year’s slate of Foodservice Innovators Awards winners By Don Longo FROM MAKING PANDEMIC-INSPIRED menu changes to utilizing new technology, the nation’s top convenience store retailers have shown remarkable innovation over the past year. Being able to turn on a dime and succeed, during a global pandemic, is the definition of innovation.
Each year, Convenience Store News recognizes c-store retailers that are raising the bar on quality, service and innovation in the foodservice category. Now in its 10th year, the Foodservice Innovators Awards program has been recognizing best-in-class convenience foodservice retailers since 2012. Winners are chosen annually by the CSNews Foodservice Advisory Council, a panel of category experts from the retailer, supplier, wholesaler, research and consulting fields. This year, Rutter’s, the York, Pa.-based regional retailer known for being on the cutting-edge, leads a slate of five Foodservice Innovators Awards winners. Rutter’s has now won the Foodservice Innovator of the Year award a record three times (previously in 2012 and 2018).
FOODSERVICE INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR: Rutter’s Judges on the CSNews Foodservice Advisory Council lauded Rutter’s overall approach to foodservice, from dispensed beverages to fresh prepared foods. “They’ve always been progressive with prepared foods in general, but I think they really lifted their game in cold
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Members of the Convenience Store News Foodservice Advisory Council lauded how well Rutter’s adjusted its menu due to the pandemic.
dispensed beverages with their Spiked Slushies and Xtreme Shakes,” said one judge. It was also noted how well Rutter’s adjusted its menu due to the pandemic (e.g., new comfort-food offerings). And the company’s approach to marketing its offerings to consumers digitally via social media, geofencing and a new loyalty app did not go unnoticed. All in all, Rutter’s paints a picture of a retailer operating on all cylinders despite the global pandemic. Rutter’s introduced Spiked Slushies to the Pennsylvania market before any other chain. Being the leader in this category allowed the retailer to innovate even more. In 2021, Rutter’s introduced limited-time seasonal flavors to further spice up the category.
