---
title: "Could C-Stores be a Growing Threat to QSR Franchises?"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/14acbb16-c676-4599-85a8-b464de4e5984
source: "1851 Franchise"
original_url: https://1851franchise.com/why-c-stores-are-becoming-more-of-a-threat-to-qsr-franchises-2727410
category: "C-store & fuel"
industry: "Retail"
segment: "C-store & fuel"
published: 2024-09-20T19:14:37.000Z
modified: 2026-11-01T01:04:50.145Z
image: https://newimage.1851franchise.com/cdn-cgi/image/quality=85,format=webp,width=1280,height=720/story/featureImage/863778418e8e1de63dbca92c7ef729a61680.jpg
---

# Could C-Stores be a Growing Threat to QSR Franchises?

**TL;DR:** Convenience stores are evolving to compete with fast food chains by offering improved food options and better-quality beverages, posing a threat to QSR franchises. A recent survey found that 56% of consumers view C-stores as viable alternatives to fast food chains.

*originally published in 1851 Franchise on 2024-09-20. [Read the original](https://1851franchise.com/why-c-stores-are-becoming-more-of-a-threat-to-qsr-franchises-2727410).*

## Story

A recent survey by Intouch Insights highlights how convenience stores (C-stores), such as 7-Eleven, Circle K and AMPM, are evolving to compete with fast food chains, as 56% of consumers now view them as viable alternatives. This shift is driven by improved food offerings, including fresh, customizable options and better-quality beverages.

According to the survey, 36% of respondents said their primary purchase at a C-store is coffee, while 26% said it is prepared food. The majority of respondents (62%) said that food purchased at a C-store provides “good value.” Gen Z and millennial consumers particularly appreciate the speed, convenience and freshness C-stores provide.

C-stores are also embracing technology, offering enhanced loyalty programs, mobile ordering and contactless payment to align with modern consumer expectations. As C-stores elevate their service, traditional fast food establishments must innovate to maintain their competitive edge.

## Entities

- 1851 Franchise (publication)
- QSR (sector)
- 7-Eleven (company)
- technology adoption (topic)
- qsr market (topic)
- Circle K (company)
- food offerings (topic)
- Intouch Insight (company)
- ampm (company)
- convenience trends (topic)
- c-store competition (topic)

---
Originally reported by 1851 Franchise (https://1851franchise.com/why-c-stores-are-becoming-more-of-a-threat-to-qsr-franchises-2727410). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/14acbb16-c676-4599-85a8-b464de4e5984).