C-Store Foodservice Trends Show Growth as Consumers Seek Value

New Datassential research examines c-store dining trends, consumer demographics, pricing perceptions and strategies to boost foodservice profitability.

Each year, the foodservice category in the c-store industry shows signs of steady growth. Retailers are doubling down on made-to-order and freshly prepared foods, and consumers are responding in kind.

The line between a quick-service restaurant (QSR) and convenience store is blurring. And during a time when inflation is on the rise and consumers are becoming more discerning with their purchases, the c-store value proposition can offer an edge over QSR competitors.

This past September, food and beverage research firm Datassential surveyed 1,500 “gen pop” U.S. consumers and 433 foodservice decision makers, 16 of whom operate convenience stores.

Of the respondents, 25% noted that they had visited a c-store in-person for a meal away from home at least once in the past month.

Men ordered c-store food (29%) at a higher rate than women (22%). Generationally, the bulk of c-store foodservice customers are Millennials and Gen Z, which each came in at 34%. This was followed by Gen X (23%) and Baby Boomers (11%).

Twenty-nine percent of survey respondents identified as low income, with 27% identifying as medium income and 20% as high income.

The report goes on to analyze delivery trends, consumer perception of c-store prices, business metrics, challenges, profitability strategies and much more.