Farm Stores Brings Unique Drive-Thru Concept to Houston, Texas

For Farm Stores, a combination neighborhood grocery store, fresh bakery and quick-service restaurant, customer loyalty is key. For more than 60 years, the brand’s drive-thru concept has been a fan favorite across its home state of Florida. Its commitment to delivering top quality, affordable groceries straight to consumers’ cars sets the model apart from any other brand in the industry. That’s why two entrepreneurs—who are both Florida natives and longtime Farm Stores customers—decided to team up and bring the model to their new home in Houston.

“It’s the integration of nostalgia and modern technology that will allow Farm Stores to expand nationwide,” said Robert Betts, area developer for Farm Stores in Houston. “When the brand first launched, it was a completely novel concept. But now, the idea has come full circle. Millennials are increasingly interested in speed and convenience, which are two things Farm Stores excels at.”

The brand’s successful model will easily translate from Florida into the Houston market. Both areas are similar in that they are commuter-driven environments where residents rely on their cars to get from point A to point B, which lends itself to Farm Stores’ concept. Both markets are also drawn to brands that make it a point to become a part of their local community, which is something each Farm Stores franchisee shares a passion for.

Market expansion plans

Farm Stores has a long history of taking the grocery experience to the next level for both consumers and local business owners. It’s ability to serve the best products, freshly baked bread and made-to-order drinks allows the brand to target customers in a way that other chains aren’t able to mimic.

“I can’t tell you how often I run out of something simple like a gallon of milk. I don’t want to have to make a specific trip to the grocery store just for that, and the prices at gas stations and other convenience stores have really gone up. That’s where Farm Stores comes in,” said Linda Adair, Farm Stores’ area developer in Houston. “The brand offers a service that can’t be found anywhere else. Its simple and affordable model—combined with the new app that’s being developed—makes running errands a painless process.”

The app that’s currently in development is part of the brand’s new program, Farm Stores 4.0. The innovative initiative is a complete remodel of Farm Stores’ operations. For example, each location is being equipped with top of the line ovens and freezers to cut back on food spoilage. Farm Stores is also rolling out new technology that includes a cloud-based POS system, mobile app and online ordering tool.

Houston growth strategy

Houston’s first Farm Stores location is set to open its doors for business before the end of the year. After that, the plan is to saturate the market—ultimately, the brand is hoping to have 100 stores in the area, with 50 expected to open over the course of the next seven years.

“We have no doubt that as soon as Farm Stores opens up in Houston, it’ll take off. The concept is completely unique and gives both consumers and entrepreneurs the opportunity to tap into a market with unlimited growth potential. We’re incredibly excited to see the brand make a name for itself across the city, state and eventually the entire country,” Betts said.