PJ's Coffee Joins C-Store Franchise Lineup
Estepp Energy, known for multi-unit brands like Little Caesars, is adding PJ's Coffee to its Kentucky convenience stores, marking a strategic expansion into specialty coffee.
Jun 24, 2026
Estepp Energy, known for multi-unit brands like Little Caesars, is adding PJ's Coffee to its Kentucky convenience stores, marking a strategic expansion into specialty coffee.
Jun 24, 2026
A seasonal menu helps restaurants attract repeat customers, match seasonal demand, control food costs, promote limited-time items, and improve profitability.
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Noodles & Company partners with Coca-Cola to launch an exclusive Fanta Vanilla Cherry Spritz, paired with limited-time Mac & Cheese deals for July. Learn how this innovative LTO strategy can inspire your restaurant’s menu innovation!
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Miso Robotics has acquired Zume Pizza’s technology deck, giving new life to pizza automation and food robotics for forward-thinking restaurant operators.
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Carl's Jr. has launched a "Pass on Jack" marketing campaign rewarding loyalty members with a free Sourdough Star burger for driving past a Jack in the Box to reach a Carl's Jr. location- a direct shot at its California-based burger rival.
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Discover how the Korpal brothers are driving Golden Chick's expansion across Texas with innovative operational strategies, team culture, and community engagement.
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Taco Bell launches L.O.C.O.S., an international marketing initiative leveraging emotional support tacos and immersive brand experiences across global markets. Discover how this strategy sets new industry benchmarks.
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A restaurant is ready to franchise when its systems, numbers, brand, training, supply chain, legal structure, and support can scale.A restaurant is ready to franchise when its systems, numbers, brand
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Domino's has announced that CEO Russell Weiner will retire on October 1, with COO and US President Joe Jordan named as his successor- a leadership transition that comes as the pizza giant pursues its most ambitious growth targets yet.
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Starbucks is hiring more than 300 coffeehouse coaches nationwide following a successful 62-store pilot, as the coffee giant works to double store leadership capacity and fill 90% of retail leadership roles through internal promotions.
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Explore the latest food and beverage launches in convenience retail, from value meals to new menu items. Learn how convenience stores are staying competitive with QSRs through innovative foodservice programs.
Photo by mostafa meraji
Value meals have become a crucial strategy for convenience retailers seeking to elevate their foodservice programs and attract customers. Chains like Circle K, EG America, Wawa, and GPM Investments have led the trend by offering meal deals priced around $5, or even lower. This pricing model presents customers with affordable yet satisfying meal options, making c-stores a compelling choice for quick and budget-friendly dining.
In the past month, convenience stores have launched a plethora of innovative food and beverage items to entice consumers. Tri Star Energy introduced a $5 meal deal featuring a breakfast sandwich, tater rounds, and a drink, while Jiffy Trip provided multiple meal options starting from $3. RaceTrac collaborated with Jamba Juice to unveil a refreshing frozen yogurt flavor, showcasing the diversity of offerings now available at these establishments.
Notable convenience retailers like Dandy Mini Marts, Spinx, Royal Farms, and Wawa have introduced unique food items to cater to evolving consumer preferences. Dandy Mini Marts expanded their menu with new chicken offerings, while Spinx delighted customers with Legendary chicken nuggets and a tantalizing dipping sauce developed in collaboration with Duke's Mayonnaise.
Convenience retailers are pioneering new food programs to enhance customer experiences. Refuel Operating Company launched the EATS grab-and-go program, providing a range of delicious options like breakfast croissants and spicy chicken sandwiches. Meanwhile, Wawa's 'Cravings Made Easy' campaign introduced enticing limited-time prices on popular items, showcasing the adaptability and innovation within the convenience store industry.
Stewart's Shops and Rutter’s are among the convenience retailers expanding their menu with diverse offerings and rotating selections. Stewart's Shops unveiled new dairy items and flavorful milkshakes, catering to a variety of tastes. Rutter’s introduced enticing items like fish subs, shrimp BLTs, and Chesapeake crab mac and cheese wraps on its rotating menu, providing customers with ever-changing dining options.
Photo by mostafa meraji
Alltown Fresh's launch of the lunch power bowl reflects a growing emphasis on health-conscious options in convenience retail. Featuring Shabazi-seasoned chicken and nutrient-rich ingredients like chickpeas and kale, this offering exemplifies the industry's shift towards providing fresh and wholesome choices for on-the-go consumers.