Why are some retailers prospering when others are struggling? What are the keys to growing the business—even during tough economic times? How are successful retailers approaching the business differently than others? These are all questions that could be applicable to any part of the retail business. However, the questions are extremely salient to foodservice programs [...]
Rx for Dinner Walgreen’s drug chain recently announced that it will test market chilled foods at a dozen of its 7,500 stores this fall to determine if busy consumers are willing to stop at a drug store for a grab-and-go lunch or dinner. While full details of the test have not been made public, [...]
United Supermarkets is ready to break ground on what will be its first United Express convenience store and fuel station in Lubbock, Texas. The chain plans to begin developing the property it owns on the southeast corner of 4th and Milwaukee in Lubbock, Texas, in the next 4-6 weeks, starting with the anticipated 3,100-square-foot United [...]
Federal Industries released its new Refrigerated Maxi Deli Merchandiser Line. The new state-of-the-art refrigerated deli case comes in two different styles—High Volume Refrigerated Maxi Deli and Curved Glass Refrigerated Maxi Deli—and can be used to stand alone or for continuous lineup. The High Volume Refrigerated Maxi Deli features straight glass with the added benefitof [...]
Walgreens is venturing into convenience store territory as it begins to conduct a test of chilled foods at 12 of its stores this fall, feeling out its ability to thrive in the growing fresh foods market, the Wall Street Journal reported. Walgreen spokeswoman Tiffani Washington confirmed the test noting the fresh food initiative could help [...]
Cary, N.C.-based The Pantry Inc. this week unveiled its “Fresh Initiative” to serve customers new coffee, and fresh food options. Triangle-area residents will be the first to experience the new Bean Street Coffee and a broader assortment of pastries, warm breakfast sandwiches and fresh fruit. In addition, the stores will offer a variety of fresh [...]
According to Mintel, an independent provider of market research, sales at the 16 leading pizza restaurants grew only 1.2% into 2008 to $16.6 billion. Among the challenges facing pizza providers is the public’s desire for healthier products as opposed to “high-calorie, high-fat pizza offerings and limited menu variety, which may be more of a turn-off [...]
Turning a Profit The times have changed. Just as c-store foodservice evolved to meet the needs of fresh, fast and friendly service, so have the items that star on the roller grill. “Gone are the days of the shriveled hot dog, whose origins and expiration date are unknown,” said Tim Powell, the c-store foodservice program [...]
Save-A-Lot food stores, one of the nation’s hard discount grocery retailers is expanding its presence in the Dallas-Fort Worth area with the opening of a new store at 2627 W. Jefferson Blvd in the historic Oak Cliff community. A series of Grand Opening events will run from March 4-9, with an official Dollar-Cutting ceremony beginning [...]
Students and faculty now have healthier snack options to eat on-the-go, as Del Monte fresh fruit and vegetables are being sold in vending machines across university, college and school campuses, nationwide. The University of Notre Dame, The University of Miami and Miami-Dade College are among the first higher education institutions taking concrete steps to help [...]
Convenience store operators still not convinced foodservice is the future take heed. The National Restaurant Association (NRA) is predicting record-high sales of $580 billion in 2010. Furthermore, of the 70 different retail segments NRA tracks, the group identified convenience stores as the food industry’s “bright spot” when it comes to meeting consumer demand for fresh [...]
Now that customers are used to finding fresh food at their local c- stores the pressure is on the roller grill to maintain its share of foodservice sales. Thanks to the innovation of retailers and suppliers alike, the roller grill continues to turn out strong sales. Chains are bundling meals with fountain drinks and chips [...]
Lettieri’s has selected five top-selling sandwiches from the QSR industry for their new Market Selects menu line. Lettieri’s has also made each sandwich bigger, better and bolder than traditional fast food fare, helping retailers compete with the QSR industry. Currently, the five Market Selects sandwiches include, spicy chicken, BBQ rib, country fried steak, big cheeseburger [...]
Deerfield, Ill.-based Walgreen Co. is getting into fresh foods and prepared meals to draw “time-starved” customers to its more than 7,000 stores, Business Week reported The drugstore chain has been talking with foodmakers including Unilever NV, Nestle SA and Sara Lee Corp. about creating private-label and branded products, according to Bryan Pugh, vice president of [...]