2025
9
US Convenience Store Foodservice Market Report 2025
2025-02-19T16:04:12+00:00
REPA2CDA5AF_F221_4A84_9F55_DEB38E72C6F8
3695
179620
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Report
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The US convenience store foodservice market is rapidly expanding, projected to reach $72.5 billion in 2025, driven by consumers seeking quick, fresh and high-quality meal options. Nearly half of consumers…
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  6. US Convenience Store Foodservice Market Report 2025

US Convenience Store Foodservice Market Report 2025

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The US convenience store foodservice market is rapidly expanding, projected to reach $72.5 billion in 2025, driven by consumers seeking quick, fresh and high-quality meal options. Nearly half of consumers already view c-store foodservice as a convenient choice when in a rush, highlighting its appeal as a fast food alternative with room to further improve perceptions.

Evolving consumer preferences for fresher options, personalization, and digital convenience, particularly among younger, tech-savvy shoppers, will continue to carve out larger opportunities for c-stores. Despite this growth, economic challenges such as inflation and energy costs will continue to influence spending habits, making affordability and value key factors. Smaller stores, like local corner stores and boutique c-stores, may also struggle against major chains expanding their footprint and elevating their foodservice offerings.

C-stores have a major opportunity to compete with QSRs by enhancing their fresh, ready-to-eat meal options. As snacking habits become more routine, c-stores can hone in on positioning themselves as go-to destinations for on-the-go consumers looking for quality and convenience.

This report looks at the following areas:

  • C-store visitation and shopping frequency
  • Types of foodservice items purchased at c-stores
  • Consumer interest in c-store concepts
  • Consumer behaviors and perceptions towards c-store foodservice
  • Consumer attitudes towards c-store foodservice

Convenience stores are transforming into go-to destinations for foodservice needs, offering quick, quality meals that rival QSRs.

Pooja Lal, Research Analyst

Market Definitions

For the purposes of this Report, Mintel defines convenience stores as establishments that retail a limited line of goods, primarily groceries and ready-to-consume beverages and snacks, in easily accessible locations. The majority of convenience stores also sell motor fuel. According to the NACS (National Association of Convenience Stores), common characteristics of convenience stores include:

  • Building size of less than 5,000 square feet
  • Stock of at least 500 SKUs
  • Off-street parking and/or convenient pedestrian access
  • Extended hours of operation with many open 24 hours a day, seven days a week

Note: Sales data in this Report includes foodservice sales only and excludes sales of retail products (eg CPG) and sales of gasoline. Foodservice outlets that are franchised and/or operated by third parties, such as a Subway operating in a c-store, are also excluded from the market size.

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  1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

    • What you need to know
    • Market size & forecast
    • Market predictions
    • What consumers want & why
    • Opportunities
    • Keep sights on AFH snacking
    • Graph 1: foodservice snacking purchase location, 2018 vs. 2023
    • Cater to consumer needs in the era of weight loss drugs
    • Brace for impact and embrace the EV evolution…
    • …yet there are challenges to watch for
  2. MARKET DYNAMICS

    • Market context
    • Market drivers
    • Economic pressures will continue to influence purchasing behaviors
    • Graph 2: consumer price index change from previous period, 2023-24
    • Food and drink is a key c-store visitation factor
    • Graph 3: convenience store trip types, 2024
    • Major c-store players are expanding their footprint
    • …while boutique and local corner c-store shops face challenges
    • With new infrastructure, convenience is being redefined
    • Market size and forecast
    • Convenience store foodservice sales continue to grow YOY
    • Total US sales and forecast of convenience-store foodservice
    • Total US sales and forecast of convenience store foodservice
    • Market segmentation
    • C-stores are targeting a bigger share of the FS market
    • Convenience store sales and forecast of prepared food
    • Graph 4: [no title]
    • Convenience store sales, by segment
  3. CONSUMER INSIGHTS

    • Consumer fast facts
    • Convenience store visitation
    • C-store visitation experiences a slow down in 2024
    • Graph 5: convenience store visitation, 2023-24
    • Older consumers are less likely to shop at c-stores
    • Graph 6: convenience store visitation, by generation, 2024
    • Give women more reason to visit c-stores
    • Graph 7: convenience store visitation, by gender, 2024
    • Convenience store shopping frequency
    • Make c-store visits more impactful and build on routine visitation
    • Graph 8: convenience store shopping frequency, 2023-24
    • Millennials are the most engaged c-store shoppers
    • Graph 9: convenience store shopping frequency, by generation, 2024
    • C-stores offer the ease that parents need
    • Graph 10: convenience store shopping frequency, by gender, 2024
    • Convenience store foodservice consumption
    • Leverage snacking to drive traffic outside traditional mealtimes
    • Strike the balance between convenience, freshness, and quality
    • Graph 11: convenience store foodservice consumption, 2024
    • “Snackify” offerings to encourage consumption beyond breakfast, lunch and dinner
    • Pave a path to further explorations
    • Leverage accommodation in the c-store FS experience
    • Baked goods and coffee are core, but opportunities exist to grow fresh offerings
    • Graph 12: convenience store foodservice consumption, by frequency of convenience store foodservice consumption, 2024
    • Tailor products and experiences to shifting generational needs
    • Graph 13: convenience store foodservice consumption – NET – any item, by generation, 2024
    • Fresh and prepared items are top of mind
    • Graph 14: convenience store foodservice consumption, by generation, 2024
    • Take cues from grab n’ go foodservice in the UK
    • Convenience store concept interest
    • Fresher food options are on the radar…
    • Graph 15: convenience store concept interest, 2024
    • …but younger consumers are focused on tech amenities
    • Graph 16: convenience store concept interest, by generation, 2024
    • Frequent shoppers want more food options and streamlined ways to buy them
    • Graph 17: convenience store concept interest, by frequency of convenience store foodservice consumption, 2024
    • Quality and practicality can go hand in hand
    • Deliver on freshness for women and tech for men
    • Graph 18: convenience store concept interest, by gender, 2024
    • Convenience store behaviors/perceptions
    • Make convenience stores a top destination for foodservice
    • Strengthen weak points to build long-term loyalty with Gen Z
    • Graph 19: convenience store behaviors/perceptions, by generation, 2024
    • Hone in on value to stay competitive with LSRs
    • Graph 20: convenience store behaviors/perceptions, by financial situation, 2024
    • Provide meal and snacktime solutions for families
    • Graph 21: convenience store behaviors/perceptions, by parental status, 2024
    • Convenience store attitudes
    • Quality coffee can serve as a foundation for new customer routines
    • Graph 22: convenience store attitudes – satisfaction, 2024
    • Make building frequency a priority
    • Graph 23: convenience store attitudes – satisfaction – Net – Any agree, by frequent shoppers, 2024
    • Balance exclusivity with practicality
    • Graph 24: convenience store attitudes – menu, 2024
    • Classic items that promise freshness will resonate
    • Graph 25: convenience store attitudes – menu – Any agree, by household income, 2024
    • Loyalty apps help deliver on the core promise: convenience
    • Graph 26: convenience store attitudes – apps and value, 2024
    • Balance trendy products with trusted classics to win across generations
    • Graph 27: convenience store attitudes – apps and value – Any agree, by generation, 2024
  4. INNOVATION AND MARKETING STRATEGIES

    • Launch activity and innovation
    • Spotlight on Gas N Wash in Chicago
    • C-stores are engaging customers through gamification
    • Customization on the menu
    • 7-Eleven tests Japanese inspired meals and snacks on the west coast
    • Marketing and advertising
    • QSRs inspire c-store meal deals
    • Beverage deals as a gateway to increased dining
    • C-store coffee gets a revamp
  5. APPENDIX

    • Market definition
    • Consumer research questions
    • Consumer research methodology
    • Generations
    • Abbreviations and terms
    • Forecast methodology
    • Forecast fan chart methodology
    • Market forecast table: total market (inflation-adjusted)
    • Market forecast table: prepared food (inflation-adjusted)
    • Market forecast table: hot dispensed beverages (inflation-adjusted)
    • Market forecast table: frozen dispensed beverages (inflation-adjusted)
    • Market forecast table: cold dispensed beverages (inflation-adjusted)

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Mintel is the world’s leading market intelligence agency. We show you how consumers think today and tomorrow. As a trusted partner to industry leaders, we deliver game-changing insights to businesses across the globe, fuelling their marketing and innovation strategies that will shape the future.

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  • Interactive Databook: Mintel’s bespoke consumer data is presented as an interactive website, so you can deep dive into your chosen topic, explore demographics and download specific statistics.
  • Custom Presentation Tool: Easily incorporate selected research data and analysis into a tailor-made presentation to win over clients and stakeholders.

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