Gourmet food helps drive convenience store traffic

NEW YORK — As convenience retailers continue to expand their foodservice offerings, a new feature in The Wall Street Journal highlights how gas station fare has evolved from a quick snack option into a destination dining experience.

The article points to a growing “gas station dining renaissance,” fueled by changing consumer tastes and the increasing importance of foodservice to convenience store operators. Celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern told the publication that today’s roadside food scene reflects a return to the quality-focused dining culture that existed before the interstate highway system shifted the focus toward speed and convenience.

Foodservice has become a critical growth driver for c-store operators as tobacco sales decline and alcohol sales soften. According to Technomic, 95% of convenience retailers now view foodservice as a strategic priority, while 80% say the success of their food program is essential to overall store performance.

The numbers back up that strategy. Data from the National Association of Convenience Stores shows foodservice accounted for nearly 29% of in-store sales in 2025, up from 23% in 2021.

The Journal highlighted several convenience store food favorites that have developed loyal followings, including breakfast pizza at Casey's General Stores, brisket sandwiches at Buc-ee's, Italian hoagies at Wawa and Japanese egg salad sandwiches at 7-Eleven.

The trend also extends beyond national chains. Regional operators and independent locations such as Fuel City in Texas, Mr. Kabob in Michigan, El Carajo in Miami and Whoa Nellie Deli in California were cited for menu items ranging from street tacos and shawarma to paella and mahi-mahi tacos.

Consumer perceptions appear to be shifting alongside the food offerings. A 2025 survey from InTouch Insight found that 72% of consumers viewed convenience stores as a desirable alternative to traditional fast-food and fast-casual restaurants, reflecting growing acceptance of c-stores as legitimate meal destinations.

For convenience retailers, the message is clear: foodservice is no longer a supporting category. Increasingly, it is becoming a primary driver of traffic, customer loyalty and sales growth.