The Need For Speed in the Quick Service Fast Lane

Posted in Promotions on May 16, 2016

In our increasingly fast-paced world, the demand for super-quick, super-tasty snacks and meals is causing the competition for traditional quick service chains to enter warp speed. As more and more convenience and grocery stores are getting into the act—stocking isles with a mouthwatering array of prepared food options—QSRs have to create tempting offers to keep pace with this service shift.

Fact is, as consumers turn to multiple channels to purchase grab-and-go foods. C-stores and grocery stores are eating into QSRs’ market share as they compete for the same consumers during the same dining occasions.¹

With fewer than one in four U.S. consumers using QSRs as their exclusive foodservice providers for these meal occasions¹, it’s clear that c-stores and grocery stores continue to pick up speed in the race to provide faster, better, more convenient food options.

Dole Out Daypart Deals
Daypart and dining competition is racing round the clock to feed the public appetite for food on the go. QSRs that rely on breakfast and lunch business may see a dwindling customer base as convenience stores step up their freshly prepared offerings. To maintain a strong customer base, QSRs can:

• Bundle breakfast options
• Offer meal deals
• Create exciting LTOs
• Build loyalty with frequency cards
• Set up online ordering
• Try delivery and/or curbside pick-up

Another competitive daypart: between-meal purchases and snacks.¹ This is where c-stores grab the highest shares of the traditional QSR consumer base with products like coffee, snack items, and soft drinks. To bring some business back into the QSR during off-hours, operators can:

• Give a free coffee or treat with a purchase
• Feature a Buy 1, Get 1 promotion for small treats
• Create a “snack happy hour” offering all snack-like menu items for only $1

Bottom-line: C-stores and groceries are no flash in the pan in the race to take the lead in the growing ready-to-consume food market. As they grab their piece of the pie, what are you doing to keep up? Tell us about your experiences in the quick service fast lane.

1 “The Competition for Quick Foodservice Visits Heats Up”, Convenience Store News, January 26, 2016, http://www.csnews.com/%25cat%25competition-quick-foodservice-visits-heats

Topics in this article

Promotions, Loyalty, Delivery, Breakfast, quick service restaurants