Beverage updates abounded in the c-store industry over the past month. Many retailers rolled into pumpkin spice season while others got more adventurous. On the food side, poultry was popular, with both chicken and turkey getting some attention.
Below is a look at some of the menu additions, both permanent and short-term, that c-stores have announced over the past month.
7-Eleven rolls out beverage LTOs
7-Eleven took a fresh look at pumpkin spice with two new drinks in its 7-Select line.
The pumpkin spice iced cappuccino offers a cool, caffeinated option, while the pumpkin apple crisp drink, available in cold brew or latte form, mixes two of fall’s most recognizable flavors with a hint of vanilla.
The company also debuted two new Slurpee flavors for bring-your-own-cup day earlier this month — both of which feature partnerships with other well-known brands. The Powerade Xtra Sour Grape Shocker gives customers a sour twist on traditional grape flavoring, drawing on the Coca-Cola-owned electrolyte drink flavor. There’s also the Nerds Strawberry flavor, which brings the taste of the popular Ferrara-owned candy to a cold drink.
EG America unveils plethora of new options
EG America has continued a streak of foodservice improvements with the recent introduction of several food and beverage options.
New hot drinks include pumpkin spice coffee, which is available through October, as well as Dubai hot chocolate, which combines hot cocoa and pistachio and is available through November while supplies last.
On the food side, EG America — which operates under banners including Cumberland Farms, Fastrac and Tom Thumb — has added a cheeseburger Tornado to its roller grill offering that includes ground beef, cheddar cheese, mustard and relish. Shoppers can also try an apple cider donut and a Johnsonville Cheddar Beer Brat on a pretzel bun.
Rutter’s welcomes fall beverage lineup
Rutter’s is also welcoming fall beverage flavors. In its coffee section, Rutter’s now offers maple pumpkin coffee, which includes pumpkin spice syrup and pumpkin pie creamer, as well as a pumpkin spice cappuccino.
For fans of cold drinks, Rutter’s has also added a pumpkin pie milkshake, made with milk from the retailer’s own dairy.
Finally, Rutter’s stores welcomed the return of Haunted Harvest Pumpkin Spice Ale, a collaboration with Rusty Rail Brewing Company in Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania. The beer offers notes of pumpkin, vanilla and spices.
Wawa partners with NFL player on new hoagie
Wawa marked the beginning of the NFL season by adding “The Saquon” to its lineup of hoagies.
This sandwich, named for Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, includes roasted turkey, American cheese, lettuce, onions and spicy mustard. Customers can also order The Saquon as a wrap.
Royal Farms adds wraps to menu
Royal Farms is now making all its subs available as wraps.
In addition to a build-your-own wrap, customers can choose varieties like the ROFO Buffalo, Smokey BBQ, Bacon Rancher, Chesapeake Chicken, Cordon Bleu Bird, Melty Marinara and Foghorn Club. Customers can also choose from classic, grilled or spicy chicken in each wrap.
The subs are a relatively new addition to Royal Farms’ menu, having been added in May.
Both subs and wraps can be purchased in a combo with a 20-ounce Pepsi product for $9.99 with a sub or $8.99 with a wrap.
In a nod to the season, Royal Farms also added pumpkin spice coffee and cappuccino back to the menu.
Weigel’s debuts spicy chicken
Weigel’s has launched Knoxville Hot Dippin’ Chicken at its 85 convenience stores. The chicken tenders are cooked fresh in stores and feature a coating with a tangy heat, the company announced.
Customers can pair the new tenders with a can of Liquid Death canned water for $6 as part of Weigel’s $6W Menu. The chicken sandwich is also a potential reward from the digital scratch-and-win game in the MyWeigel’s app.
Loop tries fusion food with Spam musubi
Loop Neighborhood Market added Spam musubi to its grab-and-go menu.
The Hawai’ian snack includes grilled Spam on top of a block of rice and wrapped in a band of seaweed. The dish, which is available at most of the company’s locations, comes in regular and hot & spicy varieties.
Nisqually Markets, which operates several markets in Washington state, also recently added Spam musubi to its menu.
Casey’s gets first crack at new packaged beverage flavor
Casey’s General Stores is the first retailer to offer the new Sparkling Ice Caffeine cherry cola flavor. Sparkling Ice is a zero-sugar flavored sparkling water brand.
Customers can also buy a slice of Casey’s pizza and a Sparkling Ice Caffeine cherry cola for $4.
