Dive Brief:
- Mooyah, a Texas-based burger QSR chain, has opened its first location adjacent to a c-store, a spokesperson confirmed to C-Store Dive.
- The site, alongside a Marathon gas station and convenience store in Flint, Michigan, is also the company’s first restaurant the state, the spokesperson said
- Mooyah expects to open more c-store-adjacent restaurants, according to the spokesperson. “Following strong initial interest and early performance indicators, we see meaningful opportunity for expansion in c-store–adjacent locations,” they said.
Dive Insight:
Convenience retailers are increasingly investing in QSRs at their stores as the industry continues to prioritize foodservice. That includes Burrito Express co-locating with several Circle K locations in the Phoenix area and Gate Petroleum teaming up with fellow Florida company Bono’s Pit Bar-B-Q.
Mooyah’s spokesperson noted that its latest location is designed to work in tandem with c-stores.
“Co-locating with fuel and convenience partners allows us to capture consistent daily traffic, provide a high-quality dining option in an underserved channel, and open in markets where traditional real estate may be limited or cost prohibitive,” said the spokesperson.
The Flint Mooyah officially opened on Nov. 17 and offers Mooyah’s full menu and brand experience despite having a smaller footprint than its other locations. This store design has been streamlined to work with c-stores, including having a more efficient kitchen, less back-of-house space and flexible seating options, according to the spokesperson.
“These adjustments allow us to preserve the MOOYAH experience while adapting to the operational realities and space constraints,” said the spokesperson.
