Quality, Variety Drive Roller Grill Sales (C Store Decisions)

Posted to CStoreDecisions.com by Marilyn Odesser-Torpey

Odesser-Torpey reports that the National Hot Dog & Sausage Council says “hot dog sales were up 12.9% over last year” dollarwise, equating to more than $3 billion in sales. To capitalize on these increased sales

“… many convenience stores are building out new units with expanded roller grill capacity, and consumers appear to believe that the roller grill can still deliver fresh and quality products,” (John) Benson (partner in the restaurants, hospitality and leisure practice at AlixPartners consulting firm) explained. “Promotions that bundle roller grill items with a drink or another snack especially appeal to value-focused customers and impulse buyers who may not be otherwise visiting with the intent of purchasing prepared foods.”

Continue reading at CStoreDecisions.com.

Bundling, Variety Could Buoy Roller Grill Sales in 2022 (C Store Decisions)

Written by Marilyn Odesser-Torpey for cstoredecisions.com

“I think they have a bit of an uphill battle relative to other c-store foodservice offerings because consumers are increasingly looking for c-store food offerings that are prepared on-site and customizable such as pizza, tacos or burritos,” (Ann) Golladay (associate director on the content team at Datassential) said. “Roller grill items have often been an impulse and value play.”

Odesser-Torpey writes that early 2021 saw a 41% increase over 2020’s for roller grills, as reported by C-store operators. In order to continue driving sales, retailers should consider new bundle deals for the roller grill that include drinks, sides, or even desserts. There are “opportunities to differentiate (yourself) from other stores in the community withy fun promotions and bundles … for a value price.”

Read the entire article at cstoredecisions.com

Is a Roller Grill Right for Your C-Store? (C Store Decisions)

Written by Isabelle Gustafson for cstoredecisions.com

Gustafson points out that as more and more convenience stores are choosing foodservice options that are closer to quick-serve restaurants, consumers may no longer be reaching for the roller grill: “As with all c-store segments, operators must ask themselves whether the roller grill is the best fit at their locations.”

What makes a roller grill right for your c-store? Gustafon suggests several key reasons why it might:

• Roller grills are great space savers, particularly for stores with smaller footprints or other space limiting needs

• The self-serve aspect is essential for stores with a smaller labor force

• And they’re grab-and-go, which makes it perfect for locations where customers are in a hurry and need something that’s ready when they are

Read the entire article at cstoredecisions.com

What is the Roller Grill? (CStore Decisions)

Written by Jim Callahan for cstoredecisions.com

Image Credit: CStore Decisions

Callahan discusses several key items that retailers should be doing in order to keep their customers’ excited about the roller grill–and it’s not just about keeping the product on the grill fresh! It’s also important to keep the restrooms clean and the fountain area tidy, otherwise, customers will begin to think that the roller grill is also unkempt.

First and foremost, take this one to heart – the cleanliness of your Rest Rooms will always be key to the success of your Prepared Food sales. A huge percentage of consumers equate the sight, smell and proper stocking of your Rest Rooms with the quality of your Food offerings.  Further, it is not a failure that they will easily forgive you for!

Nashville Hot Chicken RollerBites (CStore Decisions)

Written by Isabelle Gustafson for cstoredecisions.com

Image Credit: Home Market Foods

Some flavors are just too hot to keep away for long. Nashville Hot Chicken RollerBites are back — to bring some serious heat to your grill or hot case, satisfying your customers’ spicy cravings.

Home Market Foods has brought back the Nashville Hot Chicken RollerBites for the roller grill.

Johnsonville Debuts New Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage (CStore Decisions)

Image courtesy Johnsonville.

Posted by Isabelle Gustafson to CStoreDecisions.com

CStore Decisions is reporting that Johnsonville has a new flavor available for the roller grill, their Ultimate Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage.

All products in the Ultimate Sausage line can be prepared with multiple cooking methods, such as the roller grill, microwave, flat top griddle, gas grill, steamer and convection oven.

Read more at CStoreDecisions.com

Johnsonville Introduces Digital Merchandiser in C-Stores (CSP Daily News)

Posted to CSPDailyNews.com by Brett Dworski.

Roller grill merchandiser with integrated digital menu board.

The merchandiser features a digital screen that displays menu items, build suggestions, topping ideas, special promotions, flavor descriptions, photos and nutritional information. It also contains a flash-drive insert for users to upload their own flavors and recipes.

Continue reading at cspdailynews.com

Foodservice Favorites Radiate (Convenience Store Decisions)

Posted to CStoreDecisions.com by Lisa White

Heavy on pizza program information, this article closes out with some great thoughts on diversifying roller grill options. 

'“We wanted to get creative and see what was trending, and bacon was hot,” said Krebs. “Visually on the roller grill, this product looks different and catches customers’ attention. Now, it’s our second best-selling item behind the traditional hot dog.”'

Read more at CStoreDecisions.com.