7-Eleven Scores with Free Pizza for the Big Game: Grocerant Guru's Insights on Why Free Food Works

 

For football fans feeling sidelined because their favorite teams didn’t make it to the Big Game, 7-Eleven Inc. is serving up some consolation—a free pizza to bring smiles to disappointed fans. The convenience store powerhouse is delivering this delicious gesture through its 7NOW Delivery app, where customers making their first order can enjoy a complimentary whole pizza pie, including popular options like Extreme Meat or Philly Cheesesteak.

As the Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®, I can assure you that offering free food is one of the most compelling brand invitations in the industry. Why? Because food, particularly when it’s free, triggers emotional connections with customers and lowers the perceived barrier of entry to trying other menu items. Free food builds trust, creates brand affinity, and motivates trial behavior that often leads to repeat purchases—a crucial strategy for any convenience store looking to grow its fresh food offerings.

Food industry research has consistently shown that promotions like this work wonders for brand engagement. A recent study revealed that 80% of consumers are more likely to return to a brand after a positive freebie experience, and nearly 60% end up purchasing additional items during their next visit. For a brand as storied as 7-Eleven, this promotion is not only a smart way to re-engage customers but also a nostalgic nod to childhood memories of Slurpee runs. Many customers first fell in love with 7-Eleven as kids, and a well-placed “welcome back” promotion can reignite that loyalty.

Why It Works: Nostalgia Meets Innovation Nostalgia is a powerful driver in today’s food landscape. For decades, children across the country made trips to 7-Eleven for Slurpees and quick treats. As adults, they’re not opposed to revisiting this beloved brand—especially when an enticing offer like free pizza beckons. By tapping into this emotional tie, 7-Eleven strengthens its relevance and invites consumers to explore its evolving food and drink lineup.

Promotional Plays to Drive Big Game Success In addition to the free pizza offer, 7-Eleven has crafted other game-winning deals on the 7NOW Delivery app:

·         BOGO Pizza: Buy one large pizza, get one free. Double the flavor, double the fun.

·         Save on Party Essentials: Customers can save $20 on a $30 order with promo code “BIGGAME.”

·         $5 Off Beer: Large beer packs are discounted by $5, ideal for pairing with pizzas and enhancing any game day celebration.

"At 7-Eleven, we know the Big Game is about more than just football — it's about gathering with friends, enjoying delicious food, and making lasting memories," said Brandon Brown, senior vice president of fresh foods at 7-Eleven. "Whether you're a football fanatic, a halftime show enthusiast, or simply a pizza lover, we're here to support your game day experience with free pizza and other tasty deals that will make everyone feel like a winner."

A Fresh Playbook for Customer Adoption 7-Eleven’s robust delivery app, now with real-time tracking for speedy 30-minute deliveries, ensures convenience and reliability. These offers are not only designed to meet consumer needs but to entice first-time customers to explore more—from craft beers to hot snacks—and build an emotional connection with the brand. Beyond the Big Game, this strategy creates an opportunity to drive habitual ordering patterns as customers integrate 7-Eleven into their everyday routines.

7-Eleven’s Legacy as a Food Innovator With more than 13,000 stores across the U.S. and Canada, 7-Eleven continues to solidify its place at the intersection of convenience and food innovation. The company’s portfolio, including Speedway, Stripes, Laredo Taco Co., and Raise the Roost Chicken and Biscuits locations, further extends its footprint and capabilities in serving modern consumers.

As the Grocerant Guru® in the grocerant space, I see this initiative as a win not just for 7-Eleven but for customers rediscovering why the brand is synonymous with convenience. Offering free food is more than a gimmick—it’s an open invitation to a richer, tastier world of possibilities that no football fan should pass up.

Invite Foodservice Solutions® to complete a Grocerant ScoreCard, or for product positioning or placement assistance, or call our Grocerant Guru®.  Since 1991 Foodservice Solutions® of Tacoma, WA has been the global leader in the Grocerant niche. Contact: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us or 253-759-7869

Revolutionizing Grab-and-Go: Kwik Trip’s Portable Packaging Innovation

 

Portability, packaging, and profits have a new champion in convenience store food innovation: Kwik Trip. Foodservice Solutions® Grocerant Guru® Steven Johnson declares, “Success leaves clues, and Kwik Trip’s commitment to expanding fresh fast-food portability with innovative packaging empowers consumer choice while driving the grocerant niche through mix-and-match meal component bundling.”

Fresh Food Discovery

Millennials and Gen Z, constantly in search of fresh food discovery, are embracing Kwik Trip’s latest Grab-and-Go innovations. Transparent, sustainable, and customer-centric, their new food packaging elevates the ‘better-for-you’ halo while bolstering the store’s reputation as a food destination. As Johnson explains, “Mix-and-match hot food meal component bundling is Kwik Trip’s way of answering the consumer demand for on-the-go convenience that fits seamlessly into evolving meal planning trends.”

Packaging Excellence

The state-of-the-art Kwik Trip Grab-and-Go container—a sleek, durable, resealable pouch—addresses the need for quality and sustainability. The packaging, which is oven and microwave safe, incorporates innovative features such as steam-venting perforations to maintain crispness, a heat-retaining inner layer, and clear sections for product visibility. Its sturdy design includes a comfortable handle for easy portability.

Kwik Trip’s Director of Food Innovation, stated, “Our new packaging redefines hot food portability. It’s a practical, environmentally thoughtful solution that ensures product integrity while offering convenience unmatched in the market today.” … “This innovation aligns perfectly with consumer trends for smaller meals and personalized meal planning.”

Driving Change with Fresh Offerings

The new packaging rollout introduces 15 new hot Grab-and-Go menu items, including spicy popcorn chicken, mac and cheese bites, sweet potato tots, cheddar-stuffed jalapeños, boneless barbecue wings, and bacon-wrapped shrimp. Customers can mix and match their favorites, enhancing customization opportunities for meals and snacks.

These fresh offerings target consumers’ growing preference for smaller, fresher, and more frequent eating occasions. … “We’re shifting customer perceptions—hot food at Kwik Trip isn’t just convenient; it’s elevated, quality dining you can take anywhere.”

The Four Reasons Kwik Trip Will Drive Incremental Customer Adoption

1.       Cutting-Edge Packaging Innovation: Kwik Trip’s Grab-and-Go pouches keep food fresh, crisp, and visually appealing while showcasing their brand, turning every product into a walking advertisement.

2.       Enhanced Menu Variety: The new lineup of 15 ready-to-eat items provides consumers with fresh, indulgent options that cater to all tastes.

3.       Sustainability Commitments: By adopting reusable and environmentally responsible materials, Kwik Trip meets the increasing consumer demand for green solutions.

4.       Convenience Redefined: By eliminating wait times while ensuring food quality, Kwik Trip’s packaging and food program guarantee an elevated customer experience that’s fast and fulfilling.

Empowering Growth and Innovation

Kwik Trip’s innovative approach demonstrates how portability, mix-and-match bundling, and quality packaging drive incremental sales and customer loyalty. Foodservice Solutions® specializes in helping brands like Kwik Trip identify and maximize opportunities in the grocerant niche—proving that portability and packaging are key pillars of future foodservice growth.

Don’t overreach. Are you ready for some fresh ideations? Do your food marketing ideations look more like yesterday than tomorrow? Interested in learning how Foodservice Solutions® can edify your retail food brand while creating a platform for consumer convenient meal participation, differentiation, and individualization? Email us at: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us or visit us on our social media sites by clicking the following links: Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter.

The 7 Undercurrents Driving Grocerant Niche Adoption in 2025

 

The evolution of Ready-2-Eat and Heat-N-Eat fresh food has surged over the years, with 2025 proving to be a landmark moment for the grocerant niche. These retail food solutions cater to time-starved consumers seeking convenience, quality, and value. Steven Johnson, Foodservice Solutions® Grocerant Guru®, based in Tacoma, WA identifies seven powerful undercurrents driving this growth and adoption based on over 11,370 Grocerant ScoreCards conducted to date.

1. Heightened Competition for Share of Stomach

The grocerant sector continues to expand as innovative companies challenge traditional foodservice outlets. Emerging players like Foxtrot Market, The Goods Mart, and Kitchen United Mix exemplify this trend, blending convenience and culinary excellence to capture modern consumers’ attention. Traditional grocers like Kroger have upped their game with more robust meal solution offerings, intensifying the battle for food dollars.

2. Enhanced Mix-and-Match Meal Bundling

Flexibility in meal choices remains a hallmark of the grocerant niche. Retailers and restaurants offering mix-and-match options empower customers to assemble their ideal meals. Leaders like H-E-B, Sheetz, and QuickChek are reimagining meal bundling with diverse, globally inspired components, aligning with evolving dietary preferences and expanding consumer appeal.

3. Customization and Personalization

Millennials and Gen Z demand tailored dining experiences. The ability to customize meals with dietary preferences, portion sizes, or specific ingredients drives loyalty and sales. Brands like Sweetgreen, Chipotle, and Tesco Finest Meal Deal enable this individualization, fostering deeper connections with their audiences by promoting choice and transparency.

4. Small Plates, Big Flavors, and Portability

Portability remains a key attribute in the grocerant segment, with on-the-go options growing exponentially. Popular formats include small plates with bold, authentic flavors. Leading chains and stores, from Trader Joe’s single-serve entrées to 7-Eleven’s bento box offerings, cater to a wide range of tastes while prioritizing convenience and quality.

5. Technology-Driven Solutions

In 2025, tech-enabled grocerants are offering streamlined pickup and delivery experiences. Smart refrigerators, app-based ordering systems, and AI-driven inventory management bolster operational efficiency while enhancing customer satisfaction. Companies like Amazon Fresh and Just Walk Out by Amazon demonstrate the integration of technology in reshaping the retail food landscape.

6. Health-Conscious and Ethical Choices

Today’s consumers are more informed and selective about what they eat. The growth of plant-based meals, sustainable packaging, and ethically sourced ingredients underpins many grocerant offerings. PLNT Burger and Imperfect Foods have built success on this premise, proving that sustainable can also be profitable.

7. Dynamic Pricing Strategies

Aldi’s ethos—"Poor people must save, rich people like to"—remains a guiding principle in pricing strategies. Promotions, tiered meal bundles, and subscription discounts attract a diverse customer base. Lidl and Dollar General successfully integrate these strategies to ensure relevance across socioeconomic segments.

3 Food Marketing Trends That Ensure Grocerant Growth Will Continue

1.       Hyper-Personalized Marketing: Grocerants leverage consumer data to curate hyper-targeted promotions and loyalty programs, tailoring offers to individual preferences. Retailers like Albertsons utilize advanced analytics to ensure relevancy and boost engagement.

2.       Content-Driven Brand Engagement: Cooking tutorials, recipes featuring bundled items, and influencer partnerships are driving consumer interaction and educating audiences about the versatility of grocerant offerings. Whole Foods Market leads the charge with innovative digital content.

3.       Local Sourcing Partnerships: By emphasizing local and regional partnerships, grocerants strengthen brand trust and resonate with community values. Retailers such as Hy-Vee and Ralphs increasingly highlight farm-to-table partnerships to align with consumer priorities.

Understanding these undercurrents and trends is essential for brands aiming to stay competitive in 2025 and beyond. Grocerants that integrate customer relevance and continuous innovation will solidify their position as dominant players in the foodservice sector.

The 7 Undercurrents Driving Grocerant Niche Adoption in 2025

The evolution of Ready-2-Eat and Heat-N-Eat fresh food has surged over the years, with 2025 proving to be a landmark moment for the grocerant niche. These retail food solutions cater to time-starved consumers seeking convenience, quality, and value. Steven Johnson, Foodservice Solutions® Grocerant Guru®, identifies seven powerful undercurrents driving this growth and adoption based on over 10,000 Grocerant ScoreCards conducted to date.

1. Heightened Competition for Share of Stomach

The grocerant sector continues to expand as innovative companies challenge traditional foodservice outlets. Emerging players like Foxtrot Market, The Goods Mart, and Kitchen United Mix exemplify this trend, blending convenience and culinary excellence to capture modern consumers’ attention. Traditional grocers like Kroger and Publix Aprons Meals have upped their game with more robust meal solution offerings. Convenience stores such as Circle K, RaceTrac, and Casey’s General Stores are also investing heavily in high-quality, freshly prepared meal options, intensifying the battle for food dollars.

2. Enhanced Mix-and-Match Meal Bundling

Flexibility in meal choices remains a hallmark of the grocerant niche. Retailers and restaurants offering mix-and-match options empower customers to assemble their ideal meals. Leaders like H-E-B, Sheetz, and QuickChek are reimagining meal bundling with diverse, globally inspired components. Restaurants such as Panera Bread, Cava, and Essen Slow Food Fast are enhancing bundling concepts by integrating sides, entrées, and beverages tailored to evolving dietary preferences.

3. Customization and Personalization

Millennials and Gen Z demand tailored dining experiences. The ability to customize meals with dietary preferences, portion sizes, or specific ingredients drives loyalty and sales. Brands like Sweetgreen, Chipotle, and Tesco Finest Meal Deal enable this individualization, fostering deeper connections with their audiences by promoting choice and transparency. Convenience stores like Wawa, GetGo, and Rutter’s have added customizable sandwiches, salads, and coffee options to meet this demand.

4. Small Plates, Big Flavors, and Portability

Portability remains a key attribute in the grocerant segment, with on-the-go options growing exponentially. Popular formats include small plates with bold, authentic flavors. Leading chains and stores, from Trader Joe’s single-serve entrées to 7-Eleven’s bento box offerings, cater to a wide range of tastes while prioritizing convenience and quality. Restaurants like Panda Express, Zoës Kitchen, and Taco Bell Cantina have capitalized on bold, portable options for busy diners.

5. Technology-Driven Solutions

In 2025, tech-enabled grocerants are offering streamlined pickup and delivery experiences. Smart refrigerators, app-based ordering systems, and AI-driven inventory management bolster operational efficiency while enhancing customer satisfaction. Companies like Amazon Fresh and Just Walk Out by Amazon demonstrate the integration of technology in reshaping the retail food landscape. Restaurants such as Domino’s and Wingstop are leveraging advanced order tracking and AI-powered loyalty programs to keep customers engaged.

6. Health-Conscious and Ethical Choices

Today’s consumers are more informed and selective about what they eat. The growth of plant-based meals, sustainable packaging, and ethically sourced ingredients underpins many grocerant offerings. PLNT Burger, Imperfect Foods, and Beyond Sushi have built success on this premise, proving that sustainable can also be profitable. Convenience stores like Kwik Trip and Love’s Travel Stops now feature healthier snack options and vegan-friendly meals to capture this growing segment.

7. Dynamic Pricing Strategies

Aldi’s ethos—"Poor people must save, rich people like to"—remains a guiding principle in pricing strategies. Promotions, tiered meal bundles, and subscription discounts attract a diverse customer base. Lidl, Dollar General, and Save A Lot successfully integrate these strategies to ensure relevance across socioeconomic segments. Restaurants such as McAlister’s Deli and Cosi also leverage pricing promotions to encourage weekday traffic while boosting brand appeal.

3 Food Marketing Trends That Ensure Grocerant Growth Will Continue

1.       Hyper-Personalized Marketing: Grocerants leverage consumer data to curate hyper-targeted promotions and loyalty programs, tailoring offers to individual preferences. Retailers like Albertsons and restaurants like Noodles & Company utilize advanced analytics to ensure relevancy and boost engagement.

2.       Content-Driven Brand Engagement: Cooking tutorials, recipes featuring bundled items, and influencer partnerships are driving consumer interaction and educating audiences about the versatility of grocerant offerings. Whole Foods Market and restaurants such as Seasons 52 lead the charge with innovative digital content.

3.       Local Sourcing Partnerships: By emphasizing local and regional partnerships, grocerants strengthen brand trust and resonate with community values. Retailers such as Hy-Vee and restaurants like The Little Beet increasingly highlight farm-to-table partnerships to align with consumer priorities.

Understanding these undercurrents and trends is essential for brands aiming to stay competitive in 2025 and beyond. Grocerants that integrate customer relevance and continuous innovation will solidify their position as dominant players in the foodservice sector.

Don’t over reach. Are you ready for some fresh ideations? Do your food marketing ideations look more like yesterday than tomorrow? Interested in learning how Foodservice Solutions® can edify your retail food brand while creating a platform for consumer convenient meal participation, differentiation and individualization?  Email us at: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us or visit us on our social media sites by clicking the following links: Facebook,  LinkedIn, or Twitter

Consumers Want Value Meals Ready-2-Eat or Heat-N-Eat

 

For decades, grocerants food retailers blending grocery and restaurant conveniences—have redefined the way people eat, driven by evolving consumer needs according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.

Ready-2-Eat (RTE) and Heat-N-Eat (HNE) options have become core components of this revolution, offering consumers a way to enjoy quick, high-quality meals at home without compromising on flavor or variety. Significantly, restaurants and convenience stores have played a vital role in the widespread adoption of the grocerant niche, offering mix-and-match RTE and HNE meal options that expand choices and streamline dining.

In 2025, as food costs rise, a Harris Poll conducted for Flashfood reveals the pressing priorities of U.S. consumers: 83% prioritize saving money, and 81% aim to reduce food costs. While 89% believe cooking at home is cost-effective and healthier, time constraints and a lack of cooking skills push many toward the convenience of prepared foods from grocerants, restaurants, and convenience stores.

It's Time to Build a 

Larger Share of Stomach

A Historical View: Grocerant Evolution

The grocerant concept emerged in the 1990s when traditional grocery stores began offering prepared foods alongside standard aisles of ingredients. This evolution accelerated as restaurants and convenience stores entered the scene, using RTE and HNE meals to attract busy consumers. By providing mix-and-match meal components—like roasted chicken from grocery stores, sides from convenience stores, and sauces from restaurants—these sectors collectively elevated the appeal of grocerants.

Restaurants and C-Stores Fueling the Trend

Restaurants and convenience stores have been instrumental in shaping the grocerant experience, offering meal solutions that cater to consumer demands for both affordability and flexibility:

·         Restaurants: Quick-service and fast-casual restaurants have expanded into meal kits, heat-and-eat entrees, and prepared sides available in retail stores. Brands like Chick-fil-A and Panera Bread now offer signature menu items as ready-to-prepare meal kits, merging their dining expertise with at-home convenience.

·         Convenience Stores (C-Stores): Chains like 7-Eleven and Wawa have become leaders in mix-and-match meal components, with options such as pre-packaged salads, freshly made sandwiches, and microwavable sides, making it easy for consumers to assemble meals tailored to their tastes.

RTE/HNE vs. Cooking from Scratch

While cooking meals from scratch saves money, it often comes at the cost of time and effort. Preparing a meal can take 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, with added cleanup time, making RTE and HNE solutions the preferred choice for many. These options bridge the gap between convenience and quality, allowing consumers to enjoy home dining without the workload.

For instance:

·         A family dinner combining a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store, mashed potatoes from a convenience store, and a salad kit purchased at a restaurant makes meal preparation effortless.

·         Restaurant-branded HNE meal components allow consumers to recreate their favorite dishes without culinary expertise, expanding their repertoire without frustration.

Global Flavors at Home

As consumer tastes expand globally, grocerants, restaurants, and c-stores have become the gateways to international flavors without requiring extensive cooking knowledge. Heat-N-Eat dishes like Indian tikka masala, Mexican enchiladas, and Korean barbecue ribs offer diners authentic experiences in minutes.

Examples include:

·         Aldi: Bringing global discovery to consumers with affordable Ready-2-Eat meal kits featuring diverse cuisines.

·         7-Eleven: Offering international-inspired snack packs and microwavable meals tailored for busy individuals.

·         Wendy’s Grocery Partnerships: Expanding brand loyalty by introducing signature chili and dipping sauces into retail channels.

Value, Accessibility, and Sustainability

Mobile platforms like Flashfood further amplify the appeal of grocerants. By partnering with over 2,300 stores across North America, Flashfood offers discounts on fresh produce and Ready-2-Eat items, creating affordable options while reducing food waste. As the USDA projects food prices will increase by 1.9% in 2025, grocerants leveraging such technologies are well-positioned to capture consumer loyalty.

Why Grocerants Thrive

The integration of restaurants, convenience stores, and grocerants has cemented RTE and HNE meals as staples in modern dining. To maintain their trajectory, grocerants must continue to:

1.       Expand Mix-and-Match Options: Enable consumers to combine elements from various brands and categories to create customized meals.

2.       Embrace Value-Driven Offerings: Highlight cost savings compared to dining out while maintaining high-quality standards.

3.       Champion International Cuisine: Introduce more global flavors to broaden customer horizons.

4.       Partner Across Channels: Collaborate with restaurants and c-stores to co-brand meal kits, leveraging mutual consumer trust.

5.       Optimize Tech Integration: Use platforms like Flashfood to increase accessibility, foster sustainability, and drive traffic.

Think About This

In the battle to balance affordability, flavor, and time, the collaboration of grocerants, restaurants, and convenience stores has solidified RTE and HNE meals as transformative dining solutions. By offering mix-and-match meal components, these sectors provide consumers with flexibility and convenience while redefining what it means to "cook at home." As economic pressures continue to shape food choices, grocerants will remain central to the evolving dining landscape.

For international corporate presentations, regional chain presentations, educational forums, or keynotes contact: Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions.  His extensive experience as a multi-unit restaurant operator, consultant, brand / product positioning expert, and public speaking will leave success clues for all. For more information visit GrocerantGuru.com, FoodserviceSolutions.US or call 1-253-759-7869