LAS VEGAS — The theme of this year’s National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) tradeshow, held Oct. 7-10 in Las Vegas, was “we are convenience,” a reminder to operators that they are selling an experience. Historically, a convenience store visit meant stopping for a gallon of milk or a loaf of bread on the way home from work. Today, convenience stores are much more, offering made-to-order food, customized beverages and an array of snacks.

Total convenience store sales in the United States in 2023 were $859.8 billion, of which $327.6 billion were from in-store sales. The average basket — what customers spent per visit — increased 3.7% to $7.80.

Total convenience store foodservice sales, which includes prepared food; commissary; and hot, cold and frozen dispensed beverages, represented 26.9% of in-store sales in 2023, up 1.3 percentage points from the prior year. Profits from foodservice were 37.3% of total in-store profits.

Made-to-order foods have convenience stores operating as quick-service restaurants, said Stafford Shurden, the owner of Shurden Farms Inc., Drew, Miss., who spoke on Oct. 7. He believes the trend will continue to grow. Pre-made foods, such as those found on hot rollers, under heat lamps or require microwaving, continue to sell and are profitable, he said.

The growth in convenience store foodservice sales comes at a time when some consumer packaged goods brands are being challenged in the convenience channel. Some are blaming it on a decrease in foot traffic and the overall economy. Others believe it’s because the old mix of products does not speak to today’s convenience store shopper. It’s also about offering snackable products that accompany the fresh foodservice orders.