C-Stores and Nontraditional Models
The iconic Philly cheesesteaks franchise is a perfect fit for c-store and nontraditional locations
When customers walk into a gas station or convenience store, the last thing they expect is fresh, high quality foods that are made-to-order, let alone offerings such as the classic Philly cheesesteak. But all that’s about to change as Charleys Philly Steaks makes a big splash in a market segment that is poised for growth: gas stations and convenience stores.
Increasingly, gas stations and convenience stores are becoming more than just a quick stop for gas and snacks. With the amount of traffic that these stores attract on a daily basis, it only makes sense for gas station and convenience store owners to start offering more appealing menu items.
Recently, even Forbes magazine reported on how convenience stores are biting into fast food’s market share as these locations evolve their food offerings beyond “the stereotypical, hours-old hot dogs on a roller grill and the effort is likely eating into quick-service restaurant’s market share.” Two studies highlight this major trend: the National Association of Convenience Stores finding that food-service sales now make up 23% of sales at convenience stores in the U.S., and a report from GasBuddy that shows 56% of Americans purchase meals at least once a month at gas station/convenience stores, with younger customers making up a strong portion of the segment.
“Convenience retailers with compelling food-service programs are a growing threat to quick-service restaurants,” Frank Beard, convenience store trends analyst at GasBuddy, said in the Forbes article. “Data shows that people choose convenience stores over fast food locations because of the convenience of an all-in-one stop for fuel and food, followed by a preference for the taste of the food at c-stores.”
We’re rapidly expanding into c-stores
Charleys Philly Steaks is a great choice for gas station/convenience store owners who want to make their business more profitable without having to invest in substantial build out. As a result, Charleys Philly Steaks is opening locations at an unprecedented rate. Already, Charleys Philly Steaks has 20 C-stores open and many more under development. And it doesn’t stop there – the franchise has an incredibly active pipeline of new locations within gas station/convenience stores approaching nearly 30 new locations.
What makes Charleys Philly Steaks an attractive investment for existing gas station/convenience store owners is that our business footprint is flexible and adaptable, and only requires a small footprint. As a result, our business model is set up perfectly to work with co-branding opportunities in convenience and gas station locations. Time and again, the low cost investment of opening a Charleys Philly Steak location within existing gas station/convenience stores has proven to give a huge financial boost to locations with little effort.
The demand for convenience isn’t going anywhere within our on-the-go lifestyle, and as customers increasingly look for food options at gas stations/convenience stores, those that offer upgraded menu options are going to see the biggest rewards.
After the huge success of Charleys Philly Steaks partnering with retail mega-giant Walmart to open hundreds of restaurants in their chains across the country, it’s no wonder Charleys Philly Steaks has become one of America’s favorite sandwich shops that offers the classic Philly cheesesteak and much more. Gas stations and convenience stores are just the next logical retail space where Charleys Philly Steaks is set to thrive.
Ready to open a Charleys Philly Steaks franchise in your c-store?
To learn more about what it takes to add a Charleys Philly Steaks to your existing gas station/convenience store location, visit our research pages or request more information here.
