Coffee lovers who rush to work often don’t have the time to enjoy a homemade cup before they leave the house in the morning. However, if there’s a convenience store nearby that offers coffee and quick breakfast bites, they may still be able to get the boost needed to kickstart the day. Coffee is the second-most consumed beverage in the United States, and your store can take advantage of its ever-growing demand.
Here’s why you want to consider selling coffee and breakfast to maximize morning sales in your convenience store.
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The Breakfast Rush: A Profitable Opportunity
Convenience stores are a massive market in the U.S., and owners are always looking for ways to increase profits. One way of doing so involves offering coffee and breakfast items.
The Significance of the Morning Rush for Convenience Stores
Many Americans commute to work every day, and the morning rush provides an opportunity for convenience stores to increase profits. Stores offering breakfast bites and convenient coffee can see an increase in customers who understand that breakfast is the most important meal of the day but don’t have the time to make meals themselves.
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The Connection between Coffee and Breakfast Sales
Many people treat their morning coffee as breakfast, but pairing a nice cup with food is usually more advantageous. Coffee on an empty stomach can make people jittery, and while the caffeine provides an energy boost, the lack of calories means coffee drinkers aren’t getting actual energy. When you offer food and coffee, customers can enjoy the best of both worlds. People stopping for coffee on the way to work may also feel compelled to order a snack, and vice versa — people looking for a donut might add a coffee to their order.
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You’ll also want to offer a variety of options. Research indicates that 60% of breakfast eaters consider variety essential, and coffee drinkers like to be able to choose from different blends. After all, coffee shops are known for offering lots of blends and snacks, so why can’t convenience stores do the same?
On-the-Go Breakfast Consumption Trends and Statistics
The global on-the-go breakfast product market continues to grow. Between 2019 and 2026, experts predict a 4.2% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), with the market value expected to reach $1.9 billion by the end of 2026 — a growth of $600 million from 2019.
In North America, the on-the-go breakfast product market is forecasted to be valued at $415 million by the time 2026 ends. These global and local trends are promising for convenience stores looking to offer ready-made breakfast items.
The Importance of Quality Morning Coffee
A cup of quality morning coffee can set the tone for the day, but with endless flavor profiles and varieties, it can be hard to cater to everyone’s needs. Creating your own unique blend can set you apart from the competition. Customers will appreciate the quality and distinctiveness of your coffee, increasing your chances of them returning regularly to your store.
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Brewing Methods and Equipment for Convenience Stores
You have many options regarding coffee brewing methods and equipment, including:
- Drip coffee machines. Drip coffee is perhaps the most common commercial option and is brewed through a filter containing coffee grounds.
- Commercial espresso machines. Espresso machines are perfect for coffee drinkers who prefer lattes, mochas, or cappuccinos, and result in higher profit margins compared to drip coffee.
- Iced coffee jugs or machines. You can also serve iced coffee in a large pitcher or get a commercial iced coffee machine.
- Cups for Keurig or pods for Nespresso: These brewing options are available if you want to sell your new brew for customers to enjoy at home or on the go without waste.
- Cold brew: With cold brew pitcher packs, you can keep your cold brew container full.
With these options, customers can serve themselves to get in, out, and on their way quickly. To choose the equipment for your store, gather customer feedback. Perhaps you could create a short survey and offer coupons to customers who fill it out.
At Joe’s Garage Coffee, we have various brewing options that can be tailored to your specifications. If you have a compatible coffee machine, we can help you create the perfect blend.
Customization Options and Coffee Varieties
If you have your own coffee beans, we at Joe’s Garage Coffee can create a one-of-a-kind blend based on your requirements. You can also sample our selection of beans to find what you’re looking for.
If you go the customization route, here’s what you can expect:
- Send us your coffee beans and your brewing instructions.
- After brewing your coffee, our team will evaluate its flavor, extraction levels, and cup quality.
- We’ll convert your coffee into packaged samples to get your feedback.
- To ensure you’re satisfied, we’ll continue sampling until the coffee meets your expectations.
When you’re satisfied, we’ll provide your coffee in the appropriate packaging.
Breakfast Offerings in Convenience Stores
Your breakfast offerings can boost your morning sales. Consider the following hot and cold on-the-go breakfast items.
Hot and Cold On-the-Go Breakfast Items
Whether customers spot the perfect quick meal in the fridge or find hot breakfast options in the warmer, here are a few items that may attract their attention:
- Plain or filled donuts
- Muffins, pies, croissants, and other pastries
- Bagels
- Toasted sandwiches
- Chicken, beef, or vegetarian wraps
- Granola or protein bars
When paired with a cup of coffee, these options make for a filling, convenient breakfast.
Strategies for Improving Breakfast Offerings
Keeping items fresh and affordable may attract customers, as would offering combo deals. For example, you could give customers a free coffee with the purchase of a breakfast item, like a bagel or donut. Who doesn’t love a BOGO promotion?
Competitive Edge: Innovation and Technology
Incorporating innovative ideas and technology will give you an advantage in the market. Staying ahead of trends and keeping customers happy is key.
Innovations in Breakfast and Coffee Services in Convenience Stores
With the demand for ready-to-eat breakfast products increasing, many convenience store owners are finding innovative ways to stay current. Focusing on healthier, fresher food alternatives is one way of adapting to a health-conscious market. Increasing the available breakfast options is another way to appeal to a wider market.
Coffee innovations will also make you stand out. Offer your own blend when you work with a private label coffee manufacturer, or infuse coffee ingredients with vitamins and supplements for an unparalleled tasting experience.
The Role of Technology in Streamlining Operations and Enhancing Customer Experience
Working closely with a coffee contract manufacturer is beneficial in numerous ways. They have the facilities to produce premium coffee for convenience stores, saving you time and money. Experts in the manufacturing process use the latest technology to deliver the highest quality coffee at short lead times.
For peace of mind, an established commercial coffee laboratory provides testing services to verify the ingredients with relevant certification as proof. Such services will help streamline operations and enhance your customer experience so you can focus on running your convenience store.
Emerging Trends in the Industry
Convenience stores adapt to the changing times by keeping up with emerging industry trends. For example, the future may see convenience stores offering coffee loyalty cards for customers that allow them to earn a free coffee after so many purchases. Convenience stores may also become meeting spots in the future, and people who aren’t in a rush to get to work may stick around for a while after purchasing their coffee and breakfast.
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Contact Joe’s Garage Coffee for Your Convenience Store Coffee Needs
Whether you are looking for innovative ways to revamp your breakfast coffee offerings or are interested in introducing a new coffee range to your convenience store menu, Joe’s Garage Coffee is the solution. We offer superior coffee products and can be your co-packaging partner.
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