In 2025, convenience stores are no longer simple pit stops for snacks and sodas—they’ve evolved into thriving hubs of freshly prepared, made-to-order foods. This shift is dramatically reshaping the landscape, making convenience stores formidable competitors in the foodservice arena. For convenience store managers aiming to stay competitive, understanding and leveraging made-to-order 2025 trends is critical.
The Made-to-Order 2025 Trends Outlook:
Intouch Insight recently published their “Convenience Store Trends Report 2025” which illustrated that made-to-order (MTO) foods are not merely an additional offering but have quickly become central to the convenience store model. According to their consumer surveys, nearly 85% of respondents have already tried made-to-order meals from convenience stores, showing its widespread acceptance and appeal among customers.
This trend shows no signs of slowing down. In 2024 alone, food service sales grew by 5%, and projections suggest an additional increase of 5.7% in 2025. Clearly, there is substantial opportunity for C-stores to generate revenue with customizable, freshly prepared food items.
What’s Driving this Surge?
According to their report, three primary factors underpin the dramatic rise in made-to-order food popularity:
- Changing Consumer Preferences
Today’s consumers demand more than a quick bite; they want quality, freshness, and the ability to customize their meals. The survey revealed a notable rise in purchases of full meals over snack-sized offerings. Specifically, hot meals purchased at convenience stores rose from 29% in 2024 to 35% in 2025, while salads increased from 20% to 25% over the same period. - Perception of Freshness and Quality
An impressive 43% of consumers view convenience store food as being as fresh as, or even fresher than, food available at grocery stores or quick-service restaurants (QSRs). Stores like Buc-ee’s, Sheetz, and Wawa, which prominently feature extensive made-to-order menus, have gained enormous popularity due to their food freshness, quick turnaround, and diverse meal offerings. - Value-Driven Appeal
In the current economy, perceived value is critical. A staggering 72% of consumers now see convenience stores as genuine alternatives to traditional QSRs, largely due to competitive pricing and appealing value meal options. Stores that offer appealing combo meals and discounts are effectively attracting cost-conscious customers who previously might have chosen QSRs for meal purchases.
Opportunities for Convenience Store Managers
Understanding these made-to-order 2025 trends is vital for convenience store managers aiming to maintain or improve their competitive edge. Here are some actionable insights:
- Allow Customers to Customize their Orders:
Investing in streamlined made-to-order workstations prioritizes customization and freshness while creating efficiency. Whether it’s sandwiches, salads, or hot meals, allowing customers to tailor their orders significantly enhances perceived value and freshness. - Offer Value-Driven Meal Bundles:
Value-priced meal deals can help you compete more effectively with fast food restaurants. For example, bundling a sandwich with chips and a drink is a great way to attract people looking for a good deal on a quick lunch. Now is a good time to make sure your promotional signage is up-to-date and your employees understand and promote our value meal deals. - Improve the In-store Experience:
Consider your dining area and what customers may need while they eat. Sure, a clean environment is a base requirement, but consumers are increasingly seeking added convenience like accessible outlets for recharging devices and free Wi-Fi. - Promote Your Loyalty Program:
Consumers enjoy getting a good deal, and a very popular way to offer savings is with a loyalty program. Nearly 3 out of 4 consumers participate in retail loyalty programs. Encourage your employees to promote the program at the register, and ensure your promotional signage is up-to-date.
Embrace the Made-to-Order 2025 Trends with H&S Energy
As consumer expectations evolve, so too must convenience stores. MTO foods are no longer a trend to watch—they are a strategic imperative. Stores excelling in providing diverse, freshly-made meal options will stand apart from competitors in this rapidly evolving market.
To fully capitalize on this opportunity, managers must ensure their foodservice execution consistently meets or exceeds consumer expectations. Investing in staff training, digital ordering platforms, and streamlined kitchen processes will be critical to delivering the quality and speed that customers now expect.
By strategically aligning operations with these made-to-order 2025 trends, convenience stores will remain relevant and thrive as customer preferences evolve. Now is the time to invest in enhancing foodservice capabilities, prioritizing value, and creating memorable in-store experiences that keep customers returning again and again.
Contact our team at H&S Energy today to learn more about how we can help your store achieve success!
