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Limited‑time offers have become far more than seasonal menu add‑ons. Across foodservice, operators are using LTOs as a strategic tool to drive trial, spark excitement, and keep menus feeling dynamic, without adding long‑term complexity. When planned intentionally, LTOs can support growth, test new ideas, and give customers a reason to come back again and again. Here are three ways operators across segments can think differently about LTOs today: 1. Use LTOs to invite trial without

Chicken continues to dominate c‑store foodservice, and the numbers prove it. According to Datassential, limited‑service retailers sold $52 billion worth of chicken in Q4 2025, and U.S. consumers ate an average of 103 pounds of chicken last year. With chicken driving both cravings and traffic, it’s no surprise that retailers are experimenting with new ways to structure low‑cost meal deals that appeal to value‑focused shoppers. What’s especially interesting isn’t just what they’re offering, it’s how

Recent Datassential insights highlight seven foodservice segments driving growth across c-stores right now. What connects them? Each one translates seamlessly into high-quality, craveable, operationally reliable grab-and-go formats. Here’s how operators can tap into the momentum: 𝟭. 𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀Burritos continue to dominate, with 83% of consumers expressing strong interest. They deliver portability, value, and customization.Try: Offer tightly wrapped, consistent builds that hold up in hot or cold cases. Keep a reliable protein core and rotate bold

According to recent industry research, sweet-heat profiles like hot honey have moved well beyond novelty and into true flavor proliferation, meaning significant menu presence and strong consumer demand. Datassential reports that hot honey has seen dramatic growth on U.S. restaurant menus, with substantially higher adoption and affinity among diners. Operators are increasingly leaning into bold, craveable profiles that appeal especially to Millennials and Gen Z consumers who expect flavor with a twist, not just something

New Technomic research highlights how c-store foodservice visits are shifting later into the day, with growing emphasis on afternoon and flexible eating occasions. While the research focuses on convenience retail, the takeaways apply just as strongly to QSR and fast-casual operators navigating today’s evolving consumer behavior.Here are three key insights, and what they mean across foodservice formats: 1. Dayparts are blurring, and opportunity is expandingThe research continues to show growth in nontraditional foodservice occasions, particularly

“Wellness” doesn’t mean the same thing to everyone and those differences are increasingly shaping how consumers discover and choose foodservice options. New research from Circana shows that while definitions of health vary by generation, convenience and indulgence still play a central role in foodservice decisions. Younger consumers tend to prioritize functional, easy-to-fit options that support busy lifestyles, while older consumers are more focused on long-term and preventative health. At the same time, baby boomers continue