How payment technology is transforming c-store foodservice

For convenience stores (c-stores), foodservice programs are no longer just a differentiator; they’re a primary profit driver and necessity for getting ahead in an evolving market.

According to the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS), foodservice sales accounted for nearly one-third of in-store sales at c-stores in 2024. Meanwhile, Technomic forecast c-store foodservice to grow another 5.7% in 2025.

Still, it’s not enough for c-stores to just offer grab-and-go items or custom orders. They must pair their innovative menu items with fast, convenient, and frictionless customer experiences to truly stay competitive against quick-service restaurants (QSRs).

That's where advanced technology solutions come in. By integrating digital kiosks and cloud-based ordering systems into each buyer's journey, c-stores can streamline operations and save valuable resources. With Verifone K350 kiosks, for example, Coen Markets was able to seamlessly add new menu items to each of its 55 stores with the push of a button, reducing setup time and increasing self-checkout orders.

Discover more about the essential role of payment technologies in helping c-stores fuel growth and explore the latest foodservice trends transforming customer experiences.

How c-store retailers must adapt in a changing market

C-stores have a valuable opportunity to grab market share from quick-service food providers and secure long-term growth.

According to Intouch Insight’s 2025 Convenience Store Trends Report, 72% of US shoppers now view c-stores as a viable alternative to QSRs. Going up against fast food giants, however, is no easy task — especially as many food retailers struggle to adapt in a rapidly changing industry.

Specifically, c-stores must navigate major challenges, such as:

• Labor shortages: Staffing continues to be an issue as retailers deal with high turnover and tight competition for qualified employees. C-store workers are seeking out higher-paying opportunities, making it tough for smaller chains to retain their team members and fill open positions.
• Supply chain disruptions: The supply chain still hasn’t fully recovered from the effects of COVID-19, and international conflicts continue to delay shipping and increase container costs. According to software company Titan Cloud and NACS, c-store retailers say supply chain disruptions are a top barrier to profitability.
• Changing customer habits: Customers say convenience is one of the most important factors in choosing where they shop from. Retailers should provide a smooth checkout process, making it easy for buyers to select their preferred payment methods and order on the go.

Thankfully, there are solutions to help: Technology is a safeguard to these challenges, providing operational agility and real-time visibility into customer preferences and behaviors.

The importance of personalization and digital ordering

C-store retailers need modern, intuitive tools to help them streamline foodservice experiences and continue growing this lucrative part of their business. With a fully connected, data-powered operation, they can better meet customer expectations and drive sales.

Here’s a closer look at the foodservice solutions transforming payments and ordering processes:

Digital kiosks

Bring the ease of mobile ordering into your store with modern, interactive displays. Digital kiosks enable self-checkout to keep lines moving and sales flowing. With the Verifone K350 kiosk, for example, customers can order at their own pace, add loyalty rewards, and choose their preferred payment methods with just a few taps.

Customizable menus

Tailor each digital menu with your c-store branding and recommended products for each customer. Also, easily push updates across your stores when you launch a new menu item or special deal.

Mobile apps

Give customers the flexibility to order from anywhere and at any time with mobile order integrations. Whether you're catering to passing roadtrippers or local regulars on a daily breakfast run, invite buyers to place orders online and pick them up in store.

Cloud-based systems

Sync platforms across your locations with cloud technology. The Verifone Commander Site Controller, for example, is an all-in-one hub that brings together your point of sale, back-office, and foodservice tools. The modern, intuitive UI integrates with your existing tech stack to make every transaction fast and frictionless.

How technology can drive operational efficiency in foodservice

Technology can do more than simply speed up the checkout process. It has the power to transform nearly every part of your foodservice operation — from inventory tracking to back-of-house fulfillment and beyond.

With the right tools, c-store operators can:

• Streamline ordering and fulfillment: With Verifone Commander, orders route directly to your kitchen display system for quick fulfillment. No need to worry about lost tickets or human error from manual entry.
• Improve inventory management: Automatically update inventory after each transaction to stay on top of product availability and orders. Sanjeev Satturu, Chief Information Officer for Casey’s General Stores, said, “We’re seeing AI-powered inventory management solutions that provide real-time insights into stock levels, product placement and inventory trends, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing waste."
• Enhance supply chain and vendor collaboration: Work with vendors and suppliers to set up real-time tracking and streamline communication. Also, use your inventory management platform to automatically trigger new orders when stock is low.
• Tap into data-powered insights: Get a granular view of customer preferences and shopping habits. Use these insights to optimize order fulfullment processes and personalize menu offerings.
• Drive revenue: Boost basket size by upselling and cross-selling customers at checkout. For example, you can set up your digital kiosk to suggest popular products, timely promotions, and personalized add-ons.
• Increase customer loyalty: Encourage repeat customers with loyalty rewards and referral programs. According to Intouch Insight’s 2025 Convenience Store Trends Report, 72% of shoppers already belong to a c-store loyalty program and 85% would join if the rewards were personalized. With 7-Eleven's 7REWARDS loyalty program, for example, customers can earn points every time they spend and redeem them for free snacks in-store.
• Save valuable time and resources: Automatically update offerings across screens and stores in days, not months. With Verifone K350 kiosks, Coen Markets cut their development time by at least 10X.

“It’s such an intuitive interface — not just on the customer-facing end but on the menu-building end; it’s literally point, click, publish,” said Brad Miller, Senior Director of Technology for Coen Markets. “It allows us to run a very lean, aggressive IT department with a minimum amount of windshield time, no matter how far we scale these technologies out.”

Looking ahead to the future of tech-enabled foodservice

We've only scratched the surface of what c-stores are capable of in a tech-powered foodservice industry. As competition heats up with QSRs and customers seek out fast and affordable food options, c-stores must continue to innovate their menu items, marketing strategies, and in-store experiences.

To best position your business for success, keep an eye on emerging foodservice trends, such as:

• Influencer-driven sales: C-stores can collaborate with influencers to promote limited-time menu items to Gen Z audiences on channels like TikTok and Instagram. As AP News reported, influencers are already making videos trying different foods from convenience stores.
• Partnerships with QSRs: Instead of just competing, c-stores can join QSRs to offer joint menu items and increase their reach. Chicago's Gas N Wash, for example, incorporates food from local restaurants into its stores.
• Customizable menu options: Ultimately, customers want options. C-stores can give them control over each order by getting creative with customizations and bundle deals. Just look at Sheetz's famous made-to-order menu, which includes more than 400 options and was voted the "Coolest Thing Made in PA."

Technology is the solution to staying ahead of the curve. It gives you the flexibility to adapt and pivot your strategies — whether you're adding new menu items in collaboration with a QSR or updating bundle deals in real time. With the right tools, your c-store can not only harness these trends but also embrace future opportunities to differentiate in a rapidly changing market.

Fuel revenue growth with next-level foodservice technology

Technology is no longer optional but central to foodservice success. Mobile-driven ordering systems, streamlined payment platforms, and digital kiosks are completely reshaping customer experiences. As a result, c-store operaters who adopt these advanced tools will be best-positioned to maximize revenue and stay competitive against QSRs.

That's where Verifone can help, providing a suite of integrated solutions purpose-built for petro and c-store retailers. From site controllers to digital kiosks, Verifone has the tools to help your business run smoothly and boost ROI.

Ready to expand and optimize your foodservice program? Discover how Verifone Online Ordering can help drive efficiency and improve customer experiences across stores.

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