Americans have been satisfied with a hot slice of pizza from a convenience store for years. The coronavirus, or COVID-19, poses several risks and safety concerns affecting sales. Orders for stay-at-home have reduced travel and, therefore, customer traffic at c stores across the country.
In recent weeks, sales of C-store pizza have decreased. The sales decline is not surprising, given the need for caution in the wake of the pandemic. This puts operators in an awkward position between meeting their budgets and remaining profitable while still providing the service and pizza that their loyal customers demand.
Frozen Pizza Sales Heat Up
Retail grocery stores may have the solution to the pizza crisis at convenience stores. Since the introduction of stay-at-home orders, frozen pizza sales at retail have soared. In just March, Americans spent $275 million on frozen pizzas — an astounding 92% increase compared to sales in 2019. 1
It is an understatement to say that Americans love frozen pizza. It is wise for C-stores to follow their grocery counterparts and stock and promote take-and-bake pizza as an alternative to the hot-and-ready pizza options.
ALSO READ How the Frozen Pizza Industry’s Success Transforms to Grocery Stores and C-Stores
Playing with Percentages
Fresh pizza is the leading food service contributor, accounting for nearly 25% of convenience store sales 2. Frozen sales of pizza will boost percentages in the short term. However, a complete shift away from convenience store hot case pizza may have long-lasting effects when pandemic fears and social distance restrictions are eased.
To encourage customers to venture beyond the frozen food aisle, and ease their fears regarding fresh food options, top convenience store chains have implemented preventive measures 3.. These practices have been proven to be effective in fighting COVID-19 and may help ensure that your customers remember you when they order fresh pizza.
Clerk Servicereplaces traditional communal aspects in the fresh food service at c-stores. In c-stores, instead of self-serving from hot cases and bins, a C-store employee will retrieve and serve customers items such as hot and ready slices of pizza. The handling of fresh foods is also limited to reduce health risks.
In this global crisis, contactless payment has become the rallying cry for restaurateurs and retailers alike. Pizza ordered online or by phone and picked up at the store’s door reinforces the social distance protocols while offering the convenience of contactless payments.
Carryout empowers customers to choose fresh C-store pizza. Before the pandemic began, customers could choose between fully-cooked or bake-and-take pizza. Pickup requires minimal exposure risk.
Operators must be responsive and responsible to ensure that delicious pizza reaches loyal customers safely and quickly. There are many ways to serve fresh food, even though frozen pizza is famous for comfort and convenience. Par-Baked Pizza crusts: Four Benefits for C-Stores explains how to create an irresistible, delicious crust. To download your copy, click the button below.