Sandwich sales are expected to grow in 2023 in the c-store space, with freshness being a top priority for customers.
CRANSTON, RI – Sandwiches present a growing opportunity for innovation in convenience stores, offering a versatile platform for customization, freshness, and variety.
At Neon Marketplace, with seven locations across Rhode Island and Massachusetts, customers can enjoy a wide selection, including customizable grinders, signature sandwiches, and grilled or fried chicken options. Elise Babey, Senior Manager of Product Development and Supply Chain at Neon Marketplace, notes that sandwiches are moving beyond traditional cold cuts to include items like burgers and chicken sandwiches, offering fast-food favorites with a focus on freshness.
“We’re seeing sandwiches expand to options you might expect at a fast-food restaurant, with a strong focus on freshness,” Babey says. This trend aligns with the growing demand for healthier, freshly prepared meals in the convenience store space.
Similarly, Texas-based TXB (formerly Texas Born), with over 48 locations in Texas and Oklahoma, has also embraced freshness and innovation. CEO Kevin Smartt highlights the popularity of “healthy on-the-go” options, including sandwiches made with premium bread baked locally in Texas. With plans to revamp their cold grab-and-go items, TXB expects a 5% increase in sandwich sales this year. The chain plans to rotate new sandwiches each quarter, providing variety for its customers.
“Given recent inflationary trends, sandwiches are an affordable meal that customers can enjoy several times a week,” Smartt explains. The company is also exploring sustainable packaging solutions that keep sandwiches fresh and meet TXB’s sustainability goals.
What’s Ahead in 2023
In 2023, Neon Marketplace plans to elevate its sandwich offerings even further by baking bread in-house. According to Babey, customers will soon be able to enjoy grinders on freshly baked Italian rolls, adding to the appeal of their New England locations.
“We’re bringing a truly fresh experience with crunchy Italian rolls baked on-site,” says Babey, adding that New Englanders are likely to appreciate this level of quality.
Neon is also integrating new foodservice technology, including clamshell griddles, which allow burgers to be cooked to order in under three minutes. “This ensures a perfectly cooked burger every time,” Babey notes.
For TXB, enhancing sandwich packaging remains a priority, as they seek options that maintain freshness and align with their sustainability mission. Smartt views this focus on freshness and quality as central to building a lasting relationship with customers.
With these initiatives, Neon Marketplace and TXB are setting a new standard for convenience store sandwiches, emphasizing quality, variety, and an innovative approach to meet evolving customer expectations.
