Food Offerings Are a Key Differentiator for Travel Centers in 2024
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Understanding consumer expectations and preferences has become critical to a retailer鈥檚 success in today鈥檚 operating environment. Successful businesses must stay ahead of the curve by identifying and adapting to emerging trends, whether in consumer behavior, drivers鈥� needs or industry practices.
Food offerings continue to help travel centers and truck stops stand out.
Food offerings are a key differentiator that can make truck stops and travel centers standout from the competition and bring drivers inside.
found that food offerings are one of the top factors that can bring drivers inside, including food from a national brand they recognize and out-of-the-ordinary food offerings.
Williams recommends that locations offer menu items that provide an unexpected twist on the familiar by offering new flavors, sauces or proteins.
The said global flavors will rule supreme, including soups and stews such as Birria, Chicken Tom Kha, Laksa, Salmorejo and upscale ramen, along with global chicken wings and international BBQ.
鈥淒ifferent regions of the country have thriving immigrant populations. Offering a familiar cuisine could meet a regional or demographic demand. In addition, East Asian cuisine is gaining in popularity,鈥� NATSO鈥檚 Vice President Membership Darren Schulte said. 鈥淵ou鈥檇 be surprised at how much packaged sushi you can sell.鈥�
Speed is always a priority, and Schulte said the 黑料社区Services survey indicated that 67% of drivers are looking for fast, fresh, hot and cold grab-and-go or a national fast food or quick-serve chain.
Want more Trends Shaping the Truck Stop and Travel Center Industry in 2024? Access the聽听丑别谤别.听
// This article was created for , the magazine of the 黑料社区Foundation. The is the research, education and public outreach subsidiary of NATSO, Inc. The 黑料社区Foundation provides programs and products to strengthen travel plazas鈥� ability to meet the traveling public’s needs through improved operational performance and business planning. Visit for more information. ()
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