FOODSERVICE PARTNERSHIPS
FOODSERVICE
PROGRAM OPTIONS
One par t of the convenience store that has undergone the biggest identit y shif t in the last decade is the foodser vice counter Once upon a time, foodser vice in a c - store was a quiet corner of the store. It was practical, yes, probably had rollers , and was not something customers bragged about It lived somewhere bet ween necessar y and tolerated But in the last few years, ever ything about that dynamic has changed The foodser vice counter has moved from the peripher y to the center. It ’s no longer something customers discover accidentally ; it ’s something they seek out . And in the Southeast , where food culture runs deep and expectations run high, independent operators are learning that their foodser vice program is no longer a side at traction. It is their identit y
What ’s interesting about this shif t is that it wasn’t driven by one big change. It didn’t happen because equipment suddenly improved or because big brands star ted paying at tention It happened because customers evolved They star ted expecting more from the places they visit ever y day They star ted expecting fresher food, clearer labeling, cleaner presentation, and a sense of pride from
the retailer They wanted qualit y without complication. They wanted something warm, real, quick , comfor ting, and consistent . And they wanted to get all of that from a place they already trusted : the convenience store
If you spend time talking with operators across the Southeast you’ll hear a similar stor y It star ts with customers who used to buy the same thing ever y day : a biscuit , a slice of break fast pizza , chicken strips, a corndog, or maybe a sandwich Then slowly, almost without anyone noticing, those same customers star ted looking for something a lit tle different They wanted wraps instead of sandwiches They wanted grilled instead of fried They wanted something hot that felt less heav y They wanted vegetables or fruit cups They wanted variet y
But here’s the par t that really changed the game : they wanted the food to look intentional
That word, intentional, is going to define foodser vice for a long time. Customers want food that feels thoughtfully created and thoughtfully presented They want packaging that makes sense. They
3 Levels of Clean
CLEAN FREE from dir t, marks, or stains.
clarit y When a customer approaches your hot case or grab- and- go cooler, they should immediately understand what your food is about . Is it hear t y ? Is it homest yle? Is it fresh? Is it bold? Is it local? Is it traditional? Is it convenient ? Good branding answers those questions without requiring a single word spoken
Some operators make the mistake of thinking branding means slapping a name on the program and calling it a day. But branding is not a name, it ’s a promise. A promise of consistency, qualit y, and identit y It ’s a visual and emotional language that customers star t to associate with comfor t and trust You don’t need a national brand to achieve that You just need coherence. You need a set of cues packaging, display, temperature, freshness , lighting, signage, cleanliness that all point to the same message
feel real
clearly you define the program, the more loyal your customers become. The stores that win are the ones that treat their deli like a small kitchen, not a miscellaneous shelf of random items
SANITIZE REDUCTION of harmful bacteria.
those same cus tomer s s tar ted looking for something a lit tle different”
• Best use is Back of House.
• Predominately used on food contact surfaces, no rinsing needed.
• All sanitizers have a contact time, or dwell time with the surface, Keyst
Food is par t of the cultural fabric so the expectations around it are higher Customers know what good food looks like They know what it smells like. They know
That ’s where the magic of foodser vice really begins to shine : in the clarit y of purpose. Customers don’t need you to reinvent the wheel They need you to make the wheel predictable. That ’s why consistency is more impor tant than variet y. A crisp break fast pizza ever y morning will outsell a rotating menu that never finds its identit y. A per fectly fried chicken tender will beat a complicated menu with inconsistent execution A carefully wrapped sandwich will beat an overstuffed one that looks sloppy
Note: Sanitizer only products are not EPA approved to be effective against emerging
DISINFECT KILLS bacteria and viruses listed on the product label.
• To be used on NON food contact surfaces.
Pizza programs are a per fect example of this Ten years ago, pizza in a c - store was mostly a novelt y. Customers didn’t trust it unless it came from a known brand. But today, independent stores are building their own pizza identities done simple and well Customers aren’t looking for gourmet ; they ’re looking for dependable. They want a slice that holds up on the drive to work and tastes the same on this week as it did last week They want a slice they can count on when they ’re hungr y and in a hurr y. And when they find it , they come back again
But foodser vice isn’t just about qualit y. It ’s about timing One of the biggest challenges operators face is knowing when their customers’ rhythms shif t — when break fast star ts earlier, when lunch extends later, when snack times change, when customers begin buying warm food in the evenings instead of the af ternoons
• Disinfectants on food contact surfaces must be followed by a rinse and sanitizer application before using it again.
ansurfaces minutes. 1
You can always tell when a foodservice program is in sync Customers approach the counter with confidence They don’t hesitate. They don’t inspect They already know it ’s going to be good They ’re buying from memor y, not curiosit y. And once a customer reaches that point , your foodser vice program becomes par t of their life, not just par t of your store
then the whole shopping experience feels effor tless
quat is 60 seconds. pathogens such as COVID-19.
Another crucial par t of foodser vice success heading into 2026 is the way the program integrates with the rest of the store. Foodser vice is not an island. It thrives when it coexists harmoniously with beverages, snacks, and forecour t behaviors Think about a customer walking in af ter fueling : they ’re already thinking about comfor t If they smell something good — pizza , biscuits, chicken, or even a fresh wrap that sensor y connection happens naturally If they see the foodser vice area positioned cleanly and confidently, they ’re more inclined to explore. If the cooler nearby is stocked with reliable pairings teas , lemonades, functional energy drinks , cold brews
In convenience retail, ver y lit tle happens in isolation Ever y par t of the store communicates with ever y other par t The pump lane leads to the door The door leads to the coffee. The coffee leads to the foodser vice. The foodser vice leads to the cooler The cooler leads to the register. And the register leads to the next visit . A strong foodser vice program doesn’t interrupt this sequence ; it enhances it
The independent operators who do this well are the ones who understand the emotional life of their customers They know that the man who buys a breakfast biscuit at 6 :30 ever y morning is not just buying food he’s buying a feeling of stabilit y. They know that the mother who picks up tenders for her kids af ter school is not just buying a quick dinner she’s buying a small moment of peace They know that the construction worker
grabbing a slice at noon isn’t just filling up he’s grabbing comfor t in the middle of a hard day Foodser vice succeeds when it understands that food is emotional, not just functional
Another major shif t for 2026 is the rise of “ fresh-but - fast ” foods in c - stores Customers no longer separate health from convenience. They want both They want a wrap that tastes fresh but is ready instantly They want fruit that feels real, not processed They want salads that look crisp, not wilted They want food that feels like a smar t choice even when they ’re in a hurr y Operators who embrace this new realit y who offer a mix of comfor t foods and lighter foods — capture a wider audience without alienating anyone
A store in central Tennessee shared that adding a simple grilled chicken wrap increased foot traffic from local teachers who used to skip the store because they
“couldn’t find anything light enough for lunch ” Another store in Georgia shared that offering a small cup of fresh fruit beside the hot case dramatically increased morning sales among customers picking up coffee. These subtle shif ts mat ter because they speak directly to an evolving customer base that wants options without complexit y
Branding plays a huge role in all of this In 2026, customers don’t just want food they want food that looks like it belongs to your store. They want a sense of personalit y They want to feel like they ’re choosing something local, something familiar, something they can trust . When your packaging, your signage, your colors , and your presentation all match your store’s overall identit y, customers feel anchored in your brand That familiarit y breeds loyalt y
Foodser vice that lacks identit y will al-
ways struggle. Foodser vice with a strong identit y becomes a magnet
One of the most encouraging trends going into 2026 is the number of independents investing deeply in their foodser vice teams . They ’re not just staffing the counter they ’re training people who take pride in the food They ’re giving employees responsibilit y for freshness checks, for presentation, for customer interaction. And this sense of ownership shows Customers can feel when a foodser vice program is run by people who care. They respond with appreciation, with repeat visits , with enthusiastic recommendations to friends and coworkers .
Foodser vice also has a stor ytelling element that of ten goes untapped. Customers love knowing where the recipe came from They love knowing the sausage is local or the chicken is breaded in- store They love knowing you bake your bis -
cuits fresh or that your pizza dough isn’t frozen When customers can at tach a stor y to the food, they become emotionally invested. And emotional investment is wor th more than any promotion or discount
Looking ahead to 2026, the biggest takeaway for independent operators is this : your foodser vice program doesn’t need to be complicated It needs to be consistent It needs to be clear It needs to feel like it belongs to your store and your communit y. And it needs to be executed with pride, not obligation
Customers do not expect per fection. They expect care. They expect warmth They expect the food to taste the same today as it did last week They expect the station to look clean They expect the employees to know what ’s good today They expect to feel confident in their decision to buy from you.
When you give them that , your foodser vice program becomes more than a categor y It becomes a relationship It becomes a reason for customers to choose your store again and again It becomes the backbone of your revenue, your reputation, and your future
As 2026 approaches , remember this : foodser vice is no longer optional It is a defining feature of the modern c - store It is the hear t of your identit y. And when you build that hear t with honest y, consistency, clarit y, and care, it beats strong enough to carr y your entire business for ward.
BREAKFAST
Breakfast in a convenience store works best when it feels fast, reliable, and worth the stop. Most customers aren’t browsing in the morning, they’re on their way somewhere, and they want something that’s hot, lling, and ready without slowing them down. The stores that win in this space don’t try to do everything, they focus on a tight group of items that can be executed consistently every day, whether that’s breakfast sandwiches, burritos, biscuits, or bakery paired with co ee. The real opportunity is not just in the food itself, but in becoming part of someone’s routine. When a customer knows they can count on your store for a quick, good breakfast at a fair price, that trip becomes repeatable, and repeatable is where the margin lives.
LUNCH
Lunch is where a convenience store has the opportunity to compete directly for a planned meal, not just a quick stop. Customers coming in during midday are looking for something that feels complete, lling, and worth their time, whether that’s a hot sandwich, a pizza slice, a chicken item, or a simple combo that comes together easily. The stores that perform well at lunch don’t try to mimic a full restaurant, they focus on speed, consistency, and a small group of items that can be executed well during peak hours. The real advantage is convenience paired with clarity. When a customer can walk in, immediately see what’s available, and build a meal without thinking too hard, you’ve removed friction. That’s what turns a one-time lunch stop into a regular part of someone’s week.
GRAB & GO
Grab-and-go food works when it makes the decision easy. Customers reaching for these items are not looking to wait, and they are not looking to think too hard. They want something that feels fresh, clearly priced, and ready to take with them the moment they open the door. The stores that succeed here keep the assortment tight and focused on items that move, like sandwiches, wraps, salads, and simple snack packs that match real customer habits. Presentation matters more than most operators expect. Clean packaging, full shelves, and clear visibility build trust quickly, while clutter and inconsistency push customers away just as fast. When grab-and-go is executed well, it becomes a reliable bridge between meal times, driving steady sales throughout the day without adding operational strain.
1 https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/hand-hygiene/survey-says-consumer-awareness-importance-hand-hygiene-g
Fresh food and fresh ideas are at the heart of food and service. Sysco delivers exceptional produce, custom cuts of meat, high-quality seafood, and imported foods o ering global avors. The network of specialty suppliers pairs well with our culinary and business expertise. Unparalleled selection of innovative ingredients and cutting-edge products connects your business to the industry-leading distribution network, keeping you stocked with the best products, hottest trends, and newest ideas.
Born from a Love of Food
For ve generations, our family has been a trusted and valued producer for many of the leading food companies and ner dining establishments across America. Along the way, we started cooking products that people crave but too often don’t have the time to make. From soups and chowders, to mac & cheese and meals, our mission is to provide time-constrained families with high quality, homestyle foods made from carefully selected sourced ingredients that satisfy the whole family.
Our Family of Brands
One great recipe after another led us to Blount’s Family Kitchen. Our mission is to provide time-constrained families with high quality, homestyle foods made from carefully sourced ingredients that satisfy the tastes of the whole family. Our dishes are ready in minutes so you can “savor the avor” while you also savor the time.
Blount is, and will continue to be, the rst choice for high quality prepared soups, sides and entrees. We’re a family-owned and operated marketer, manufacturer, and developer of premium fresh prepared foods. Our award-winning products are sold at grocery stores, club stores and restaurants in all 50 states.
The delicious satisfying avors of our clam shack soups don’t rely on complicated recipes or ingredients. They re ect what we have served to our families and neighbors for generations. From our conscientious sourcing to our careful kettle cooking, know that with each taste of our seafood soups, you are tasting the best of New England.
From Asian to Mexican to Coated Appetizers
Ajinomoto Foods North America is the brand leader among the largest categories of ethnic frozen foods, and across every distribution channel including foodservice, grocery, warehouse club, and custom manufacturing.
We Make Your Business Our Business
With more than 100 years of combined experience, we’ve been asking, “what are you looking for?” and bringing you solutions that t your business goals and satisfy your customers.
We don’t sell products. We sell solutions. That means we o er choices and competitive pricing with focus on personal attention to your unique business needs.
Tap into our deep knowledge of your customers’ mindset and give them exactly what they want. Di erent audience segments have di erent needs, and your customers will be amazed at how well you anticipate even their unexpressed desires. Let us help you navigate a path forward.
An expanding portfolio of on-trend brands to satisfy all tastes.
From regional favorites to foods with a global air, we continue to o er only those names that live up to the C.H. Guenther standards of quality, avor, value and dependability. From gravies, biscuits and baked goods to soups, desserts and appetizers, we bring you the brands and recipes that make mealtime a multi-sensory sensation. It’s no wonder you’ll nd our brands on the shelves of grocery stores and the tables of restaurants and homes everywhere.
Our Brands
We are shaping the future of food with premium products and culinary innovation across meal occasions for retail and foodservice channels.
Innovation is in our DNA. Our heritage of being pioneers has endured and grown for over 165 years. We continually expand our capabilities and keep our focus on developing products that help drive our customers’ success. We look to the future by investing globally in the people and facilities that keep us at the front of food innovation.
All Your Comfort Food Favorites
Since the 1950’s, we have focused on doing things the right way, for the right reasons, and that includes how we make our Country Ham and other dry-cured country meats.
We are still carrying on our family traditions that have been passed down through generations. We make sure every product that leaves our smokehouse is one we’d serve to our own family and friends. It all starts with the best quality of meat, ingredients and not to mention time and attention to detail during the aging process.
BBQ
Our pulled pork barbecue comes from only the highest quality Boston Butts that are slow-cooked over real hardwood.
Country Ham
We cure the freshest hams with a simple salt & sugar cure before hanging them for over 90 days to ensure the best avor and most succulent Tennessee country ham.
Summer Sausage
Our summer sausage is made from a premium blend of beef & pork that’s mixed with high-quality seasoning before it’s cured & cooked.
We are Every Day Fresh. We start every day harvesting the freshest, most succulent cat sh so you can end your day enjoying a healthy, tasty meal with your family. Whether you serve cat sh at home or enjoy a night out, you’ll taste the freshness.
Fish are transported from beautiful Delta ponds to our processing facilities. The most experienced team in the industry carefully prepares the sh, and in just an hour, it is transported to grocers and restaurants for your family to enjoy.
Condiments
Dive into our craveable lineup of bottled condiments, made with ingredients like parmesan, green onions, smokehouse bacon and more! Discover fun avor combos you’ll love and elevate your game every time you dip a bite or serve up a meal, with zesty Ranch diliciousness.
Dips
Whether you dip, dunk, drizzle or pour it on, you already know the tangy avor of Ranch makes any bite better. Our Hidden Valley™ Ranch Dips add just the right touch of creamy craveability to any snack or meal, and we’ve got more avors than you can shake a celery stick at.
Seasonings Snacks
It’s time to shake up your snacks, dips and meals with zesty Ranch air! Whether you are looking for a salad seasoning mix or want to add a tangy touch to snacks or shake up your dinner menu with big, bold avors, our line of Hidden Valley™ Ranch
Seasonings and Recipe Packets have you covered.
FROM THE RANCH TO THE WORLD
It’s safe to say that the world’s love of ranch has earned Hidden Valley Ranch — HVR for short — a place in popular culture. Now, people across the country proudly dip and dunk their wings and fries in creamy ranch, or drizzle it over burgers and pizza. They rub savory ranch seasoning onto roasts, stir it into stews, bake it into casseroles and shake it over popcorn. Some passionate fans take it to the next level, buying it by the keg or setting up ranch fountains at weddings, and sharing their love of ranch on social media like never before.
When snacky cravings attack, nothing hits the spot like the zesty avor of Ranch. Our Ranch Snacks and Sides are packed with savory deliciousness in every lip-smacking bite — no prep required!
Global Flavors. Global Brand.
McCormick & Company, Inc. is a global leader in avor. With our diverse and balanced avor portfolio, we are ideally positioned to meet the increasing demand for avor around the world.
Frank’s RedHot is the #1 Hot Sauce in teh World. We’re that irreverent brand that’s been keepin’ it spicy for 100+ years and the original creators of the bu alo wing. Known for our perfect blend of avor and heat that you can use as an ingredient, topper or dipper for any food. Simply put, we Kick It Up A Notch.
Our premium hot sauce is a 100-year old recipe made from a blend of arbol and piquin peppers with an array of regional spices. Cholula delivers authentic Mexican avor that elevates any dish making it delicioso. That’s why Chalula hot sauce is the “#1 Mexican Hot Sauce in the World.”
Backyard BBQs. Holiday-inspired gourmet meals. Family dinners, Fire up your grill or stovetop with Lawry’s and Bring the Zing!
French’s is the #1 Mustard in teh World. French’s, the nostalgic and vibrant Americana brand, has been perfecting the products that make every meal avorful for over a century. From casual celebrations like a backyard BBQ to the ballpark to the holiday table, there’s only one way to top all the classics and make any moment special.
For more than 75 years, OLD BAY has provided food lovers with bold avor solutions for seafood, side dishes and more.
Our brands have delicious covered — breakfast, lunch, and dinner!
From the bacon or sausage sizzling on your stove to your favorite ham, hot dogs or lunch meat, chances are you already love one of our leading brands. It's why people all over the world purchase and enjoy our delicious and convenient products.
A Commitment to Quality
All our brands include a few, high-quality ingredients in every bite — great taste, reasonable prices and a trustworthy reputation.
Discover the brands that have made Smith eld a household name. Explore our product lineup, nd mouthwatering recipes and learn more about what sets us apart.
Edward Don & Company
DON is Everything but the Food.®
With a strong commitment to excellent service, a vast inventory, investments in technology and a team of experienced professionals, DON delivers industry-leading products you can depend on, exceptional service you deserve and tailored solutions that meet your needs.
• 7 nationwide full-service distribution centers - over 1.3M square feet
• Fully integrated operating platform (SAP), SKU commonality across all DCs
• 12,000+ in stock products
• 1,300+ trained associates
• 300+ experienced and tenured sales professionals
• 24/7 online ordering (don.com)
• Data rich reporting capabilities
• Globally-sourced product selection from the industry’s leading suppliers
• DON Fleet In House Transportation Network
• Value Added Services Team for new store openings and rollouts
• DON BUILD - Equipment, Design and Build Team
DON is providing HRA with the best selection from the folowing categories:
• Equipment
• Kitchen Supplies
• Sanitation and Maintenance
The Power of don.com
• Disposables
• Chemicals
We get it – things happen. Whether you’ve had an equipment breakdown, a large last minute reservation or are just looking to cut down on paper, we’re here to help with don.com. Along with 24/7 access to online products and ordering, you’ll enjoy several other advantages:
• 24/7 access to our complete line of products
• Customize your favorites list for quick reordering
• Option to lock down and limit access to
• Optional “Order Approval” mode available
•
• Quick access to order history and invoices with product images and item numbers
• Robust tracking tools, reporting and information resources
Arc3 Gases is a leading provider of beverage, industrial, medical, and specialty gases. In addition, Arc3 Gases provides a wide range of welding equipment and industrial products.
Arc3 Gases specializes in CO2 and Nitrogen generation systems for the hospitality industry. We’re committed to being a trusted partner our customers can rely on. Our highly trained sta has the knowledge and expertise to help you with all of your beverage carbonation and Nitrogen generation system needs.
Core products such as Nitrogen and Carbon Dioxide are available in a variety of purity levels, mixtures, packaging, and delivery models.
Beverage Gases
Bulk CO2 Tanks: abvailable in a variety of sizes to meet your needs, switching to our CO2 bulk tanks is a breeze.
Nitrogen Generates: Generate and blend beverage grade Nitrogen on site. Never run out and no deliveries required.
For over 60 years, our success has always been dependent upon building long term customer relationships.
Elevate Your Customers’ Co ee Experience
Your customers are demanding better quality and more beverage choices than ever before. Community's wide range of premium hot co ees and innovative iced beverages will help you meet that growing demand and set your store apart from the competition. Community will help you nd the custom solutions that meet your speci c needs and translate into loyal customers. Our experienced service and sales team is ready to work directly with you to build a more inviting beverage bar.
you need to complete your beverage bar. Enjoy our Community Co ee sugar, sweeteners, creamers and more!
As a Horizon Retailer Association approved provider for members, Vestis understands the needs of small businesses like yours. Plus, price assurance means you have a dependable source for all your Uniforms and Workplace supplies.
Special Savings for HRA Members
• National negotiated prices on rental programs and Direct Sale merchandise
• 4 weeks free for new program locations
The in-depth knowledge you need to keep your brand connected to a community of resources and relationships that will drive your business forward.
YOUR BRIDGE TO INSIGHTS SOLUTIONS EXPERTISE SUCCESS
We are your one stop shop for retail solutions. Our talented team of experts keep you connected to the retail marketplace and drive results for your business.
We are here to guide you every step of the way. Our reputation is built on our history of sales and marketing success in the retail foods channel. Our passionate devotion to teamwork and unparalleled commitment to culinary give you the insider access and insights to succeed in today’s marketplace.
Our expertise in category management, merchandising, consumer trends, culinary, bakery, and administrative support keep your business moving forward. We are your true meal solutions teammates for At Home, Away From Home, and everywhere in between.
IN-PERSON OPTIONS
ONE-DAY FORMAT - CLASS & PROCTORED EXAM IN THE SAME DAY
Full Package $185 $165 + S&H (Comprehensive Class, Proctored Exam, 7th edition ServSafe Food Manager book)
Scan for schedule of in-person classes
Partial Package $145 $135 (Comprehensive Class & Proctored Exam)
ONLINE OPTIONS
Online Partial Package $94
ServSafeManagerExam+RemoteProctorFee
Hybrid Combo $144 + S&H
ServSafeManager7thEditionBook+ExamFee+RemoteProctorFee
Online Full Package $174
ServSafeManagerOnlineCourse+ExamFee+RemoteProctorFee
*Online Manager Course available in English & Spanish
*ProctorU Exam available in English, Spanish and simple Chinese
*Requirements: computer (PC or Mac), a working webcam/mic, and a suitable location. Note: Mobile, tablet, and Chromebook devices are NOT supported.
Stocked in the USA
We deliver refrigerated merchandising solutions that meet the needs of businesses across the US.
Serving C-Stores
Increase impulse sales and keep your products fresh with Ojeda's range of compact refrigerated merchandisers. Our innovative display cases and novelty freezers are designed to maximize visibility and accessibility in high-tra c areas, making them perfect for grab-and-go items and cold beverages.
Extended Warranty Energy E cient
Ojeda o ers a standard 3 year warranty on parts & labor and a 5 year warranty on compressors.
Our refrigeration units use R290 refrigerant, natural refrigerant with minimal environmental impact.
