Retail Foodservice Roundup: C-stores lean into Cinco de Mayo, 7-Eleven adds kids’ meals, Casey’s expands AI ordering and more

Convenience stores celebrate Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo specials are common at both full-service and quick-service restaurants in early May, and now c-stores are getting into the annual Mexican celebration.

On May 5, 7-Eleven’s Laredo Taco Company locations will offer buy one-get one free burritos, $6 Walking Tacos (a new, limited-time offer with ground beef, queso, pico de gallo and Doritos, served in the chip bag), $3 frozen margaritas and $3 off beer.

7-Eleven also added new snacks and bakery items for the occasion, part of Selección 7™, 7-Eleven’s new Hispanic-inspired bakery brand. The treats include Spicy Guacamole Tortilla Chips and Mantecadas or Conchas.

C-store chain Sheetz said it sees a 34% increase in taco orders in the days leading up to Cinco de Mayo, with peak taco ordering time during Tuesday lunch. The retailer serves tacos, burritos, taco salads and cantina bowls with protein options including fish, taco beef, chicken, brisket and crispy chicken. Pork is slated to be added to the lineup soon.

Sheetz is bringing back Crunchy Tacos for a limited time. The chain also added Jalapeno Fryz and brought back its Western Burrito.

7-Eleven rolls out kids’ meals

The c-store giant is stealing another staple of family dining, debuting kids’ meals at all of its Laredo Taco Company, Raise the Roost and Speedy Café locations. Meals come with an entrée, side, drink and a toy like a Hot Wheels Sticker Pack or Hot Wheels Monster Truck.

Casey’s expands AI foodservice ordering

Convenience retailer Casey’s announced the expansion of its partnership with SoundHound and its AI-powered ordering agents.  

So far, the technology has enabled more than 21 million guest interactions, the companies said, processing millions of food orders. Casey’s has deployed the AI ordering platform at more than 2,600 locations.  

The voice-AI technology is trained on Casey’s menu and designed to understand natural human speech, SoundHound said. It can answer menu-related questions, provide information about specials and help with common store inquiries.  

House greenlights bill allowing rotisserie chicken purchases via SNAP

Might Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds expand to the food-away-from-home sector and not just apply to ingredients that can be cooked at home? 

The House recently voted in favor of allowing SNAP recipients to use their funds to purchase grocery store rotisserie chicken, with one lawmaker calling the farm bill amendment “a simple, practical step to make the program work better for the people it serves.” 

And one Democratic representative is calling for lawmakers to expand that legislation to cover all hot foods sold at retail.  

The Senate will now consider the measure.  

Circle K’s parent names a chief for QSRs and made-to-order foods

Grant Morris, who has been with the Circle K convenience chain since 2020, announced his promotion on LinkedIn this week as head of quick-service restaurants and made-to-order foodservice for the company.  

For nearly two years, Morris had served as interim head of North America Foodservice Support for the convenience retailer.  

“As we continue to evolve and elevate our food program, I’m energized by the opportunity to help drive innovation, strengthen our offerings, and deliver even greater value to our customers,” Morris said in his post.