September 12, 2017 // Franchising.com // IRVING, TEXAS - As more Americans turn to at-home recipe kits and restaurants’ prepared foods to go, 7-Eleven, Inc. is turning up the heat on its prepared-food program with 15 new locally made, chef-inspired, heat-and-eat meals. These convenient restaurant-quality meal solutions were created with inspiration from Italian, homestyle, Asian, and Mexican recipes.
To find the entrees at participating North Texas 7-Eleven® stores, customers need look no further than a life-size cardboard cutout of Dallas Cowboys Dak Prescott, who says he is “pumped” about the new locally made meals in radio spots running on digital stations. For a limited time, coupons for a free locally made meal will be available on the 7-Eleven website and through digital advertising on Facebook, YouTube, TubeMogul, Pandora and TuneIn.
Prepared in local kitchens and delivered daily to participating 7-Eleven stores in select markets, these on-the-go options for breakfast, lunch and dinner will be available in the refrigerated case beginning Sept. 11. Meals can be heated at the store for immediate consumption or taken to-go. Suggested retail price ranges from $3.99 to $4.99.
Here is what’s new on the 7-Eleven menu (selections and prices may vary by store):
Italian:
Homestyle:
Asian:
Mexican:
Breakfast Bowls (launching Sept. 25):
“With these chef-inspired entrees, 7-Eleven can provide busy individuals and families with a delicious, premium-quality, whole-meal solution in one stop,” said Kelly Buckley, 7-Eleven vice president of fresh food innovation. “You can add a salad, beverage and dessert. The creamy mac and cheese is particularly kid-friendly and pairs well with chicken tenders and a cup of fresh-cut fruit. We want to take the hassle out of meal time with a variety of options and without giving up quality. There is something for everyone.”
When developing new recipes for its fresh-foods menu, 7-Eleven benchmarks the ingredients and flavor profiles against restaurant-quality offerings. The new entrees and bowls are prepared in local kitchens using premium-quality ingredients and delivered daily to stores.
According to an NPD Study, almost two-thirds of consumers surveyed said they buy premade meals at least once a week. That’s the same number of people who say they plan dinner within an hour of eating. 7-Eleven offers a convenient solution to that dilemma. The locally made meals add to 7-Eleven’s growing prepared-food offerings, which now stand at more than 300 items.
In addition to the locally made meals, 7-Eleven stores’ growing menu includes grab-and-go cheeseburgers and breaded-chicken sandwiches, pizza slices and whole pizzas, chicken tenders and wings. Hungry customers can create a high-quality, custom meal of their favorite foods by adding fresh-cut fruit, chip-and-dip combos, salads and hundreds of beverage choices rather than settling for the cookie-cutter fries-and-drink combo offered by most fast-food restaurants.
“Dining occasions are evolving from traditional meals and mealtimes,” Buckley said. “Younger demographic groups, in particular, are constantly snacking throughout the day vs. eating three traditional meals. As a 24-hour operator, 7-Eleven has a wide variety of hot and fresh foods that can be purchased and eaten any time.”
Buckley and the 7-Eleven fresh-food-innovation team has responded to these changes with a menu that appeals to round-the-clock dining needs. In addition to great taste, high quality and value, special emphasis is put on portability, as well as fresh and healthy options.
“7-Eleven has always been a hot spot for snacks and drinks,” Buckley said. “Now, whatever you’re craving for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a snack, 7-Eleven has it. If someone wants a breakfast bowl for dinner, we’ve got it. If you want pizza and fruit or a burger and a protein snack pack, you don’t have to go to two places to get it. Hearty, healthy, heavy or light - our mission is to have a selection of delicious foods at all hours of the day.”
For more information on locally made meals at 7-Eleven, visit https://www.7-Eleven.com/eat-drink/locally-made-meals.
7-Eleven, Inc. is the premier name and largest chain in the convenience-retailing industry. Based in Irving, Texas, 7-Eleven® operates, franchises and/or licenses more than 63,000 stores in 18 countries, including 10,900 in North America. Known for its iconic brands such as Slurpee®, Big Bite® and Big Gulp®, 7-Eleven has expanded into high-quality salads, side dishes, cut fruit and protein boxes, as well as pizza, chicken wings, cheeseburgers and hot chicken sandwiches. 7-Eleven offers customers industry-leading private-brand products under the 7-Select® brand including healthy options, decadent treats and everyday favorites, at an outstanding value. Customers also count on 7-Eleven for bill payments, self-service lockers and other convenient services. Find out more online at www.7-Eleven.com, via the 7Rewards® customer-loyalty platform on the 7-Eleven mobile app, or on social media at Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
7-Eleven, Inc.
Corporate Communications
media@7-11.com
SOURCE 7-Eleven, Inc.