Dive Brief:
- Circle K and EG America are the latest major convenience retailers to launch value meals for $5 or less, according to announcements from both companies.
- Circle K’s latest deals include three options — priced at $3, $4 and $5 — that feature an entree, side and drink. Meanwhile, EG America’s fall-themed $5 value meal includes a breakfast sandwich and a drink.
- These offerings highlight the wave of value deals that convenience retailers have been promoting in 2024 to narrow the competition gap with QSRs.
Dive Insight:
Value deals have become so prevalent in c-stores this year that this isn’t even the first time EG America has tapped into the concept. In June, the East Coast retailer rolled out a $5 meal package that included any two roller grill items or two cheese or pepperoni pizza slices; a one liter bottle of Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Aquafina or Brisk; and a bag of Lay’s, Miss Vickies, Ruffles or Sun Chips.
EG’s latest $5 deal launched in early September and is available until Oct. 22, the company said. According to its website, its breakfast sandwiches include sausage, egg and cheese; bacon, egg and cheese; and ham, egg and cheese. Customers can then choose from a Monster or BodyArmor energy drink or juice to complete the meal. EG America is also launching buy-one, get-one value deals in its candy and beverage aisles during this period.
These deals have rolled out across all of EG America’s banners, which include Cumberland Farms, Fastrac, Kwik Shop, Tom Thumb and others.
Meanwhile, Circle K’s deal, which launches on Oct. 1, will be a permanent fixture of the retailer’s Fresh Food, Fast menu at locations nationwide, the company said. Its $3 deal includes a choice between a fresh roller grill hot dog or Taquito with a 2-ounce bag of Frito-Lay chips and a Pepsi; the $4 meal includes one of the company’s sausage, egg and cheese breakfast sandwiches with a hash brown and either a Monster energy drink or coffee; and the $5 option includes two slices of pizza with a 20-ounce Pepsi.
Other c-store value deals that have emerged this year have included 7-Eleven’s $1 pizza slices, Wawa’s $5 Hoagie sandwiches and GPM Investments’ $5 frozen pizzas.
These deals come as many major restaurant chains have launched value menus and items. McDonald’s and KFC both launched $5 meals this year, while companies like Sonic and Del Taco have menu items for as low as $2.
