C-stores across the country are turning up the heat—and the flavor—on their hot beverage game. What used to be a simple cup of drip has evolved into a multi-tiered menu of sips, swirls, and specialty blends that rival the big-name cafés.
So, what’s brewing behind the counter? A caffeinated renaissance.
The Daily Drip Still Dominates
Let’s not forget the classic. According to the National Coffee Association, 63% of Americans drink coffee daily—and convenience store coffee remains a dependable favorite. A hot cup of drip is quick, affordable, and ready to fuel early-morning commutes and mid-afternoon slumps.
Despite the growing trend toward upscale brews, traditional drip still accounts for the majority of hot dispensed sales. In fact, CSP reported that over 70% of c-store coffee sales still come from self-serve drip machines. It’s dependable, profitable, and doesn’t require a barista to operate.
Sipping in Style: The Rise of Specialty and RTD Coffee
But make no mistake—today’s consumers want more than just “hot and brown.” Specialty coffees, including cappuccinos, mochas, flavored lattes, and even cold brews served hot, are gaining steam. Brands are also capitalizing on the Ready-to-Drink (RTD) coffee boom, a segment that hit $6.7 billion in U.S. sales in 2024, according to NielsenIQ.
In response, convenience stores are transforming their hot beverage areas into mini cafés—offering elevated experiences like touchscreen ordering, fresh-ground beans, flavor stations, and customizable milk/cream options.
Why It Matters
- Higher Margins: Hot beverages remain one of the highest-margin products in the c-store space—often exceeding 50% gross profit.
- Increased Foot Traffic: 55% of consumers say they’re more likely to stop at a c-store offering premium coffee options (Technomic).
- Customer Loyalty: Coffee drinkers are creatures of habit. A better coffee experience leads to repeat visits—and extra purchases along the way.
Brewing Success with the Right Setup
If you’re in the business of coffee, your setup matters. That means easy-to-clean machines, high-visibility signage, inviting counters, and—yes—functional smallwares and stylish dispensers. A clutter-free and well-branded area says “coffee destination,” not “afterthought.”
At Food Concepts, we help retailers elevate their coffee zones with custom cabinetry, smart equipment layouts, branding support, and innovative dispensing solutions like our pending Gravity Fed Cup Dispenser—designed to keep things neat, efficient, and eye-catching.
