CHICAGO, April 10, 2025 — Foodservice sales proved a rare bright spot for convenience stores last year, growing to 28.7% of a typical outlet’s in-store revenues and 39.6% of gross profits, according to the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS). 

Both gauges show a marked upswing from 2023, when sales accounted for 26.9% of revenues and 37.3% of profits. 

The increases came despite an overall decline in sales for the c-store channel. Total segment sales slipped about 2.6% from the 2023 level, to $837.4 billion. 

But in-store revenues, or the intake minus fuel sales, increased 2.4% to $335.5 billion. NACS noted that overall fuel sales fell 5.7%, dragged down by a 6.5% drop in gasoline prices.
Total segment sales were also negatively impacted by a decline in the nation’s count of c-stores, which fell by 141 units, to 152,255. 

The big driver of in-store revenue growth was foodservice, the trade group stressed. Included in NACS’ gauge of foodservice sales are the proceeds from foods prepared onsite; commissary-prepared items; and hot, cold and frozen dispensed beverages. 

Much of the sales growth was generated by prepared items, which accounted for 68.4% of total foodservice revenues in 2024, NACS said. 

The association noted that the increase in foodservice sales helped offset a continuing decline in purchases of cigarettes, a c-store staple. 

The group’s annual gauge of industry sales was released on the same day 7-Eleven parent Seven and i revealed its financial results for fiscal 2024. Operating income fell 21% from the 2023 level, the company said, and same-store sales fell 2.7%. The industry leader projected that comparable sales for 2025 will fall 1.5%.

The results underscored NACS’ observation that sales of foods and beverages are where the sector is aggressively seeking growth. Seven and i said it intends to increase the number of restaurants operating within its c-stores by 550 over the next three years, to 1,680. 

The company has been building a portfolio of restaurants to shoehorn into its units, including Laredo Taco Co., which enjoys a strong following already in Texas.

Particular emphasis will be given to growing breakfast and hot-food sales, the company said. 
 



As Managing Editor for IFMA The Food Away from Home Association, Romeo is responsible for generating the group's news and feature content. He brings more than 40 years of experience in covering restaurants to the position.