A term first used in the mid-1700s, sandwiches are a portable food that’s a customer favorite. Able to be constructed out of different breads, meats, cheeses, and condiments, the sandwich is enjoyed by people of all ages. So how can a small sandwich help increase profits for stores?
Easy to carry and delicious to eat, sandwiches have been a popular part of the American diet for more than a century. A 2015 report from the US Department of Agriculture estimated that 47% of the adult population in the United States consumed at least one sandwich on any given day, with 58% of these sandwiches or ingredients within them obtained from a store or market. Although Americans ate 48% of sandwiches for lunch and 31% for dinner, breakfast and snacktime were also times when sandwiches were popular. More recent studies indicate that approximately 79% of American adults have eaten a sandwich within the past week.
C-stores and vendors that supply prepared, prepackaged sandwiches to foodservice outlets have wisely tapped into America's sandwich obsession. Sales of prepared sandwiches grew during the first quarter of 2021 when compared to the previous year, with total sales of these tasty, easy-to-grab prepared sandwiches reaching $259 million from deli areas within stores and markets in the United States.
Prepared sandwiches come with a variety of selections and options. C-store operators can track sales trends and discover what is most popular in their particular market and when traffic is highest. For example, stores near downtown office towers may see much higher traffic during weekday lunch hours for grab-and-go prepared sandwiches, while suburban stores may have sales spread throughout the day.
Now is a great time for store owners and managers to explore the potential of adding sandwiches to the items their business sells. Sub and sandwich store franchises represent a $23.6 billion market in 2022, with an anticipated 4.5% growth rate anticipated this year. An important decision they must make if they add sandwiches involves whether to offer their customers pre-made sandwiches or to modify their location's physical plant to allow for made-to-order options.
For those wanting to expand their menu options to capitalize on the sandwich craze, the difference between offering pre-made versus made-to-order is an important consideration. Stand-alone and franchised sandwich and sub shops -- along with some grocery delicatessens -- provide made-to-order sandwiches. This requires the presence of staff to make sandwiches on-demand, as well as additional kitchen prep facilities, which may be a substantial expense for a smaller c-store or market.
Pre-made sandwiches are a great option. Products carefully prepared and packaged ahead of time are convenient, flavorful, and fresh. For people living a busy lifestyle, getting an already-prepared grab-and-go sandwich is a tasty and time-saving option in their busy lives. Appealing and attractive cases allow merchants to showcase a variety of pre-made sandwich selections in a manner that ensures customers -- especially when they are in a rush -- will purchase them.
Portable and convenient, pre-made sandwiches increase sales and profits at convenience stores and for vendors. Single-serve, fresh sandwiches are popular across generations, especially among Millennials. With refrigerated or heated cases, c-stores and merchants can offer the ultimate in customer convenience. These customizable cases reduce labor costs while allowing these outlets to offer their customers the pre-made sandwiches they crave. These cases preserve the quality of delicious pre-made sandwiches while operating in an energy-efficient manner.
Display cases offer great flexibility in promoting sandwiches or other convenient foodservice snack and beverage options in markets and c-stores. A low-profile refrigerated self-serve merchandiser allows workers to place ready-made sandwiches and other items in the same unit for perfect grab-and-go combinations. Island merchandisers and other self-serve units offer customers more options as merchants expand their pre-made sandwich menu selections.
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