The coffee world used to make sense. You had your independent roasters and coffee shops, your large chains like Starbucks and then your convenience-store and fast-food cup of last resort. But fast-food franchises recognized that coffee could be black gold for their bottom lines, and as they expanded breakfast menus in an effort to jump-start profits, "premium" coffee was suddenly everywhere.
Thus, it shouldn't be surprising that the Kansas City Business Journal reports that QuikTrip will be testing a new concept with outdoor seating, beverage and ice-cream service designed to compete with Starbucks.
The new generation of stores would be 20 percent larger than the standard QuikTrip in order to accommodate additional food offerings meant to account for the anticipated decline in cigarette and gasoline sales.
The Business Journal noted that three of the new "Generation 3" stores are expected for the Kansas City area. The first would likely be at 151st Street and Metcalf in Overland Park. The company, based out of Tulsa, Oklahoma, is in the middle of the permit process to open the 5,700-foot store. The other two locations would be in Independence and Blue Springs.
Most new dining options involve rehabbing a former gas station and turning it into a restaurant. This move by QuikTrip turns that idea on its head. Here, we have a gas station attempting to morph into a dining destination. Would you want to grab a coffee and then park yourself at a table outside of a QT?
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