Dept. Fresh Prepared

  1. Department: Food

Your Views:  “Differentiated in a Sea of Retail Sameness”

MNB reader Bob Wheatley weighed in on a piece I wrote about the importance of supermarkets actually emphasizing food: Was in an exploratory meeting at one time with the newly appointed CEO of a higher quality grocery chain, talking about strategies to build their brand and business. We were of like minds about the mindset […]
5 min read
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  1. Department: Food

FaceTime with the Content Guy:  Meal Kit Blues

I saw a piece on a  website called “Simply Recipes” about a meal kit for spaghetti and meatballs that wasn’t a recipe at all – it was just three bags that you combine and toss into a microwave.  This struck me as emblematic of why many in the supermarket industry have been unable to make  […]
< 1 min read
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  1. Data & Insights

Is Whole Foods Fresh Sustainable

  When Whole Foods launched its flagship Atlanta store, it embraced a forward-thinking market messaging strategy centered on “local, fresh food.” This approach not only highlights sustainability but also positions Whole Foods as a leader in the future of meals, meal prep, and meal components. By blending the trendy appeal of a food hall with […]
3 min read
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  1. Channel: Grocery

Kroger and Mariano’s Fresh Market a Look Back a Lost Opportunity

    Kroger’s acquisition of Mariano’s Fresh Market was a bold move aimed at capturing the essence of community-driven grocery shopping while boosting profitability. However, the strategy faltered at the intersection of yesterday’s retail practices and today’s evolving customer expectations. Here’s a deep dive into what went wrong and why Kroger missed the mark.   The Churn of Restaurant-Style Concepts   […]
3 min read
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  1. Data & Insights

Grocerants: Where Fresh Food Meets Innovation

  In 1996, Steven Johnson, the Grocerant Guru® at Foodservice Solutions®, revolutionized the retail foodservice industry by identifying, quantifying, qualifying, and naming the fastest-growing sector of the industry—the Grocerant Niche. His groundbreaking article Call Them Grocerants paved the way for a new era of fresh, convenient, and portable food, transforming consumer expectations and retail food […]
4 min read
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  1. Shopper & Customer

Costco Destination Dinning

  Costco has long been recognized as a destination for consumers seeking Ready-to-Eat (RTE) and Heat-and-Eat fresh prepared foods. This strategic focus has significantly enhanced customer satisfaction and loyalty, positioning Costco as a leader in the grocerant niche—a sector characterized by the fusion of grocery and restaurant-quality offerings. Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA-based […]
4 min read
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  1. Shopper & Customer

Grocerants: A Business Model Driving Food Sales Success

  The food industry is undergoing a major transformation, reshaping the way consumers select and experience meals. Through the lens of Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® it’s evident that grocerants—a hybrid business model that blends elements of grocery stores, restaurants, and convenience stores—are at the forefront of this change. By […]
5 min read
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  1. Department: Food

Consumers Meal Kits: The Modern Dinner Solution

  The evolution of meal kits has been nothing short of remarkable. From the humble beginnings of boxed macaroni and cheese to today’s fresh, flavorful meals ready in minutes, the industry has transformed the way consumers approach dinner. What started as a convenience-driven solution has blossomed into a platform for culinary exploration, family bonding, and […]
4 min read
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  1. Department & Category

Grocerant Niche Drives Competition for Food Relevance Food Fight: A Battle for Share of Stomach

  The food industry is experiencing a seismic shift as traditional boundaries between retailer’s dissolve, creating an intensified competition for consumer dollars. This battle, often referred to as the “Share of Stomach,” has evolved into a high-stakes contest among traditional grocers, convenience stores, and restaurants—alongside a growing list of non-traditional food retailers. Unexpected entrants like […]
5 min read
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  1. Data & Insights

Chain Restaurants Evolving Less – Why? Insights from the Grocerant Guru® on the Slow Evolution of Chain Restaurants

  For decades, the restaurant industry has thrived on consistency, repetition, and brand familiarity. Chain restaurants, in particular, have built their business models on delivering the same meal, the same way, every time. However, the food landscape is evolving at an accelerating pace, and many legacy brands are failing to keep up. The Grocerant Guru® […]
4 min read
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  1. Channel: Restaurants

KFC Stumbles with Pricing: A Look at How the Once-Dominant Brand Lost Its Way

  For decades, KFC reigned supreme in the home meal replacement category, offering families an affordable and convenient way to enjoy fried chicken at home. As consumer preferences evolved, so did the competition, with grocery stores expanding their ready-to-eat meal options and fast-food rivals introducing budget-friendly deals. KFC, once a leader in value, has struggled […]
4 min read
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  1. Shopper & Customer

Mr. Pickle’s Sandwich Shop Growing Relevance

  For centuries, salt has played a crucial role in human survival, serving as both a preservative and a vital nutrient. Research has consistently shown that sodium is essential for maintaining proper hydration, nerve function, and muscle contractions. According to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®, many studies have indicated that […]
4 min read
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  1. Shopper & Customer

Subway Franchisees Are Getting It Wrong: Overpricing Is Driving Customers Away, and They Must Adapt to Win Them Back

  An independent group of Subway franchisees is resisting the company’s $6.99 Footlong offer, but their stance is misguided and ultimately harmful to both their businesses and the brand’s future according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.  Their claim that offering a competitive price devalues the product is not only […]
3 min read
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  1. Shopper & Customer

7-Eleven: The Grocerant Guru’s Masterclass in Hand-Held, Immediate Consumption Success

  The grocerant niche—where convenience meets fresh, ready-to-eat meals—is redefining the way consumers engage with food. No brand exemplifies this better than 7-Eleven. Through strategic branding, an emphasis on handheld food for immediate consumption, and a deep understanding of consumer migration toward meal bundling, 7-Eleven has positioned itself as the leader in this evolving space. […]
4 min read
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  1. Corporate Finance

Restaurant Franchisor Financial Misconduct: Key Cases and Lessons for Franchisees

  The restaurant franchising industry has been a pillar of the global economy, generating billions in revenue and offering entrepreneurs opportunities to own their businesses. However, the industry has also been plagued by financial misappropriations and deceptive practices by some franchisors. Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA Based Foodservice Solutions® believe that misuse of […]
4 min read
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  1. Media & Marketing

Stay Relevant, Raise Sales, and Drive Profits with the Grocerant Guru®

  Why should foodservice retailers think about Google? The answer is simple: Millennials and Gen Z engage with their smartphones more than they do with actual humans. A recent study found that 39% of people interact more with a smartphone than with their loved ones, friends, or coworkers. Smartphones are handheld marketing powerhouses, and every […]
3 min read
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  1. Channel: Convenience

7-Eleven’s Big Bite is Still Driving Success

  When it comes to leveraging branded food items, few companies do it as effectively as 7-Eleven. According to the team at Tacoma, WA-based Foodservice Solutions®, 7-Eleven has managed to maintain its position as a convenience store leader by continuously innovating around its branded food offerings. One of the earliest trends identified by Foodservice Solutions® […]
4 min read
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  1. Department & Category

The Grocerant Guru’s Take on Driving Demand for Impossible Foods

  Impossible Foods, which continues to update its portfolio and marketing strategy as the plant-based protein market evolves, has tapped Meredith Madden to serve as chief demand officer. In this new role, she will leverage her background in the plant-based food sector to drive demand for the brand’s growing portfolio. Madden joins the Impossible Foods […]
4 min read
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  1. Trends & External Forces

The “Better for You” Food Movement: Where Bold Flavors Meet Functional Benefits

  In today’s dynamic food industry, consumers are demanding more from their meals—more flavor, more functionality, and more wellness-driven choices. The “better for you” (BFY) movement is no longer a niche trend; it’s a major force shaping restaurant menus, convenience store offerings, and service deli selections. Steven Johnson the Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based […]
4 min read
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  1. Department & Category

Today Digital Transformation Fuels Grocery and Foodservice Innovation

  More Than 90% of Shoppers Now Buy Groceries Both In-Store and Online—Restaurants, Convenience Stores, and Service Delis Must Adapt The food retail landscape is rapidly evolving, and digital engagement is driving a fundamental shift in consumer behavior. FMI—The Food Industry Association and NielsenIQ (NIQ) have released their latest report, Digital Engagement Transforms Grocery Shopping, […]
3 min read
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  1. Shopper & Customer

Food Consumer Migration is Strong in 2025

  In 2025, the food and beverage industry is experiencing a seismic shift as consumers continue to blur the lines between traditional meal times.  Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® believes consumer are now favoring mini-meals and snacks over structured breakfast, lunch, and dinner routines. This migration in consumer behavior is […]
3 min read
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  1. Channel: Convenience

Hey Starbucks, Bet You Can’t Beat This!

  Wawa’s $5 Big Breakfast Deal Redefines Value, Speed & Convenience Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® knows a winning foodservice formula when he sees one, and Wawa’s latest move is set to shake up the breakfast game. From February 17 through March 24, Wawa is rolling out its unbeatable $5 […]
3 min read
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Editor’s Choice

  1. Channel: Drug
  2. Department: HBC
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Walgreens Agrees to $10B Sycamore Partners Acquisition

Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) has finalized a deal with private equity firm Sycamore Partners to take the company private after being in the stock market for nearly 100 years. Sycamore will pay $11.45 per share in cash for the Walgreens business, according to a company announcement. Shareholders can receive up to $3 more per share […]
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  1. Channel: Grocery
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  3. Department: Food
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Kroger Announces Resignation of CEO Rodney McMullen

The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today announced that Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Rodney McMullen has resigned from the Company following a Board investigation of his personal conduct that, while unrelated to the business, was inconsistent with Kroger's Policy on Business Ethics.
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  1. Data & Insights
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  5. Shopper & Customer

Valentine’s Day flower sales could shift to FTD, other brands in 2025

1-800-Flowers still leads in US, FTD is gaining share 1-800-Flowers is the largest flower service by sales headed into Valentine’s Day 2025, according to Earnest credit card data. However, the industry stalwart is likely to lose share this season if recent trends continue. Access chart in Dash. 1-800-Flowers commanded 37.0% of Valentine’s Day flower sales […]
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