4 reasons why convenience stores are the new coffee shops

1. TECHNOLOGY
The designs of many convenience stores have evolved alongside their coffee and foodservice. Indoor and outdoor seating, Wi-Fi, and charging stations are becoming standard features.

At the Kum & Go marketplace store ten minutes from my home, I often choose the outdoor seating. Rather than using small umbrellas which struggle to block the sun, the roof is extended to provide plenty of shade. Space heaters are built into the underside to provide warmth during the spring and fall seasons. Inside the store, each table has a wall outlet, and there’s a power strip at the bar seating.

For those who need internet access, free Wi-Fi is common at today’s top stores. Last year, Wawa began providing Wi-Fi at each of its more than 700 locations.

2. BETTER FOOD & COFFEE
Freshly-prepared food is becoming the new norm at convenience stores. Whether it’s made-to-order meals or grab-and-go snacks, the leading brands offer more—and better—options than many coffee shops.

And they’ve upped their coffee game. In a recent test of iced coffee by Insider, the winner wasn’t Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts—it was 7-Eleven.

At the Sheetz “MTO Market” near West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV, customers can order directly from an espresso bar. At Kelley’s Market, high-quality Kona blends are brewed every 30 minutes using a reverse-osmosis purification system. And 7-Eleven recently announced a plan to introduce sustainably-produced, single-origin Colombian coffee.

When you’re finished working on the laptop, perhaps you want to take home a growler of craft beer? Stores like Kum & Go provide growler stations with a variety of local brews.

3. OPEN & INVITING
Forget being tucked away in a corner of a small, tightly-packed coffee shop—away from natural light. The larger footprint of convenience stores enables a more open and inviting atmosphere.

At QuikTrip’s upscale marketplace concept in Midtown Atlanta, tables are available along the sidewalk for those who want to enjoy scenic views of Peachtree Avenue. There’s also standing tables for those who need to eat in a hurry.

4. MORE LIVELY
When I work remotely, I enjoy being around other people in a lively environment. I don’t want to be tucked away in a dark corner of a coffee shop—surrounded by people quietly typing away with headphones.

That’s why I enjoy convenience stores. When I bring my laptop to the local Kum & Go and use their outdoor seating, there’s a constant flow of people coming in and out of the store. It’s especially busy during the lunch hours. Road crews, construction crews, local office workers—everyone goes there.