In today’s competitive convenience store landscape, increasing average order value (AOV) is vital for profitability. While snacks, drinks, and essentials have always driven foot traffic, one category continues to rise as a powerhouse in boosting AOV: hot, ready-to-eat food. More specifically, fried food.
From crispy chicken tenders to golden mozzarella sticks, fried food is a proven crowd-pleaser that drives impulse buys, keeps customers lingering longer, and encourages bundling (hello, meal deals!). And with AutoFry®, implementing a fried food program is easier and more profitable than ever—regardless of where your c-store is in its business journey.
Why Fried Food Works for C-Stores
Fried food isn’t just a trend—it’s a staple. Whether it’s commuters grabbing a quick bite or late-night snackers looking for comfort food, fried options deliver:
- High margins: Fried food boasts some of the best profit margins in foodservice.
- Impulse appeal: The smell, sight, and sizzle of fresh fries or wings sells itself.
- Meal-time versatility: Serve it solo, as a combo, or in grab-and-go packages.
- Daypart flexibility: Breakfast hashbrowns, lunchtime tenders, after-hours snacks—fried food fits any daypart.
The AutoFry Advantage
AutoFry is a fully automated, ventless deep fryer that takes the complexity and guesswork out of frying. Whether you're a new c-store still in development or a well-established store looking to expand, AutoFry fits in seamlessly.
Here’s how AutoFry helps boost your AOV and streamline operations:
- No Hood, No Hassle
AutoFry’s ventless design eliminates the need for expensive hood systems, saving thousands in installation and remodeling costs. This makes it ideal for:
- New builds that want to avoid the cost and permitting headaches of traditional kitchen hoods
- Existing stores without commercial kitchen infrastructure
- Small-footprint or kiosk-style stores looking to add hot food without taking on major renovations
- Consistent Quality, No Skilled Labor Required
AutoFry is fully enclosed and automated, meaning staff simply load, set, and serve. No frying experience necessary.
- Reduces training time and labor costs
- Ensures food is cooked perfectly every time
- Keeps staff safe with its closed fry environment
- Space-Saving, Scalable Solutions
Available in multiple sizes, AutoFry works for locations big and small. Whether you're outfitting a single store or building out a multi-location foodservice strategy, there’s a model that fits your needs—and grows with you.
- Quick ROI
Fried foods yield some of the highest returns in foodservice. With low food cost, high demand, and minimal waste, many convenience stores see an ROI in under a year.
Real Results: A Fried Food Menu That Works
Adding fried items like:
- Chicken tenders
- French fries
- Mozzarella sticks
- Onion rings
- Jalapeño poppers
- Fried mac & cheese bites
…not only adds variety to your menu, it creates natural upsell opportunities. Customers buying a drink might now grab a snack. Those who get a sandwich might add fries. The result? A higher average order value and happier customers.
Ready to Fry?
Whether you’re designing your first c-store from the ground up or reimagining an established location, AutoFry gives you the flexibility, efficiency, and profitability you need to make fried food work for you.
Don’t just serve snacks. Serve up more sales. With AutoFry, increasing your AOV is as easy as plug, fry, and profit.
