Dive - Episode 60 Guide Episode 60: Mastering Convenience Meals: Your Guide to Quick Service Excellence Host: Mike Hernandez Series: Dive from C-Store Center Duration: 21 minutes Episode Description Transform your sales performance by mastering today's fastest-growing profit center: convenience meals and prepared foods! In this essential episode of Dive, host Mike Hernandez reveals how prepared food sales have jumped 45% in the past year, with customers spending an extra $3.75 on other items during the same visit. Learn why Store 247 increased their prepared food sales by 60% using the techniques covered in this episode. Discover how to match the right meals to different customer types throughout the day, maintain perfect food safety standards, and use proven suggestive selling techniques that feel natural and helpful. Whether you're working the morning rush or evening dinner solutions, this episode provides the knowledge you need to boost your sales while helping customers discover their next favorite meal. What You'll Learn Complete product knowledge of hot case items, grab-and-go meals, and microwave offeringsCritical temperature and holding time requirements for food safetyTime-of-day optimization strategies for breakfast, lunch, and dinner periodsHow to identify different customer types and match them with perfect meal solutionsEffective suggestive selling techniques for complementary items and meal upgradesPractical approaches to handling dietary considerations and special requestsSuccess metrics and targets for prepared food sales excellenceKey Segments Meal Categories Deep Dive (7 min) Hot case items: chicken, pizza, sandwiches and daily specials with precise temperature requirementsGrab-and-go meals: cold sandwiches, wraps, and prepared salads with proper presentation techniquesMicrowave meals: breakfast bowls, burgers, and dinner options with exact heating timesCritical food safety standards and storage requirements for each categoryQuality control indicators for freshness and presentationTime of Day Optimization (7 min) Breakfast solutions: Hot items, coffee pairings, and grab-and-go options for the morning rushLunch options: Prep timeline, popular combinations, and quick service techniquesEvening meals: Family-size portions, heat-and-eat options, and bundle dealsThe "Rush Hour Ready" system that reduced service times by 40%Key timing triggers for meal transitions throughout the dayCustomer Targeting (8 min) Morning commuters: Quick solutions for on-the-go breakfast needsLunch break workers: Fast, desk-friendly options for time-pressed professionalsEvening family meal customers: Multi-portion solutions with value pricingLate-night customers: Comfort foods with easy preparationDietary considerations: Vegetarian, gluten-free, and calorie-conscious offeringsValue propositions: Meal deals, loyalty benefits, and daily specialsSuggestive Selling Techniques (8 min) Complementary item suggestions: Beverage pairings, side items, and dessert optionsUpselling strategies that emphasize value, not just sizeThe HEAR approach: Hear, Empathize, Answer, RecommendTime-specific suggestions for different daypartsRapport-building techniques that create regular customersSuccess stories demonstrating effective customer interactionsKey Standards to Remember Temperature Requirements:Hot items: 140°F or aboveCold items: 38°F or belowCheck and log temperatures every two hoursMaximum Holding Times:Chicken: 4 hoursPizza: 2 hoursHot sandwiches: 3 hoursSide items: 2 hoursFood Safety Practices:Always record prep times on traysNever guess about ingredients – use the allergen information bookRotate stock using First In, First Out methodRemove expired items immediatelySuccess Metrics 20% attachment rate on complementary items35% conversion on meal deals45% of customers upgrading to combosLess than 5% food wasteWinning Combinations Morning: Medium roast coffee + breakfast burrito = $2 offLunch: Hot sandwich + chips + drink = $3 offEvening: Family Meal Deal: Main dish + 2 sides + 4 drinks = 25% offAction Plan for Your Next Shift Review the temperature log scheduleLearn one new product detailPractice three combo suggestionsMaster one new upselling techniquePro Tips Mark prep times on trays to confidently answer freshness questionsPre-bag chips and sides during slow periods to speed up rush serviceUse the "Rush Hour Ready" system with pre-made bundles for peak timesShare personal experiences with products to build credibilityNever compromise on food safety standards – they build customer trustConnect With Us Visit cstorethrive.com for additional training resources. Dive from C-Store Center is a Sink or Swim Production dedicated to helping convenience store professionals enhance their skills and advance their careers. *Tags: #ConvenienceStore #PreparedFoods #FoodService #SalesTechniques #CustomerService #FoodSafety #SuggestiveSelling #RetailSkills
