- 01 13 2026
How innovation is fueling the fried chicken wars at c-stores
There’s huge demand for fried chicken menu items in the U.S. But standing out requires c-stores and QSRs to diversify their menus and make it easier for employees to execute.
Fried chicken brands have been turning to new, distinct flavors and product innovation to stand out in the competitive convenience store market.
This year, distributor McLane launched a new HiBird fried chicken brand, while QSR platform provider Krispy Krunchy Chicken released new menu items as it expanded in the c-store space.
Chester’s Fried Chicken, meanwhile, unveiled an entirely new system for preparing and holding chicken in July aimed at bolstering sales opportunities, addressing waste, and improving food presentation and ease of use.
Chester’s believes chicken is a growth driver in the c-store space and that operators are seeking foodservice partners that innovate, said William Culpepper, the company’s vice president of marketing. Dubbed Chester’s 2.0, the new system, which boasts faster cook times and longer hold times for fried chicken, positions the company to “lead that charge,” he said.
Chicken is an incredibly versatile protein, appearing on 95.3% of U.S. restaurant menus. This means c-store operators can offer a diverse array of menu items while maintaining streamlined inventory by using different cuts of meat, such as wings, breasts and thighs, and an array of sauces, said Samantha Bomkamp Des Jardins, content marketing manager at Datassential.
Fried chicken in particular is a familiar comfort food that’s beloved across demographics, said Des Jardins. Fried chicken can be offered as everything from a quick snack to a full meal, meaning it also works across multiple dayparts, while providing the flavor and satisfaction that consumers expect, she said.
“The ability to offer everything from classic preparations to globally inspired flavors means there’s appeal for both traditionalists and adventurous eaters,” said Des Jardins. “This efficiency combined with endless customization options makes chicken an ideal platform for innovation.”
Read the Full Article: www.cstoredive.com/news/fried-chicken-brands-krispy-krunchy-chesters-hibird/808033/