In today’s competitive market, keeping up with QSRs can feel daunting. They’re offering more meal deals and bundles at a time when consumers’ budgets are stretched thin. With 70% of c-store consumers motivated by price,* crafting appealing combos is a smart strategy. You too can bundle items for key dayparts and appetizing pairings that help you align with consumer needs as well as drive traffic and sales.
Daypart-Specific Combos
Bundling beverages with craveable hot food items helps cater to the specific needs of your consumers throughout the day.
Morning Rush
Pair a coffee drink with breakfast choices such as El Monterey® Breakfast Empanadas or AM Tornados® varieties like Sausage, Egg & Cheese or French Toast & Sausage. These combos cater to busy commuters seeking quick, affordable breakfast solutions that don’t sacrifice flavor.
Mid-Day Fuel
The lunch rush is the perfect opportunity to showcase satisfying, handheld items that are easy to grab and eat on the go. Consider offering a fountain soda or iced tea with savory favorites from El Monterey® or Tornados®.
Afternoon or Rush Hour Boost
Pair an energy drink with Tornados® or El Monterey® choices to attract customers needing a pick-me-up before tackling the rest of their day.
Go Big with Meal Deals
With the rising popularity of QSR meal deals, you can stay competitive with your own valuepacked offerings. Consider a Tornados® or El Monterey® item + drink + chips for just $5. This bundle offers customers a complete meal at a budget-friendly price point they’ll love.
Special Pairings
You can open up even more bundling opportunities throughout the year with pairings like these.
- Colder months: Tornados® or El Monterey® item + soup or chili
- “Two-course” meals: 1 sweet item + 1 savory item (e.g., a Raspberry Cheesecake Mini Chimis with a savory Tornados® flavor)
- Morning indulgence: A Tornados® AM flavor or El Monterey® breakfast item + a donut
- Summer treats: Tornados® or El Monterey® item + a candy bar or frozen dessert
These combinations make it easy for customers to mix and match to satisfy their cravings year-round.
Marketing Your Bundles
Once you’ve developed your combos, it’s time to promote them effectively.
- Eye-catching signage
Place bold, appetizing visuals at the pump and near the roller grill and hot case to highlight deals.
Be sure to check our FREE point-of-sale and marketing materials. - Social media promotion
Showcase your bundles with mouthwatering photos and engaging captions. Use hashtags and mention @mytornados to amplify reach. - Loyalty program perks
Offer exclusive discounts on bundles to loyalty members or incentivize purchases with reward points. - Creative naming
Develop a fun, memorable name for your combos. Take inspiration from established brands like Chili’s “3 for Me” or Wendy’s “Biggie Bag.” A clever name can turn your bundle into a brand of its own.
Let’s Bring Bundles to Your Store
Ready to create buzz-worthy bundles that drive sales and delight your consumers? Contact us today to learn how El Monterey® and Tornados® can elevate your offerings and help you compete with QSRs.
*Technomic Q2 2024 C-Store Consumer Market Brief Report
