Circle K might have just won the value meal wars

After too many people balked at the high costs of quick service restaurant meals, it seems that every restaurant has some type of deal, combo, or other savings offer. Given that competition is high, it is more than just the dollars spent that people have choosing one food meal over another. Circle K entered the food value meal conversation, and its deal is one that has people talking.

When it comes to value meals, it is more than just the dollar amount. First, portion size can make a value seem less because the meal would not satisfy a small child. Spending $5 only to feel hungry after emptying the bag is not worth it. The concept might not be as complicated as ROI, but people do not want to waste money.

Second, consumers crave convenience. Spending time and gas to drive to another quick service restaurant a few miles away does not save money. The concept of one stop shopping applies to all types of services.

By offering value meals, Circle K sets itself apart from other convenience stores. While there are always specials on beverages or snacks, these food bundles are what people want. From the quick bite on a road trip to a grab and go meal, the three different price points have plenty of options for everyone.

As Trey Powell, Sr. Vice President of Global Merchandising at Circle K said, “At Circle K, we are always looking for ways to make our customers’ lives a little easier with the products and offers they want and the value they expect. Our new Meal Deals bundle together some of our most popular offerings for cost-conscious customers looking for a tasty and affordable meal on the go.”

What are the Circle K value meals?

According to the Circle K, the three value meals are $3 Meal, $4 Meal, and $5 meal.

The complete offerings include:

$3 Meal:

Choice between fresh roller grill hot dog or Taquito

Choice of 1-2 oz. Frito-Lay chips

Up to 44 oz. Polar Pop

$4 Meal:

Choice of a filling breakfast sandwich including popular Sausage, Egg and Cheese Croissant or Biscuit

Crispy Hash brown

16 oz. Monster energy drink or award-winning Circle K Coffee

$5 Meal:

2 slices of fan-favorite pizza or a personal pizza*

Choice of 20 oz. Pepsi

As the list shows, there is something for morning, noon, or night. It is smart to have options for any time of day. The versatility is a characteristic that people crave. Who wants to make two stops when one will suffice.

Also, it is nice to see various beverage options. It isn’t often to see an energy drink choice in a value meal.

Will other convenience stores follow suit? Only time will tell, but it seems likely. Given that all the quick service restaurants were fast to jump into the food conversation, more savings could be coming. As long as the portion sizes convenience, and value create a well balanced equation, consumers will get the win.