What's Happening?
NexChapter, a consulting firm based in Des Moines, Iowa, has appointed Mendy Meriwether as the vice president of foodservice practice. This newly created position is part of NexChapter's strategic focus on enhancing foodservice offerings for convenience and grocery retailers. Meriwether, a seasoned professional with extensive experience in foodservice strategy and execution, previously held leadership roles at Wawa and EG America. Her responsibilities at NexChapter will include developing menu strategies, managing category systems, and creating execution frameworks to transform foodservice into a high-margin growth area. The firm aims to leverage Meriwether's expertise to capitalize on the growing importance of foodservice, which accounted for a significant portion of in-store sales and gross margins in 2024, according to the National Association of Convenience Stores.
Why It's Important?
The appointment of Mendy Meriwether is significant as it underscores NexChapter's commitment to expanding its influence in the foodservice sector, a critical area for growth in the convenience store industry. With foodservice projected to outpace quick-service restaurants in growth by 2025, NexChapter's strategic move positions it to help retailers capitalize on this trend. Meriwether's experience in menu innovation and operational execution is expected to drive profitability and differentiation for clients. This development could lead to increased competition among convenience stores and quick-service restaurants, potentially benefiting consumers through improved offerings and services.
What's Next?
Meriwether's role will involve collaborating with retailers to implement scalable foodservice programs across various markets. Her focus will be on embedding foodservice excellence into the operational DNA of these businesses. As NexChapter continues to expand its advisory services, it may attract more clients seeking to enhance their foodservice capabilities. The firm's leadership, including CEO Art Sebastian, is likely to support Meriwether in executing these initiatives, potentially leading to further innovations and partnerships in the retail and technology sectors.
