What's Happening?
Casey's General Stores, a convenience store chain based in Ankeny, Iowa, is focusing on scratch-made food and strategic innovation as part of its prepared food strategy. Brad Haga, the senior vice president of prepared food and dispensed beverages, has
been recognized with the Silver Plate award by IFMA, The Food Away from Home Association, for his contributions to the industry. Haga credits the success to the team's commitment to offering delicious, craveable food and the ability to execute challenging tasks consistently. The company has recently introduced a new sauced chicken wing platform and continues to innovate with its made-from-scratch pizza offerings. Casey's is ranked third in CSP's 2026 Top 202 ranking of U.S. convenience store chains by store count.
Why It's Important?
Casey's emphasis on scratch-made food and innovation highlights a growing trend in the convenience store industry towards offering higher quality, freshly prepared food options. This approach not only differentiates Casey's from competitors but also aligns with consumer demand for more authentic and convenient meal solutions. The recognition of Haga and the company's strategic direction underscores the importance of innovation and teamwork in driving business success. As Casey's continues to expand its food offerings, it could influence other convenience stores to adopt similar strategies, potentially reshaping the industry landscape.
