Convenience, re-conceived

The news this week that entrepreneur Bill Knight will offer franchising opportunities based on his NexStore MarketPlace is yet another example of a retailer aiming to stand out in the convenience channel by offering more variety and better quality, particularly in foodservice.

Knight, who opened NexStore MarketPlace in Boca Raton, Fla., a few years ago, is going to franchise the format under the name NexStore Express, according to an April 27 article in the Boca Raton News. The store format includes a gasoline station with a convenience store that features gourmet food-to-go, a dine-in spot for neighboring businesses, a deli and a pastry section.

Knight is moving to franchise his format just as Tesco, the U.K. retailer, is preparing to open stores that will be called Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Markets, also emphasizing convenience and prepared foods. Tesco said on April 25 that it hopes to have 100 Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Markets in the United States by February of 2008, according to Reuters.

Tesco leased 16,332 square feet of retail space at a shopping center in Orange, Calif., according to a May 1 report by CoStar Realty Information. That is somewhat larger than the 12,000-square-foot NexStore, which also offers discount fuel. To date, Tesco’s plans are reported to be focused on Western states, far from Knight’s base in Florida.

The NexStore format is designed to appeal to consumers who are in search of convenient and fresh chef-crafted foods and healthy alternatives, according to the company.

The NexStore MarketPlace in Boca Raton measures more than 12,000 square foot, and offers over 1,800 gourmet cuisine items to go.

Knight, principal of NexStore and Knight Development Group. Knight developed the first combination gasoline and convenience store in Florida in 1969 and has embarked on a new quest to expand the NexStore brand for its gourmet meals to go, catering program, discounted fuel and convenience store.

The store has 41 chefs, skilled butchers, artisan bakers and other hospitality experts, and has 100 employees in all, according to the company. It offers an extensive full-service catering program to serve both gourmet and every day meals to small and large gatherings. The foodservice operation is expected to prepare items that will be offered at franchised locations, which will be opened in the area, according to news reports.

The NexStore MarketPlace operates a 24-hour convenience market store stocked with a variety of snacks and Chef Prepared meals.

Other features and services include: a valet, a personal shopper who provides “call ahead service;” “grab-and-go” food; more than 350 meals to choose from daily; a dozen soups available daily; 16 types of Sushi always made fresh; a Bake Shop with more than 120 items; a Deli Department with more than 150 items; and made-to-order salads, gourmet sandwiches and pizza. The hours at the Boca Raton store are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; and 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday through Saturday.