USA Today has opened its 10Best Readers’ Choice 2023 poll for convenience store food and inviting readers to vote for their favorites.

“Gas stations, convenience stores and truck stops are more than just a place to grab a quick bite when you're on the go,” writes USA Today. “They're serving up delicious food and snacks that make them destinations in and of themselves, from fried chicken and pizza to organic salads and veggie burritos.”

Convenience retailers up for vote include 7-Eleven, Buc-ee’s, Casey’s, Cumberland Farms, Dodge’s Southern Style, Kum & Go, Kwik Trip, Maverik, Parker’s, QuickChek, QuikTrip, Royal Farms, Rutter’s, Sheetz, Shop Rite/Tobacco Plus, Spinx, Sprint, TravelCenters of America, Wawa and Weigel’s.

According to USA Today, the nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. Voting ends on Monday, May 1, at noon EDT. The publication will announce the 10 winners on Friday, May 12.

The current leaderboard shows the top 10 as Parker’s, Spinx, Maverik, Kwik Trip, Buc-ee’s, QuikTrip,

Wawa, TravelCenters of America, 7-Eleven and Sheetz.

Forbes recently reported that convenience stores could be taking market share from quick-serve restaurants. “As c-stores upgrade their foodservice offerings to be on par with QSRs, consumers may be more likely to choose the option that is most convenient for them,” writes Forbes. “Speed is one factor, but so is location and additional offerings, like gas or beer. For the latter, the scale will always tip in c-stores’ favor.”

Don’t miss the article “Competing With QSRs” in NACS Magazine, and check out “Pursuit of Healthiness,” which shares how c-stores can take part in the better-for-you food and drink trend to support their customers’ quest for good health.