kwik trip social media manager

CStore Decisions

What You Can Learn From Kwik Trip’s Social Strategy

By Therese Nguyen | February 3, 2023

It’s no secret that competition can get tough among convenience stores. Luckily, social media has emerged as a powerful marketing tool that can help brands stand out among the rest.

CStore Decisions recently released The 2023 Social Media Awards , powered by RivalIQ , which looked at which convenience stores were performing best across social media platforms.

And the convenience store that’s undoubtedly mastered the art of social? Kwik Trip.

Whether it was Facebook or Instagram, Twitter or TikTok, the Midwestern chain never fell below the Top 3 in our ranking of top-performing convenience store brands on social media, notably ranking No. 1 when it came to TikTok.

So, how exactly did Kwik Trip end up on top? Competitive social media analytics app Rival IQ analyzed the brand’s highly entertaining content to identify the top five strategies it used to rack up impressive levels of engagement. Let’s jump right in.

1) Be #Relatable

Creating relatable content has long been a tried-and-true tactic for driving engagement. Most of us are simple creatures, after all. We see a post we identify with and we double-tap “like.”

Knowing this, Kwik Trip’s social team did a stellar job of creating content that would acutely resonate with its target audiences. The convenience store chain never shies away from directly addressing a niche audience. Rather than trying to appeal to “everyone,” the brand embraces a particular segment by unapologetically posting content that’s clearly meant for them.

In the case of the two examples below, Kwik Trip tapped into the experiences and humor of Gen Z college students from the Midwest. By reenacting entertaining scenarios that those students would find relatable, the brand not only captured their attention but also secured impressive levels of engagement, including positive comments from those who were eager to chime in with their own opinions on the familiar experience.

@kwiktrip Relatable. #kwiktrip #midwest ♬ original sound – Kwik Trip

With a caption that succinctly encapsulates its goal, the above TikTok made it into the top 5 of Kwik Trip’s most engaging posts across all social platforms with an engagement rate by follower of 47.7%.

Another video, which uses a popular meme of actor Robert Pattinson to express the feeling of awkwardly running into an old high school classmate, saw similar numbers. Boasting an engagement rate of 42.2%, the TikTok performed 30.2x better than the average of every Kwik Trip social post in 2022.

There’s no question that Kwik Trip’s niche targeting had a lot to do with the success of its social strategy. With a crystal clear image of its audience in mind, the convenience store brand was able to create content that was boldly specific and refreshingly relatable.

The lesson here? Don’t get caught up in appealing to the masses. Find ways to connect with your target audience over unique shared experiences, no matter how minor or niche they may seem. When your viewers find your posts relatable, they won’t be able to resist engaging.

2) Embrace the Trends

Trends are a fantastic way to boost exposure and connect with a wider audience over what essentially feels like a shared inside joke. It should come as no surprise then that one of the biggest drivers of Kwik Trip’s impressive engagement levels is its participation in viral content trends.

The beauty of trends is that they grow as more and more creators put their own unique twist on them. In fact, users expect trends to evolve, meaning brands have so many more opportunities to jump on a trend than they usually think. It just takes a little out-of-the-box thinking.

Kwik Trip, for instance, promoted its butter sale, by simply hopping on a viral meme that was trending on TikTok: giant dancing Shrek. The trend was not only easy to join (users would use a filter where a giant Shrek in a catsuit would pop up and “be spotted” dancing in random locations) but it also perfectly aligned with the humor of Kwik Trip’s Gen Z audience.

@kwiktrip $2.49 limit 5. #kwiktrip #butter #midwest #shrek ♬ original sound – edaheeransgingerpub3s 😘🤪

Considering how fast trends move on social, Kwik Trip’s ability to keep up deserves admiration. Not only is the convenience store great at staying on top of the latest trends, but it also does a stellar job of creatively applying trends to its brand in a way that resonates with its audience.

At the same time, though, having a social media team that’s “kwik  ” on their feet is only the first step. The team also needs to be empowered to post without having to go through layers of red tape. After all, what’s the point of creating on-trend content if the trend is already outdated once higher-ups finally approve the post?

Fortunately, as the TikTok above seems to suggest, the Kwik Trip social team seems to be fully supported by their boss. And, in embracing trends fully, the convenience store has thrived on social media. Certainly, for any brand looking to up its trend game, Kwik Trip’s approach is worth taking a look at.

3) Humanize Your Brand

Amplifying its strategies of being relatable and trendy is Kwik Trip’s tactic of having actual team members be the face of the brand.

Countless videos feature the same few people from the Kwik Trip social media team, giving viewers recognizable faces that they can connect with. Having real people — not a faceless logo — represent the brand both humanizes it and legitimizes the brand personality, making its actions seem less calculated and more genuine.

On top of having real people represent the brand on social, Kwik Trip also embraces showing common human emotions. Its social team tells jokes, replies to comments and, as seen below, reacts to celebrities DM-ing them, just like any normal person would.

@kwiktrip @Yung Gravy 🍯 #kwiktrip #midwest ♬ original sound – Kwik Trip

Bottom line? Social media is the ultimate opportunity to show off your brand’s personality. Take advantage of it!

4) Stir Up Engagement

Another tactic that’s served Kwik Trip well? The chain is never afraid to stir up some trouble — all in the name of good fun, of course.

With unapologetic quips reminiscent of Wendy’s iconic roasts on Twitter , Kwik Trip has drawn plenty of engagement by getting into it with competitors and fueling some good ol’ Midwest rivalries. Fittingly, its bio on Twitter reads “ We roast more than our coffee. ”

Kwik Trip’s appetite for good-natured jabs isn’t limited to just Twitter. The video below was posted to both TikTok and Instagram, with both posts making it in the top 10 of the brand’s most engaging posts based on engagement rate by follower.

@kwiktrip (This is a joke, people.) #kwiktrip #midwest #wisconsin #minnesota #iowa ♬ original sound – Kwik Trip

By chiming in on “controversial” topics, Kwik Trip was able to organically drive discussion and interaction among its viewers. While you’ll obviously want to avoid touchy topics that could alienate your audience, initiating friendly debates or asking thoughtful questions in a similar way can be a super effective way to boost social engagement.

5) Repurpose What Works

The final lesson to draw from Kwik Trip’s social media strategy is to repurpose your social content thoughtfully.

A longstanding social media best practice has been to carefully create content according to the nuances of each channel. In other words, rather than having identical feeds across different social platforms, your content style should be fitted to the platform you’re posting on. After all, an Instagram carousel of aesthetically pleasing photos wouldn’t necessarily work well on TikTok.

However, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t repurpose content across channels. Instead, being selective about what gets reshared is the way to go — which is exactly what Kwik Trip does so well.

A quick scroll through each of the chain’s social profiles and you can see that not every piece of content makes it across all channels. Instead, only certain — typically well-performing — posts are repurposed, presumably after the social team observes how well it does on the original channel.

Case in point, this Instagram Reel was posted over a week after the same video racked up plenty of comments and other engagements on TikTok . With 12.9K engagements and an engagement rate lift of 7.88x compared to all of Kwik Trip’s social posts in 2022, it’s no wonder that the TikTok was reposted to Instagram.

Kwik Trip’s choice to repurpose its top-performing videos certainly paid off. As seen from the stats below, the same piece of content was able to earn nearly twice the engagements just by reposting it again to another platform.

Like Kwik Trip, your brand likely has plenty of stand-out content that would perform well across channels. Be strategic when repurposing your top posts and you’ll not only save time and effort but also boost your reach and engagement.

Wrapping It Up

So there you have it! Hopefully this deep dive into Kwik Trip’s success on social has inspired you to spruce up your own strategy for the year. Whether you come away with new learnings or are able to validate your own approaches, there’s always value to be found in studying what’s worked well for others.

Download your free copy of The 2023 Social Media Awards here.

Therese Nguyen is a former marketing manager turned freelance content writer based in Dallas. Working with agencies and B2B brands, she specializes in covering the latest developments in marketing trends, insights and strategies. Rival IQ is a Seattle-based social media analytics company that helps social media professionals maximize their impact with competitive benchmarking, comprehensive analytics and automated insight generation.

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'See ya next time': How a neighborhood grocery store grew into today's Kwik Trip phenomenon

What's so special about kwik trip, and why do so many people love this midwestern gas station and convenience store.

Design by Brooke Eberle, producer, Wisconsin Digital Optimization Team

There’s nothing more Wisconsin than a Kwik Trip. 

That is, until you take a look at the fan base and following that turned a convenience store into a phenomenon.

Fifty-seven years after the first Kwik Trip opened in Eau Claire, Kwik Trip has grown from that one neighborhood grocery store to a statewide obsession with its own personality across social media platforms.

The company has  Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and Snapchat  accounts. It even has a Spotify  account with more than 130 followers who can listen to the company’s "Kwik Trip Checkout" or "Chicken Jammies" public playlists. 

There are multiple fan groups on Facebook, including Wisconsin Kwik Trip Enthusiast Club, Kwik Trip Enthusiasts Club, and even a Kwik Trip Missed Connections group. Some fans have had photo shoots, even on their wedding days, at a Kwik Trip. It has become more than a store; it's a vibe.

The Wisconsin Kwik Trip Enthusiast Club, for example, was created two years ago and is not affiliated with the company. It has more than 94,000 members and dozens of posts daily, ranging from photos of favorite Kwik Trip treats, questions, memes and more.

So, how did Kwik Trip grow into a Midwestern phenomenon with a social media influencer status?

RELATED:  This Kwik Trip super fan made it her 2021 goal to visit Wisconsin's 457 Kwik Trips. She did it.

RELATED:  Valentine's Day: Check out these super Wisconsin love stories, from a Kwik Trip wedding photo shoot to brewery ceremonies

Keeping up with the Kwik Trips

Kendra Lasack, Kwik Trip’s digital content supervisor, said social media platforms have allowed the Kwik Trip team to bring the brand to life.

“It’s incredible how much we’re able to learn from our fans every day, just by engaging and listening to the conversations on social,” she said.

Lasack said the company has shifted its digital marketing strategy from focusing on the products to focusing on the people and developing a brand voice to bring a more human level to the company’s content. 

She said the company's success on social media reflects Kwik Trip’s mission to treat others as they would like to be treated. The team listens, takes time to reply and has fun with its followers.

And people have responded. Members of the social media fan groups talk about the company, highlight their favorite products, post original memes and share Kwik Trip’s content.

When USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin asked members of the Wisconsin Kwik Trip Enthusiast Club Facebook group what they like most about Kwik Trip, more than 400 people responded, including dozens of employees who are part of the group.

Their answers ranged from clean bathrooms to the food options and how friendly the employees are. Many like the "see ya next time" farewell as they leave a store. Fans from other states said they stock up on Kwik Trip goodies while they're in the area, as they can't find anything like it anywhere else.

Carrie Marie is from Yorkville, Illinois and travels to Friendship often. When she and her family are in Wisconsin, her two teenage boys have to stop at Kwik Trip twice a day, every day. She said her family has Kwik Trip hoodies and three Big Buddy cups in case they cross the border unexpectedly. Her children receive Kwik Trip gas cards from their grandparents.

They make you feel like a person in there and not just another customer.

Jaimee Arnold from Appleton said she loves Kwik Trip because of the company's high standards for cleanliness, someone is always willing to help, and guests can find a wide variety of "grab and go" options for whatever they're craving.

"They make you feel like a person in there and not just another customer," she said.

Emily Jean Weger from Watertown said she's been going to a Kwik Trip store since she was little, and now she takes her kids to the same store.

"There are employees who've been there the whole time and say 'I remember your mom when she was your age and smaller,'" she said. "That makes Kwik Trip a special place to me."

Take a Kwik scroll online

Fans also love the company's social media presence.

"Their social media person is phenomenal," said Kwik Trip fan Leah McDonald from Waukesha. "Really connects with the consumers."

Recently, when Kwik Trip ran out of coffee cups, the brand took to social media, saying another gas station took the cups . The problem was later explained as a supply chain issue . In lieu of disposable cups, Kwik Trip encouraged guests to bring their own cups for a 99-cent refill of any size, suggesting dozens of options ranging from a wheelbarrow, blender and fish bowl to a toilet plunger, Dumbledore's hat and a gas can.

The post was shared more than 17,000 times and collected more than 18,000 reactions and 3,700 comments.

"Great way to make lemonade from lemons," Christine Garchow from Portage commented on the post. "Thanks Kwik Trip!"

Wilson the volleyball and Forrest Gump's chocolate box both made the list, prompting a comment from Jimmie Kaska from Cadott:

"Did Tom Hanks steal the cups? Is that why we're using his volleyball and chocolate box to load up on coffee?"

Kwik Trip responded with a Tom Hanks gif.

Three days later, Kwik Trip posted a follow-up post to clarify some additional details.

"We didn't expect a post about cups to go viral," the post was captioned .

One of the frequently-asked questions was how long the refill deal would last.

"(I don't know) I just do social media," the answer stated. "At least a few weeks ... our cup guy is doing his best."

As to whether people could really bring in a wheelbarrow, the answer is no.

"Please no," said the follow-up, posted the day after the Super Bowl. "We know the initial post was a bit ridiculous, but it was cheaper than a commercial spot during the football game last night. Feel free to get creative with your mug, just make sure it's clean and safe for hot liquid. Also, let's not waste ... if you pour, you better drink."

Paige Forde, Kwik Trip’s social media specialist, said interacting with followers is extremely important to Kwik Trip.

“We love making our fans know they’re being heard, whether that means sharing their content, interacting with them, or passing these social listening trends forward to the appropriate department,” she said.

Some fans have captured their love of Kwik Trip on their wedding day, holding photo shoots both outside and inside of a store.

“We absolutely love seeing this content,” Forde said. “It’s incredible that so many of our loyal guests take the time to make a special ‘photo op’ trip to our stores during such a special day.”

Other interactions have included fans sending unusual direct messages to Kwik Trip’s social media accounts, and sometimes those fans screenshot the messages and share them.

Forde said those interactions provide opportunities for content, and they’re great ways to engage fans.

“The majority of the time, we go along with it,” Forde said. “I mean, it isn’t too often you can (direct message) a brand something obscure and they take the time to respond. It’s fun, it’s personal, and definitely gets people talking.”

It all started with one store

Kwik Trip started as a neighborhood grocery store, opening its first location in 1965 in Eau Claire. The second store opened in La Crosse in 1971.

“It was a humble beginning with painted letters cut out of plywood,” Kwik Trip owner Don Zietlow said. “These were all neighborhood grocery stores, and none of them sold fuel.”

The company opened a corporate office in La Crosse in 1973, and, by 1986, it had grown to 100 stores. Kwik Trip opened its 800th store in December and, according to the Wisconsin Technology Council, has nearly $7 billion in annual sales.

The success Kwik Trip found over the years has not been by accident. Zietlow, who is still the company's president and CEO, points to two main ingredients that contributed to Kwik Trip’s success: the right people and the ability to have products that guests want and are looking for and being able to offer them at a good deal.

Zietlow said Kwik Trip is able to offer quality products at good prices because of the company’s “vertical integration.” The company’s Glazer doughnuts, for example, are made in Kwik Trip’s own bakery, they’re shipped on Kwik Trip’s trucks, and they’re sold in Kwik Trip stores.

Be our guest

Zietlow said Kwik Trip’s employees set the company apart from the competition.

“People are our number one asset," he said. "There’s more to a job than pay. You need to feel like you are making a difference. That’s our mission, and that’s what our coworkers do every day.”

There’s more to a job than pay. You need to feel like you are making a difference. That’s our mission, and that’s what our coworkers do every day.

In the middle of a pandemic and worker shortages, many companies have had a hard time finding and retaining employees, but Kwik Trip hasn’t felt those hardships as much as some other businesses. Zietlow said the company and family is committed to their coworkers, and Kwik Trip shares 40% of its pre-tax profits.

And employees have felt that sentiment, saying they feel valued and respected at their jobs.

Kwik Trip employee Keith DeLabio from Kenosha said in the Wisconsin Kwik Trip Enthusiast Club Facebook group that he appreciates the 40% profit share, and that Zietlow calls his employees his coworkers and wears a Kwik Trip uniform every day instead of a suit and tie.

Denise Royea from Oconomowoc said the company treats all of its coworkers as family, and they're open with them about all of the ins and outs of the company, from where new stores will open to the the company's faults and areas for improvement. She said between informative meetings and employee programs, no one gets left behind.

“Our coworkers earn every penny,” Zietlow said. “We can’t thank them enough for the hard work they do, day in and day out.”

Michael James Luckow from Manitowoc said when he was first hired at Kwik Trip, the company told him people aren't customers, they're guests. While it was a strange concept at first, he quickly understood the distinction.

"They are guests in our store, and we take pride in them having a great experience, just as anyone would having guests over the holidays," he said.

Customer Coryn Burette from New London said Kwik Trip always has the nicest employees, even the ones working overnight shifts.

"They go above and beyond to make my visit nice and wonderful," she said.

Hunter Karraker from Shawano said a Kwik Trip employee knew she was pregnant before she did, after she had gone in for shakes every night for a week. Karraker said she told the employee she had been craving them, and the employee asked if she was pregnant.

"I got a test and sure enough, it came back positive," she said.

She said the workers began to recognize her, and when they would see her come in, they'd make sure there was fresh food out for her on the hot spot, a display where customers can find breakfast sandwiches, pizza slices and other warm food options that are ready to eat. Now that Karraker has had her baby, she said an employee asked her how they were doing.

"They definitely make me feel special," she said. "Kwik Trip is the best."

Some people love Kwik Trip so much, it becomes a birthday theme. Mitzie Murdock Klozotsky told USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin she owns a custom baking business in Kaukauna, and a customer recently ordered a  Kwik Trip cake for a 40th birthday .

"Needless to say, Kwik Trip has a following unlike anything else when a milestone like a 40th birthday is celebrated with a Kwik Trip themed cake," she said.

Midwest is best

One of the most relatable parts of Kwik Trip is its roots in the Midwest.

“The majority of our content is based around what people think about our brand and relatable Midwest situations,” Forde said.

So, when there's a chance to merge some Midwest personalities, Kwik Trip is on it. The list of projects the Kwik Trip team works on is never-ending, and there are always new challenges that the team brainstorms in meetings.

Some of those projects have included partnerships through a brand ambassador program Kwik Trip started in 2019. Kwik Trip has worked with a few Midwest social media personalities like comedian Charlie Berens and Green Bay Packers players Rashan Gary and Kurt Benkert.

In 2020, Kwik Trip's team started brainstorming ideas to promote the company's Fresh Blends menu of smoothies, frozen lemonades, refreshers, iced coffees, cold brew coffee and shakes. In November, the company partnered with Berens and premiered a Berens Alexander on a "secret menu." It's a combination of caramel, chocolate, cream and cold brew.

“We’ve had the opportunity to work with truly amazing, authentic and talented people through this initiative and look forward to growing this network to reach even more unique audiences,” Forde said.

Kwik Trip is an influencer offline, too

The company is also committed to helping the communities it calls home. Kwik Trip donates to various community organizations and efforts, and it sponsors youth sports teams, large events and more. It also helps groups with fundraising options like car washes and scrip gift cards and more. It even encourages grade school students to read more with Kwik Book, a program that offers a free slice of pizza or a garden salad for each student who reaches a reading goal set by their teacher.

Many fans on Facebook said their favorite thing about the company was the donations and efforts to help people in need.

Chelsea Hall from Janesville said when she lost everything in a house fire two years ago, someone submitted her name for a donation program through Kwik Trip in Milton. She said it wasn't a lot, but every little bit made a huge difference.

"They support Special Olympics and are at almost every state tournament handing out water, Gatorade, fruit and cookies," said Sue Weber Dushek from Milwaukee. "The interaction between the employees and the athletes is an amazing thing to watch."

Gail Marie Benedict from Loyal said Kwik Trip came to her small town when the community had lost its grocery store, and Kwik Trip filled that gap, helped the community and brought jobs to the area.

Kwik Trip has filled community needs, too, especially in smaller areas with less access to grocery stores and other food options. Many fans said their Kwik Trip serves as their grocery store. Some said Kwik Trip opened in their area and filled a need when a grocery store had closed.

Kay Grosinske, who now lives in Texas, said while she misses Kwik Trip, she regularly visits the store when she's back home visiting family. She said her hometown got two new stores recently, and the company has donated a lot of food to the local community help center.

"Those donations alone spread a lot of love," she said.

Where do Kwik Trips come from?

Have you ever wondered how a Kwik Trip is born?

Dax Connely, Kwik Trip's real estate manager, said the company's real estate team chooses new locations based on an area’s population, traffic volume near a site and its accessibility, and more. The company is always looking to open in new markets throughout Wisconsin, he said.

The look of a Kwik Trip varies. Some are built from the ground up. Others have evolved from other stores. Connely said Kwik Trip has many stores that the company acquired over the years that don’t look like the typical Kwik Trip, but the company’s goal is to have its sites look similar. Locations may have their own uniqueness because of the landscape or land size, however, he said.

The newest Kwik Trip stores look a bit different than the long-standing sites. Connely said the  “Generation 3” stores have a new color schemes are larger at 9,000 square feet, and have more of a small grocery feel.

Kwik Trip has plans to grow, both inside and outside of Wisconsin. Connely said the company has plans to extend into the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and also into the eastern edges of North and South Dakota in a couple of years.

When it comes to expansion plans, Kwik Trip fans approve.

"I just think Kwik Trip is the finest chain of gas stations in the entire United States of America," said customer Andrea Tamara from Sheboygan.

Contact Caitlin at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @CaitlinShuda .

Meet the woman behind Kwik Trip's viral social media posts

It is rare for a convenience store chain to have millions of followers on social media, but maybe not if that chain is La Crosse, Wisconsin-based Kwik Trip.

The store has a large and cult-like following that grows each time they open a new store.

TMJ4 News was granted a rare look behind the scenes at the company’s headquarters, where decisions are not only made, but also a lot of the food that is sold at the more than 860 stores across the Midwest.

Tom Durian talked with the woman leading the social media team. You might recognize Paige Geary and her team from the viral videos posted to the store's social media accounts.

In this interview, she talks about her favorite celebrity collaboration, as well as becoming recognized herself.

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Information Technology

You: an IT wizard with a mind that’s sharper than the cutting-edge of what’s next. Us: a fast-growing company of over 850 stores and 36,000 coworkers that’s committed to keeping pace with tomorrow’s technology. Simply put, Kwik Trip's future growth and success is fueled by forward-thinking individuals like yourself. With your IT expertise, your innovative spirit, and your knack for discovering new ways of leveraging technology, you’ll help take Kwik Trip from where we are to where we want to be.

• Network Engineer
• IT Business Analyst
• Security Analyst
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• ​​​​​​​Desktop Support Analyst​​​​​​​
• And many more

Benefits that stack up

In addition to providing a fun and fast-paced work environment with flexible scheduling and advancement opportunities, we’re proud to offer benefits and perks second to none. Here's just a few of the many benefits we offer.

How I Successfully Sold My Product to Kwik Trip and Boosted My Convenience Store Sales

In the heartland of Wisconsin, Sarah Thompson noticed a peculiar pattern during her frequent visits to Kwik Trip, the local convenience store chain known for its variety of snacks and fresh food offerings. Despite the abundance of choices, there was a conspicuous gap in the market: a lack of gourmet, healthy snack options. The shelves were packed with chips, pretzels, and sugary treats, but nothing catered to health-conscious consumers seeking a satisfying, nutritious snack on the go.

Sarah, a culinary enthusiast and nutritionist, saw an opportunity. She envisioned a niche product that combined the crunch of traditional snacks with the health benefits of superfoods. After months of experimenting in her kitchen, she developed a unique snack mix she called “Crunchy Cravings.” This mix included roasted chickpeas, seasoned kale chips, and dried fruit, all tossed in a light, savory seasoning blend. It was crunchy, delicious, and packed with nutrients.

Creating a great product was just the first step. Sarah knew she had to get Crunchy Cravings into Kwik Trip stores to reach her target audience. She started by reaching out to the local Kwik Trip manager with samples and a well-prepared pitch. She highlighted the growing demand for healthy snacks and demonstrated how Crunchy Cravings could fill this niche perfectly.

The manager, intrigued by the concept and impressed by the taste, agreed to a small trial in a few local stores. Sarah’s heart raced with anticipation as she delivered the first batch. The initial response was overwhelmingly positive. Customers appreciated the unique combination of flavors and the health benefits. Sales began to climb, and word spread quickly.

Encouraged by the positive feedback, Kwik Trip decided to expand the trial to more stores across the state. Sarah ramped up production, transforming her home kitchen into a small-scale production facility. She hired a few part-time employees to help with roasting, packaging, and distribution. The operation grew, but Sarah remained hands-on, ensuring every batch met her high standards.

As Crunchy Cravings gained popularity, Sarah faced new challenges. Competing snack brands took notice and began to introduce their own healthy options. However, Sarah had something they lacked: a loyal customer base and a story of authenticity. She leveraged social media to share her journey, posting behind-the-scenes looks at the production process, customer testimonials, and the story behind Crunchy Cravings. This personal touch resonated with consumers, driving even more sales.

Meanwhile, Sarah continued to innovate. She introduced new flavors and variations, including a spicy mix and a sweet-and-savory blend. Each new product was developed with the same attention to detail and commitment to quality. These innovations kept customers excited and coming back for more.

Success also brought new opportunities. Larger retailers began to show interest in Crunchy Cravings. Sarah carefully negotiated these deals, ensuring her product would maintain its quality and not get lost in the vast array of options. She also started exploring new distribution channels, including online sales, to reach a broader audience.

One of the most significant milestones came when Kwik Trip decided to make Crunchy Cravings a permanent product in all their stores. This decision was based on consistent sales and positive customer feedback. It was a dream come true for Sarah. Her small business had created a niche product that not only filled a gap in the market but also resonated with consumers on a personal level.

As Crunchy Cravings continued to grow, Sarah faced the challenge of scaling her operations. She moved into a larger production facility and invested in more advanced equipment. She also hired a dedicated team to help with various aspects of the business, from marketing to logistics. Despite the growth, Sarah remained involved in every detail, ensuring her vision and values were upheld.

Sarah’s commitment to quality and innovation paid off. Crunchy Cravings expanded its product line to include new snack formats, such as protein bars and trail mixes, all while maintaining the focus on health and flavor. The brand’s success attracted media attention, and Sarah was invited to speak at industry conferences, sharing her story and inspiring other entrepreneurs.

Throughout this journey, Sarah never lost sight of her mission: to provide delicious, healthy snacks that people could enjoy on the go. She continued to engage with customers, gathering feedback and constantly looking for ways to improve. This dedication to customer satisfaction was a key factor in Crunchy Cravings’ success.

As the business grew, Sarah also focused on giving back to the community. She partnered with local schools and health organizations to promote healthy eating habits and support nutrition education programs. These initiatives not only helped raise awareness about the importance of healthy snacking but also strengthened the brand’s connection to the community.

Crunchy Cravings’ journey was a testament to the power of innovation, resilience, and staying true to one’s values. Sarah’s story inspired countless others, demonstrating that with passion and perseverance, it was possible to turn a simple idea into a thriving business.

As the sun set over the Wisconsin landscape, Sarah reflected on the journey so far. She knew that there would always be challenges ahead, but she was ready to face them head-on. With a solid foundation, a loyal customer base, and a clear vision for the future, the possibilities were endless.

Crunchy Cravings had become more than just a snack; it was a symbol of healthy living and a reminder that even in a crowded market, there was always room for something unique. Sarah raised a bag of Crunchy Cravings in a silent toast to the journey ahead, knowing that with determination and a bit of savory inspiration, anything was possible.

And so, Crunchy Cravings continued to grow, one bite at a time, driven by the same passion and dedication that had sparked its creation. For Sarah, the journey was not just about building a successful business; it was about making a lasting impact and leaving a legacy of quality, innovation, and community.

If you have a product, we want to hear from you!

Mr. Checkout is a national association of independent wagon-jobbers and full-line distributors. We distribute product to approximately 35,000 independent stores around the country and are always seeking the next hot new product. If you have a product, we want to hear from you!

Contact Kwik Trip Buyer

Do not trust any “list” of buyers.

Typically retail buyers change either companies or positions every few years. This strategy helps retailers know that their buyers are not taking “kick-backs” and are selecting the very best product for the very best position each time.

Buyers are typically held to a very rigorous standard of sell-through volume that they must hit and because of this they are risk averse. Your job as a supplier or vendor is to convince them that the buyers going into the stores not only know about what you’re selling but are actively seeking the product in the store currently.

Sometimes easier said than done, however you must get on Kwik Trip radar.

Call the Kwik Trip corporate phone number and ask for the names of the buyer and assistant buyers in your category.

Always leave voicemail with whomever the dispatch will connect you.

Use that information to connect with them on LinkedIn, RangeMe and any other professional social platform.

Ask your representative at your trade bureau to connect you to the Kwik Trip buyers as they will potentially have a better history.

Get On Kwik Trip Radar

Use advertising, public relations and marketing to make your brand known to Kwik Trip buyer through 3rd party websites & industry media sources.

Be everywhere that they look, the key is to position your brand as the obvious choice when Kwik Trip is looking to either refill a slot or create a new category.

Latch on to the news of the day and any trend that will make your product fill that niche whether that be Non-GMO or Vegan Leather for example.

Investing in your brand can only benefit your opportunities in the future. As being “top of mind” will have a ripple effect when you physically present your product at a Kwik Trip buyers meeting or trade show in the future.

Use Hard Facts

Kwik Trip buyers typically got to their position by picking “winners” and know how to see through the fluff.

Focus on the numbers, know your bottom dollar during a negotiation and how fees and chargebacks may cut into your position.

Know that long term success may outweigh short term sales, however financing large purchase orders from Kwik Trip when the net result is negative is not sustainable.

Understand the playing field and the other brands that are in your space, what they are offering as promotion and pricing and how you can stand out against them.

By knowing that each buyer at Kwik Trip probably knows more than you do, take an active listening approach to sales and understand that no is a perfectly acceptable answer that may have saved you millions of dollars on the backend.

Mr. Checkout HQ

North east office, mid-west office.

1440 W. Taylor Street Chicago, IL 60607 Office: 1-800-367-0076

West Coast Office

700 N Valley St. Suite B PMB 23878 Anaheim, CA 92801 Office: 1-800-367-0076

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