Convenience stories have long offered a full line of packaged snack cakes and other sweet goods, but restaurant-style dessert offerings were few and far between. At the recent National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) show, Hillshire Brands re-introduced “improved” individually wrapped pie slices under the Sara Lee brand. The pecan pie variety now has 10-day refrigerated and 5-day ambient shelf life while the apple pie lasts 10 days in the cooler and 3 days at room temperature. Its lemon meringue pie now has 5-day refrigerated shelf life. The company also offered an extended line of pre-portioned upscale bars and desserts that can supply a c-store deli food service operation.

In related news, convenience store chains like Sheetz continue to expand operations and menu offerings. Sheetz on December 23 opened a new location in Lancaster, PA, to increase convenience for customers in Lancaster County. Located at 2425 Old Philadelphia Pike, the new store will give people in Lancaster a new location for great food and drinks.

The new store will feature the same award-winning food menu as all other Sheetz locations. The chain operates more than 485 locations throughout Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia, Ohio and North Carolina. The new Sheetz will be open 24 hours a day and offers fresh food such as Angus beef burgers, premium grilled chicken sandwiches, freshly made salads, and Shweetz Bakery lines of sandwiches, wraps, donuts and muffins, along with a full-service espresso and smoothie bar.