The Best Hot Beverage Equipment for Your Store
By Angela Altass
Hot beverage equipment can offer varied features and drink options per machine. Factors such as the clientele and the location of your convenience store can impact which machines will contribute the most to a successful hot beverage program.
“Equipment is site specific,” says Aron Bjornson, vice president, marketing and foodservice national accounts, Canterbury Coffee. “You need to make the best use of space to maintain the right speed of service and product offerings to make sure your customers return.”
For example, notes Bjornson, in a slower location, rather than making two litres at a time and having to pour it out after an hour, a bean-to-cup machine, like the Bunn Crescendo or Franke A400, are great options as they provide each customer with a freshly ground and brewed cup, eliminating waste from brewing large batches that go unused.
“However, in a high-volume location, this setup could lead to long wait times and lost sales,” says Bjornson. “Batch brewing is the best choice where speed of service is the top priority. We recommend the Bunn Axiom as a reliable workhorse that requires minimal maintenance beyond regular cleaning.”
Knowing your customer base and selecting machine models that deliver production to meet the consumer rate of arrival at your location is important, agrees Judi Saliba, senior sales executive, TFI Food Equipment Solutions.
“For example, for c-stores that are near a high school, assure that the equipment you select has the production capacity and speed of service to quickly and consistently make the beverages that this cohort desires,” says Saliba.
Along with offering coffee, Bjornson suggests making hot chocolate and cappuccinos available for your customers to purchase.
“Canadian winters are long and not everyone drinks coffee,” notes Bjornson. “Canterbury Coffee partners with a Canadian manufacturer to produce a range of hot chocolates and seasonal cappuccinos designed specifically for use in the Bunn iMix machine. The iMix stands out because it is intuitive for customers to use and easy to maintain for staff. Ease of maintenance is a key component in a successful program. The last thing you want is an out-of-order sign preventing your business from serving drinks and driving sales.”
Assortment is important to a hot beverage program, says Bjornson.
“Tea and hot chocolate are among the fastest-growing beverages in convenience stores, according to Technomic Q4 2022 – Q4 2023, and even coffee drinkers appreciate versatility, like making a mocha by mixing half hot chocolate and half coffee,” says Bjornson. “Young coffee drinkers frequently purchase from convenience channels and they seek innovation and personalization. By expanding options, such as flavoured add-ins, alternative milks, and sugar-free choices, you can position convenience stores as a strong alternative to traditional cafés.”
Hot beverage equipment has evolved over the years, becoming easier to use, more innovative and easier to maintain, notes Saliba.
“The Franke A line of equipment, both specialty and fresh brew, are ideal for convenience stores,” says Saliba. “The Franke A1000 Flex automated machine offers brewed-to-order espresso-based beverages, freshly brewed coffee, and a cold-water bypass to capture the rapidly expanding iced/cold coffee market segment. Customers receive their equipment already programed to their menu specifications so that every serving is perfect, every time.”
Hot dispensed beverage equipment has seen significant advancements from automation and IoT digital solutions, transforming convenience store operations to new brewing technology, says Greg Alford, country manager – Canada, Franke Coffee Systems.
“Franke Digital Services empower multi-unit operators to monitor their entire fleet in real time, download menu changes, and update screen images remotely,” says Alford. “Additionally, our machines can feature cold water bypass for iced coffees, which is the fastest-growing coffee choice in Canada.”
Embracing automation and IoT digital solutions enhances efficiency, consistency, and quality while keeping costs low and customers coming back for more, says Alford.
“We encourage and support convenience store owners in staying ahead of consumer trends when upgrading their hot beverage equipment,” says Alford. “Investing in advanced machines, like our A400 Fresh Brew and A800 Fresh Brew, ensures you meet the growing demand for high-quality, convenient coffee options. Staying current with innovations will help you attract and retain customers, keeping your business competitive.”
Franke’s A400 Fresh Brew machine, with a compact design and automated cleaning system, is ideal for mid-volume operations. This fully automated solution allows customers to choose from two different bean types and four cup sizes in three quick steps. For low-volume operations without access to 208-volt power, Franke offers the A300 Fresh Brew, a compact 120V model. For busier outlets, the A800 Fresh Brew delivers high-quality brewed coffee to meet high-volume demands. The A400 and A800 are bean-to-cup machines, designed to brew every cup of coffee fresh to order.
