Smokin' Bean Testimonial: Eastleigh Service Station

smokin bean texaco eastleigh

Since 2007, Eastleigh Service Station have been pioneers in growing the food to go category in store.

Throughout their coffee to go journey, they have captivated their consumers by offering an enjoyable competitive coffee offer. Back in 2014 it merely featured a black box design with a branded header, selling a daily average of 36. Over time, they increased the presence of their coffee to go offer and saw a steady progression in their daily cup sales figures, reaching into 40+ cups a day.

“Working with Smokin’ Bean, we were one of the first forecourts to have the new sustainable brand”

This Texaco/Londis forecourt had a refurbishment in 2017, expanding their store by 30%. This enabled Eastleigh Service Station to utilise their square footage more efficiently. They added a dedicated area for food to go, giving them the chance to upgrade their coffee to go.

At Eastleigh, they did not want to miss this opportunity to refresh their coffee offer and give consumers what they want. “We wanted to supply our customers with a great coffee to go offer and working with our partners Smokin’ Bean, we were one of the first forecourts to have the new sustainable brand. It features the look and feel of an artisan coffee shop but with the convenience our customers crave whilst on the go” says manager, Bahee.

Pictured: Simon, Smokin’ Bean Ambassador with Bahee, manager of Eastleigh Service Station

“It features the look and feel of an artisan coffee shop but with the convenience our customers crave whilst on the go”

Bahee and the team at Eastleigh had previously favoured the cappuccino topping machines due to their quicker cleaning cycle and the easier storage circumstances, so were initially unsure about installing a machine with fresh milk. They needn’t have worried. After making the jump over to Smokin’ Bean they are happy with the new taste profile and service provided to staff. “All my staff have been trained on how to clean the machine as well as merchandise the surrounding areas” says Bahee.

Smokin’ Bean has been at Eastleigh for nearly three years now. Within that time, their daily cup sales average has increased over 50%. They are now comfortably selling 55 cups + per day. They regularly run promotions offering hot food items paired with Smokin’ Bean hot drinks at a discounted price. Keeping in store activity, availability and advertising is key to help increase the store’s total basket spend.