Photo of The Day #73, Convenience Store Meals are Fantastic in Japan
I worked in the convenience store industry for thirty long years and loved every minute of it, especially when I was in the stores talking with employees, customers and vendors. No two days were the same and I had the luxury of meeting people that have become life long friends. It was always an adventure filled with laughter, hard work and long hours. I am not a desk person and my job allowed me to travel daily. Some days were planned routes accompanied by other management people and some were just random driving with unannounced visits. My favorite method!
I first remember the US market attempting to do fresh food and make our own in-store food. It was kind of exciting to be on the precipice of this venture. I watched over time as the products changed from purely deep fried unhealthy calorie filled typical state fair or carnival food, to a more healthy alternative. At Circle K a decision was made to try and open “Take Home Ready Made Meals”, that just needed to be heated. It was a good move with lots of choices, but our customers weren’t ready for the process or option at that point. I am also not sure they thought a convenience store chain had any business producing take home meals.
Then I visited Japan, where the largest franchisee Ito-Yokado, bought 7-11 in 1998 and took it out of bankruptcy. It is also where they do the ready to eat so much better than we can ever think about. Daily a truck brings all fresh items and takes away their leftover product. I was blown away and utterly mesmerized by their process and the extent of the items offered. I could virtually eat at my local 7-11 in Japan and not have the same meal or item for I am guessing 90 days or more.
I was amazed and tried sampling many of their products. It was like I was at a restaurant in Japan or someone’s home. Yes it is really that good! They did it right and I wish that we could get it right in the US. I think geography has a lot to do with it, as their stores in Japan are just blocks apart. If you find yourself hungry after hours or any time of day, while in Japan, I highly recommend you visit your nearest 7-11 and try their food. You will not be disappointed, it’s a bargain and it’s obviously fresh, given they bring it in daily!
I am going back again in December to one of my favorite countries in the world (Japan) and you can bet your bottom dollar I will take every opportunity I get, eating breakfast, lunch and an occasional dinner at my local 7-11. I love their food and can’t wait to get back. I am sure their options and menus have expanded and I will be surprised with the new foods being offered. Definitely a business success story of the highest caliber!
Posted By June 27, 2014
Food
I’ve never been to Japan, but this is another reason to go. Thanks for a little bit if education.
Michael,
Japan is actually my favorite country in the world. I love the people, the culture and obviously the food. It is a little pricey, but one can adjust their living standards and stay there without breaking the bank, if you are willing to sacrifice a few things (living space, etc). I have actually thought about retiring there on just my social security income. I sincerely hope you get there and have sufficient time to really experience the country. If you go try very hard to make Kyoto one of the cities you visit. Thanks.
Mike
These look great Mike, such a wide ranging choice. I often stay in hotel rooms with just a fridge or hopefully a microwave too. These convenience meals would be very appealing since I don’t like eating out every night when I spend so much time on the road.
Glad you liked it. Not only are the items very tasty and fresh, they are fairly inexpensive (I don’t like eating out every night either and cook my meals if I have the equipment) in my book. I am going back to stay with my son in December and I am sure that I will eat there again many times. I love it and recommend everyone give it a try!
Mike
God, I really miss those 7-11’s. They practically fed us most of the way around Japan, apart from a daily bowl of steaming hot noodles of course.
Dale,
Thanks for stopping by. I miss them also, but will get to use them again when I go back in December! Great fresh food and is really inexpensive IMHO! What kind of noodles Soba or Udon? My favorite is Udon!
Mike