When consumers veered from roadside stops for cigarettes, maps, frozen burritos and soft drinks to embrace made-to-order meals, places like Wawa went with them, writes Anne D’Innocenzio for the Associated Press, as reported in The Philadelphia Inquirer.

A convenience store stop is no longer like stopping at a gas station or truck stop. Convenience stores evolved.

The operators of c-stores go overseas for grab-and-go ideas, add sit-down, expand coffee options and experiment with made-to-order meals for busy families.

7 Eleven, owned by Japanese company Seven & i Holdings, has Japanese items at some of its locations, including chicken teriyaki, rice balls, miso ramen, and sweet chili crisp wings.

Today’s convenience store has positioned itself as an alternative to fast food, with fresh deli sandwiches, build-your-own burgers, and other easy, but interesting, food choices.

“It has been a decades-long journey to go from food that was perceived as desperation to destination,” Jeff Lenard, vice president of strategic industry initiatives for the National Association of Convenience Stores, said.

Once known for breakfasts and lunch, places like Wawa and Rutter’s have moved into dinner time with soup, chicken, and fish dishes.

TikTok and YouTube videos comparing convenience store foods have also generated interest.

Find out more about how convenience stores evolved in The Philadelphia Inquirer.