Motor Fuel Group (MFG) has become the first operator to launch Greggs’ new self-service Greggs Express format, with the debut site opening at a petrol forecourt near Glasgow Airport.
The trial concept, which opened this month, is designed to offer motorists and travelling customers faster access to Greggs products through a compact self-service unit located within the forecourt environment.
The unit offers a range of Greggs staples including savoury bakes, sweet snacks and Fairtrade hot drinks, operating seven days a week.
Greggs said the trial would initially involve a small number of Express units being rolled out across MFG-operated travel hub locations over the coming months as the bakery chain evaluates customer behaviour and demand for the new format.
The launch marks the latest stage in Greggs’ expansion into flexible convenience-led store formats aimed at high-footfall and space-constrained locations.
Last year, the retailer launched its Bitesize Greggs concept, a smaller shop format designed for compact sites. Greggs currently operates three Bitesize trial locations.
“Greggs Express is our latest concept being trialled to help us enhance our customer experience, focusing on convenience and speed,” Tony Rowson, property director at Greggs, said.
“The units will allow customers to grab their favourite bake or serve coffee themselves, ideal for customers on the move.”
He added that the partnership with MFG would help Greggs assess how the format could support its wider growth ambitions.
Greggs Express’ self-service unitPhoto: Greggs
For MFG, the launch further strengthens its foodservice offer across its forecourt estate as operators increasingly look to drive additional footfall and spend through branded food-to-go partnerships.
“At MFG, we are committed to delivering the highest level of convenience and choice across our forecourt estate,” Jamie Constable, head of operations – food service at MFG said.
“The self-service format of Greggs Express is perfectly suited to the fast-paced, on-the-go needs of our customers, and we are delighted to be Greggs’ partner of choice for this exciting trial.”