Thorntons' Focus: Deliciously Fresh, Effortlessly Fast Food

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Thorntons is rolling out its new focus on foodservice at 28 new store concepts across the local market. 

According to the retailer, these stores redefine convenience and offer guests an elevated experience with quality food that "is deliciously fresh and effortlessly fast," within a real kitchen setting. Launched this year, Real Kitchen. Real Food. is the fresh food program initiated at select Thorntons stores throughout Kentucky, Illinois and Indiana.

"We believe you should be able to get quality, quantity and convenience, all in one place," said Tony Harris, president of Thorntons. "That's why we're going beyond gas and changing the perception of what convenience stores have to offer."

Thorntons Real Kitchen. Real Food. locations are equipped with real kitchens and real cooks. New menu items include hot pretzels, breakfast and lunch burritos, and pizza sticks that are freshly prepared in-store. 

"Real is powerful," Harris said. "To us, real means honest, trustworthy and authentic. That's what makes our new store concept different than any others in the region, and that's what drove the idea behind Real Kitchen. Real Food."

On Aug. 15, Thorntons' Real Kitchen. Real Food. campaign debuted in the Kentucky market, "immersing guests in the updated, high-quality, on-the-go food experience" August through October. 

In addition, Thorntons is introducing Val, the spokesperson who brings Real Kitchen. Real Food. to life. She loves flavorful food fast, and will provide Louisville and Southern Indiana residents with an inside look at the new Thorntons stores through:

• A series of TV, digital media, and radio spots 
• Facebook, Twitter and Instagram content and giveaways
• Grand opening events at select stores that include gifts, free food sampling and coupons
• Engaging Snapchat filters, geo-targeted to Real Kitchen. Real Food. locations

Based in Louisville, Thorntons currently operates 183 convenience stores in six states: Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee and Florida.