C-Store Broker

Midwest grab-and-go food broker

We are committed to high sales and low waste for your products.

Heat-and-Serve Entrees

Ready-to-Eat Meals

Snack Foods

Sandwiches & Salads

Why Align

Your trusted partner for success

When consumers walk into their neighborhood convenience store for a quick meal, you want them to choose your refrigerated and hot-to-go foods. It’s the ultimate dream of every manufacturer to see their product flying off the shelves. However, achieving that dream can be a challenging task. With a multitude of options available, capturing the attention and preference of customers is no small feat. That’s where Align Sales Group comes in. We’re a trusted refrigerated and hot-to-go foods broker with the expertise, network of contacts, and proven strategies to help you overcome obstacles and turn that dream into a reality.

The team at Align Sales Group is well-versed in the refrigerated and hot-to-go foods industry and the unique obstacles that manufacturers like you face. To differentiate your product and get noticed, you need a dedicated team of experts to help you navigate the complexities of retail sales. As a trusted Midwest food broker, we have the industry knowledge, network of contacts, and proven strategies you need to succeed.

Quality Assurance

Refrigerated and hot-to-go foods must be handled and stored properly to maintain quality and freshness. We work closely with you to ensure your products meet industry standards and regulations, giving retailers confidence in the quality of the products they’re selling.

Logistics

Proper storage and transportation of hot foods is critical to maintaining product quality. We work with a network of distributors who specialize in temperature-controlled logistics to ensure your products are transported and stored at the correct temperatures from start to finish. This ensures that your products maintain their quality and taste throughout the supply chain.

By the numbers

The refrigerated and hot-to-go opportunity in c-stores

Foodservice’s share of c-store in-store sales in 2025, more than double its 11.9% share in 2005.

Foodservice’s share of in-store gross profit dollars in 2025. Retailers are investing where the margin is.

Prepared food (pizza, chicken, sandwiches, wraps) as a share of all c-store foodservice sales, up from 66.4% in 2021.

Sources: NACS State of the Industry Report, 2025 data (April 2026).

01

Speak the operator’s language

Prep steps, labor minutes, equipment, hold times and food cost. We shape your pitch around what matters to the people running the kitchen.

02

Prove the margin

We help you build a cost-per-serving and margin model that shows buyers why your item deserves a spot on the menu.

03

Plan the rollout

Test stores, training materials and point-of-sale so the first locations succeed and the program expands.

04

Stay on the menu

Ongoing sales reviews and limited-time offers keep your item relevant as menus rotate.

What counts as refrigerated and hot-to-go foods?

Prepared food like pizza, chicken, sandwiches and roller grill items, plus commissary food and dispensed beverages. Prepared food is by far the largest piece.

Why are c-stores investing in food programs?

Foodservice delivers a much larger share of gross profit than its share of sales. It also drives repeat trips.

What does a buyer need to see before adding my item?

A workable prep process, consistent quality, food safety documentation, a clear margin and a plan for launch support.

Can you help if my product is sold frozen?

Yes. Many refrigerated and hot-to-go items arrive frozen and are finished in store. See our frozen foods page for how we handle cold-chain distribution.

Our team of experts is ready to collaborate with you and provide the personalized attention and strategic guidance you deserve to achieve your sales goals. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you take your product to new heights!

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