Watch out, pizzeria owners: Convenience stores keep upping their pizza game. Case in point: Rusty Lantern Markets, a fast-growing New England c-store chain, has partnered with Bacio Cheese to elevate its made-to-order foodservice offerings, the two companies announced recently.
Rusty Lantern uses Bacio’s Whole Milk and White Cheddar blend to prepare its gourmet pizzas, artisan sandwiches and homestyle Italian dinners from scratch. It’s made with 100% real cheese, a hint of provolone, and all-natural ingredients—no fillers or starch, the company said.
“Our foodservice program is a key differentiator for Rusty Lantern,” said John Koch, chief executive officer of Rusty Lantern Markets. “Not only does Bacio share our commitment to premium, high-quality ingredients, the Bacio team offers superior customer service and one of the most innovative loyalty programs that delivers marketing solutions customized to the needs of our business.”
The Bacio Gold Club Rewards offers its partners cashback on every pound of Bacio cheese they purchase. Operators can also maximize the value of their premium cheese purchases in the Bacio Marketing Store to access customized marketing and merchandising support, available exclusively to Bacio Gold Club members.
“Bacio is crafted for discerning chefs and operators who are dedicated to using the finest ingredients,” said Bacio Brand Manager Bobbi Laski. “We are honored to be a featured ingredient in Rusty Lantern’s ‘food forward’ strategy and to support the brand’s continued growth.”
Based in Brunswick, Maine, Rusty Lantern Markets now operates 29 and soon-to-be 31 convenience stores and branded fueling stations in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Bacio is part of the Leprino Foods family of brands headquartered in Denver.
