Thorntons, a Louisville, Kentucky-based chain of 178 c-stores throughout the Southeast and Midwest, announced this week its launch of 28 new store concepts. These stores, the company says, will redefine convenience and offer guests elevated experience with quality food within a real kitchen setting.

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

The Thorntons Real Kitchen locations are equipped with kitchens and cooks who handcraft high-quality food. A new menu includes, hot pretzels, breakfast and lunch burritos, pizza sticks, cheeseburgers, and more.  All food is freshly prepared in-store.

The company plans to market the new concepts with a series of TV, digital media, and radio spots, social media campaigns, and grand opening events with free food sampling.