Target Corp. is taking prepared foods and convenience to a new level with its latest innovation.

The Minneapolis-based retail giant is trialing a self-service, grab-and-go concept called Snack Bar at select locations across the country, according to a story in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal.

A Snack Bar at a Northeast Minneapolis Target, for instance, features pizza, popcorn, salads and other grab-and-go snacks like beef jerky, and customers pay for their items at a self-service kiosk.

"We are pleased with the guest response so far and are continuing to evaluate the concept," a spokesperson said in the story.

Bryan Gildenberg, chief knowledge officer at Norwalk, Conn.-based Kantar Consulting, told the Business Journal he believes the new concept is a lower-cost strategy to run a low-volume snack section, especially since it doesn't need to be staffed. It also provides a big benefit to one of Target's core customers.

"Practically speaking, if you're a mom with kids, not having to wait in line for it is a big plus," Gildenberg said.