If you’ve been to Walmart recently, you might have noticed that the familiar golden arches are missing. That’s because Walmart is moving on from McDonald’s in many of its stores and welcoming new fast-food partners, including some exciting and trendy names that are shaking up the in-store dining experience.
Knuckies Hoagies Steps In
Walmart has officially partnered with Knuckies Hoagies, a Milton, Georgia-based chain specializing in fresh specialty sandwiches and cheesesteaks. This up-and-coming brand is making waves, and now it’s bringing its unique menu to Walmart shoppers across the country.
What Makes Knuckies Hoagies Special?
Founded in 2019, Knuckies Hoagies has quickly gained a reputation for its quality and flavor. In 2023, it was featured on QSR’s 40/40 list, highlighting it as one of the most popular U.S. restaurants with under 40 locations. Currently, Knuckies Hoagies operates in 14 Walmart locations across six states, including Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Texas.
A Sweet Addition: Alumni Cookie Dough
As part of the deal, Knuckies Hoagies franchisees have the opportunity to open Alumni Cookie Dough spots within their locations. This adds a sweet twist to the shopping experience, offering Walmart customers fresh cookie dough desserts alongside their sandwiches.
Expanding Food Options at Walmart
Walmart isn’t just stopping with Knuckies Hoagies. Earlier this year, the retail giant began a partnership with Mr. Gatti’s Pizza across more than 90 stores, bringing classic pizza to its customers. Additionally, Walmart expanded its partnership with Uncle Sharkii’s Poke in January, adding even more variety to its in-store dining options.
Why the Change?
Walmart’s shift away from McDonald’s and toward these new partners reflects a broader trend in consumer preferences. Shoppers are looking for fresher, more diverse food options, and Walmart is responding by bringing in partners that offer exactly that. This move also aligns with Walmart’s strategy to enhance the in-store experience by offering more than just shopping.
The Future of In-Store Dining at Walmart
With McDonald’s stepping out and brands like Knuckies Hoagies stepping in, Walmart is redefining what in-store dining looks like. The focus is now on quality, variety, and catering to modern tastes. As Walmart continues to partner with new food brands, shoppers can expect even more exciting options in the future.
What Does This Mean for Shoppers?
For Walmart customers, this means more than just a change in the menu. It’s about having access to fresh, high-quality food options while they shop. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty cheesesteak, some pizza, or even poke, Walmart’s new partnerships are designed to satisfy a wide range of cravings.
Looking Ahead
As Walmart continues to evolve its food court offerings, it’s clear that the retail giant is committed to staying ahead of the curve. By partnering with innovative and popular food brands like Knuckies Hoagies, Mr. Gatti’s Pizza, and Uncle Sharkii’s Poke, Walmart is setting a new standard for in-store dining.
The Bigger Picture
Walmart’s decision to bring in new food partners is part of a larger strategy to enhance the overall shopping experience. By offering more diverse and high-quality dining options, Walmart is ensuring that it remains a go-to destination for consumers who want more than just retail therapy.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Tupungato.
The images used are for illustrative purposes only and may not represent the actual people or places mentioned in the article.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
