QuikTrip taking on Starbucks?

The coffee world used to make sense. You had your independent roasters and coffee shops, your large chains like Starbucks and then your convenience-store and fast-food cup of last resort. But fast-food franchises recognized that coffee could be black gold for their bottom lines, and as they expanded breakfast menus in an effort to jump-start profits, “premium” coffee was suddenly everywhere.

Thus, it shouldn’t be surprising that the Kansas City Business Journal reports that QuikTrip will be testing a new concept with outdoor seating, beverage and ice-cream service designed to compete with Starbucks.