C-store bentos are becoming more delicious, and restaurants are suffering from the fact. Customers can also choose from a broad lineup of bento-boxed lunches and prepared foods, made at central kitchens and delivered three times daily. Some chains are adding premium bentos designed by celebrity chefs. Japanese vendors have no fear of putting out fresh food even if it winds up not being sold. The newly remodeled Maruetsu store in Yokohama is a case in point.
Food is prepared on-site in semidisplay kitchens.
Despite their ubiquity, fast-food chains have worked hard to change their image from midday snack providers to sources of complete meals. McDonald's has experimented with various ethnic items, including Chinese steamed buns. As for other chains, KFC offers tuna, corn and seaweed on lettuce.