The foodservice industry is in a state of rapid flux. Beginning in 2015, Americans began spending more money at restaurants than they did in grocery stores. Then the pandemic hit and the way those dollars were being spent changed. Now, for many operators, takeout and delivery stand to become even more important. Other trends that will likely accelerate include mobile ordering, mobile pay, and third-party delivery.
Few would dispute that 2020 has been a hellacious year for the foodservice industry. While promises of a vaccine offer hope things will turn around, there’s still a long road to recovery…
The global public health crisis has dealt the hospitality industry one of its greatest challenges yet. What does it mean for the future of restaurants? Has the restaurant experience we know so well disappeared forever?
As we move forward in the “new normal” menu strategies new and old will converge into the right mix of price points, value, menu items, and differentiation that will appeal to consumers.
A menu is something that says a lot about your restaurant and its specialization, and also plays a significant role in your restaurant’s profitability. Hence, doing a comprehensive restaurant menu analysis is crucial for your restaurant’s success.
There’s a big world of flavors out there. Among them is the Peruvian yellow pepper known as the Aji Amarillo.
In this post you’ll find two delicious approaches for an upscale onion. Pickled shallots are an easy way to give your menu an adventurous look and roasted shallots are a great way to add rich robust quick-fire flavors.
Podcast host Luke LaBree, and 4 other foodservice professionals share ideas and advice to help restaurant owners and operators make the most of their unexpected downtime.
In a world that showers children with pizza and macaroni and cheese, one thing parents and K–12 school foodservice operators can agree on is the need for better school lunches—meals that are more nutritious and made with cleaner ingredients that are free of artificial flavors, colors and preservatives.
To maximize profitability in a highly competitive marketplace patronized by highly diverse customers, operators should regularly evaluate their menus, item by item, to ensure every offering is still worthy of its place on the menu…
Think of the menu as a visual representation of your brand. It introduces guests to your offerings and should reflect the overall philosophy and values of your establishment. The psychology of menu design should not be underestimated—in fact, a well-designed menu can consistently increase profits by as much as $1,000 per month, per million dollars in annual revenue…
Humans have had street food since the dawn of civilization. The ancient Greeks sold fried fish, while the Aztecs peddled tamales. Iconic American street snacks include pizza, hot dogs and funnel cake. Recently, the street food game has become more elevated and restaurants are cashing in on this age-old dining trend…
Increasing competition and customer expectations for consistent, quality service at restaurants makes getting people in the door more difficult than ever in today’s market. Competition created by new establishments and constant scrutiny via social media have raised the bar for service standards. Modern restaurateurs must react faster in order to succeed…
It seems that every shift to the restaurant landscape brings with it a list of questions: What is the next hot flavor trend to watch? Which segment truly owns convenience? What is today’s definition of health? What type of technology is up and coming next?
With discretionary incomes rising, consumers are finding more and more ways to spend their dining dollars. Now is the perfect time to take advantage of a number of emerging global flavor and cuisine trends for 2019.
Most of us look at carrot ends/peelings, celery pieces, onion tops or the first slice of a tomato as a scrap suitable for the garbage. I however, call them the building blocks of flavor, and when treated properly and managed effectively can save you money.
Some of the best ingredients for inventive dishes come from the Thanksgiving table. Show your customers that you’re a culinary force during the holidays by highlighting Thanksgiving leftovers.
The craft beer selection can be a major draw for customers at casual dining operations. In fact, in just 4 years craft beer has grown 16% on menus compared to domestic and imported beers that are declining. But beer isn’t all guests are looking for. Seventy-one percent want complementary foods that go with those beers.
The reduction of food-waste is a trend that has extended beyond homes and into foodservice, driven by the same consumers calling for local, organic, farm-to-table and eco-friendly offerings. The common thread is a desire for sustainability. By focusing on your food use, specifically what you may not be using, we can improve the profitability and the sustainability of your menu.
Christmas marketing isn’t limited to just the immediate holiday but includes your winter menu changes, catering services, increased promotions of cookies, cakes, pies, pastries and side dishes for holiday meals, holiday party bookings and gift card sales. You have a great opportunity to attract new customers, show your chef’s skills in preparing holiday favorites and exotic foods from other countries and cultures, and host special tasting events that attract convivial crowds.
Seasonal ingredients and menu items have become more popular along with the local food movement, which goes right to the heart of the kind of sustainability commitment that today’s customers are looking for.
Award-winning chef Tim Labonte has joined Dennis Paper & Food Service in the newly established position of Corporate Chef. Previously, Tim was Regional Executive Chef for Maine Properties in charge of all culinary departments at the Portland Harbor Hotel, Inn at Diamond Cove and the Diamonds Edge Restaurant. Tim earned his culinary arts degree from Johnson & Wales University in 1999 before beginning his career as a sous chef at the Key West Hilton Resort & Marina in Key West, Florida…
To identify a target market, operators often look to specific generations. Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, Millennials, and Gen Z customers all have different food and dining attitudes, habits, and preferences. What we’re finding now is that many macro trends are shared across generations. They might just manifest in different ways in terms of specific needs and operational executions, but the trends are very applicable across almost all demographics. Once operators have a grasp on overarching themes, they can develop their menus, strategize, and market more effectively. Continue reading…
Compared with the national obsession with all-things-coffee, the tea category has received considerably less attention. In spite of its growth, it is less understood in today’s market, leaving a large unmet need to educate consumers about this popular beverage option…
Pictures can be a great way to engage your customers on social media and get them even more involved in your restaurant. Try out a few of these ideas and see how your customers respond!
