Nestle White Cheddar Mac - Customize Creamy Comfort - skyscraper - both - 04.19

Nestle Minors Slow Simmered Stock - Free Sample - skyscraper - both - 02.20

Durable Safety Edge Foil Lids skyscraper ad - both - 10.17

Sugar Foods Barista Blend - banner - both - 04.17

McCain - Takeout and Delivery Resources - Lean on Us - banner - both - 05.20

Dan's Prize Pot Roast, Prime Rib, Short Ribs Time-Intensive Proteins Made Easy - banner - both - 04.20

Nestle Stouffers White Cheddar Mac and Cheese - skyscraper - both - 08.18

Tyson - Jimmy Dean - Loaded with Flavor - banner - both - 04.21

Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt banner - both - 04.23

Jennie-O Take Burgers Over the Top with Turkey - skyscraper - both - 03.20

Roland Foods - Discover the Roland Foods Pantry - skyscraper - both - 11.20

Cargill - Truvia Sweet Customer Satisfaction Naturally - banner - both - 03.19

Performance Plus Food Safety - skyscraper - both - 09.21

Chef-mate - Save Time without Sacrificing Quality - banner - both - 06.23

McCain Free Takeout and Delivery Guide - banner - both - 05.20

Sugar Foods ecoSticks Beautiful Inside and Out - banner - both - 04.18

V8 - Give Customers Steady Energy with the Drink that Drives Sales - both - 01.24 - 12.31.24

Wave of Inspiration - banner - both - 05.22

Simplot Conquest Crispy Potato Strips - skyscraper - both - 01.20

Tork Compact Foodservice Cloths - skyscraper - both - 07.17

Basic American Crispy Craveable Operator banner ad - 12.17

Sugar Foods - Turn Up the Beets Crispy Beets - skyscraper - both - 05.18

Nestle White Cheddar Mac - Customize Creamy Comfort - banner - both - 04.19

Butterball - Quality, Versatility, and Consistency - banner - both - 07.19

Rich's Plant Based and Gluten Free Crusts - skyscraper - both - 07.18

Simplot Delivery Solved - Conquest Fries - banner - both - 08.20

Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt skyscraper with chef - both - 04.23

Hormel - Bacon 1 - Less Time Less Grease Less Mess - banner - both - 02.20

Hormel - Fire-Braised Chicken - We Cook It - Operators Take Credit - skyscraper - both - 02.20

General Mills - Pillsbury Takeout and Delivery Tips - skyscraper - both - 04.20

Performance Dairy Clarified Butter - banner - both - 04.24

Skyscraper Ad - MM - Cook - Operator

Seafood is Better - skyscraper - both - 05.21

Sunny Fresh Bacon and Cheese EggStravanganza - skyscraper - both - 03.23

Sugar Foods ecoSticks Beautiful Inside and Out - skyscraper - both - 04.18

Performance Dairy Craveable Flavor and Time Savings - banner - both - 04.24

America's Original Seafood Family - skyscraper - both - 02.24

Sunny Fresh Egg Patty and French Toast - skyscraper - both - 03.23

Sugar Foods ecoSticks Dress Your Table for Success - skyscraper - both - 04.18

Fully Cooked Meats Create New Products - skyscraper - both - 09.01 - 09.30.24

Sugar Foods Barista Blend - skyscraper - both - 04.17

Sugar Foods - Add Savory Beet Notes Crispy Beets banner - both - 05.18

Reel in Greater Appeal - skyscraper - both - 10.22

Empress 5-Compartment School Food Tray - 05.22

Nestle Stouffer's Comfort Foods Beyond Compare - video - skyscraper - both - 01.20

Rich's Plant Based and Gluten Free Crusts - banner - both - 07.18

Simplot Harvest Fresh Avocados - skyscraper - both - 01.20

Honest Earth Free Sample Offer - banner - both - 09.01 - 09.30.24

Sugar Food Traina California Dried Fruits - banner - OE - 10.19

Jennie-O Premium Turkey Breast Products - Turkey that Turns Up the Quality - banner - both - 02.20

Simplot Pineapple Perfected - RoastWorks - banner - both - 08.20

Shrimp that Brings the Big Picture - skyscraper - both - 11.22

Hormel - Fire-Braised Chicken - Now Serving Flame-Seared Perfection - skyscraper - both - 02.20

Mallo Creme - both - 06.13 - 12.31.24

Roland Foods - Purveyors of Fine Ingredients - banner - both - 08.22

Hormel - Fontanini - Handcrafted Family Recipes - skyscraper - both - 02.20

Hormel - Fontanini - Handcrafted Meats - Unparalleled Flavor - banner - both - 02.20

Dixie Ultra Surface Systems - skyscraper - both - 02.23

Tyson - Bonici - Crave Chorizo - skyscraper - both - 04.21

Indiana Packers - Vertical Integration - banner - both - 07.21

Maui Refreshers - both - 06.13 - 12.31.24

Simplot Sidewinders - Make Waves - skyscraper - both - 01.20

Sugar Foods ecoSticks Dress Your Table for Success - banner - both - 04.18

Nestle Vitality - Build a Refreshing Beverage Program - both - skyscraper - 04.20

Tyson - Hillshire Farm - Legendary Brand - skyscraper - both - 04.21

Indiana Packers - Vertical Integration - skyscraper - both - 07.21

Cargill - Truvia Sweet Customer Satisfaction Naturally - skyscraper - both - 03.19

Indiana Packers - All-in-One Pork Supplier - banner - both - 07.21

Your Partner for Flavor - banner - both - 01.23

Dan's Prize Pulled Meats Simplify the Kitchen - banner - both - 04.20

Nestle - Hot Cocoa Single-Serve Packets - banner - both - 09.21

Simplot GoodGrains - skyscraper - both - 01.20

Sugar Foods ecoSticks Style and Substance - skyscraper - both - 04.18

Sunny Fresh Egg Patty and French Toast - banner - both - 03.23

V8 - Steady Energy from Black and Green Tea - both - 01.24 - 12.31.24

Cooper Shreds Have Now Arrived - banner - 02.24

Kraft - Bold Flavor, New Home. - skycraper - both - 08.22

Honest Earth - Better Potatoes for a Better World - skyscraper - both - 05.23

Ambrosia Chocolate - banner - both - 03.23

Jennie-O No Basic Burger Here - banner - both - 03.20

Tork Free Clarity Foam Soap Starter Kit - banner - OE - 06.23

V8 - Put Pep in Their Step and Profit in your Pocket - both - 01.24 - 12.31.24

TNT Burgers - Learn More - banner - both - 03.23

TNT Burgers - Learn More - skyscraper - both - 03.23

Sugar Foods ecoSticks Style and Substance - banner - both - 04.18

Hellmann's Vegan Dressing and Spread - banner - OE - 10.22

McCain - We're Here to Help - Learn More - banner - both - 05.20

Hormel - Bacon 1 - You've Never Seen Bacon Like This - banner - both - 02.20

Cargill - Truvia Serve America's Best-Selling Stevia Sweetener - skyscraper - both - 03.19

Simplot Conquest Crispy Potato Strips - banner - both - 01.20

Durable Packaging - Grow Sales - It's in the Bag - banner - both - 10.17

Tyson - Wright Brand Bacon - skyscraper - both - 04.21

Shrimp that Brings the Big Picture - banner - both - 11.22

Mini Cinnamon Swirl French Toast - banner - both - 09.23

Sugar Foods Deliver It Better - banner - both - 04.20

Sunny Fresh Egg Bake Bites - banner - both - 03.23

Cargill - Truvia Serve Americas Best Selling Stevia Sweetener - banner - both - 03.19

Future Menus 2024 - both - 08.01 - 12.31.24

Tork One Napkin - banner - OE - 03.17

Rich's Plant-Based - Good Things Grow - banner - both - 11.20

When it comes to restaurant menus, there are several common types used in different settings. Here&rsquo;s a quick overview:
1. &Agrave; la carte: Customers choose individual dishes from a list of options. This is the most common type of menu in sit-down restaurants. 2. Prix fixe: A fixed-price menu where customers pay a set amount for a multi-course meal. Often used in fine dining establishments. 3. Cycle: A menu that changes regularly, often featuring seasonal ingredients. Commonly used in fast-casual and upscale restaurants. 4. Static: A menu that remains the same for an extended period. Most common in fast food and chain restaurants.
By understanding and employing these menu psychology tricks, you can effectively boost sales, increase average order value, and drive profits in your restaurant. Experiment with different tactics and monitor your results to find the perfect formula for your unique establishment.
5 Popular Restaurant Menu Ideas and When to Use Them
&Agrave; la Carte Menus
&Agrave; la carte menus are a classic choice for restaurants that offer a wide variety of dishes and want to give customers the freedom to customize their meals. This menu format lists each item separately, along with its price, allowing diners to create their combinations. &Agrave; la carte menus are particularly well-suited for fine dining establishments, where guests expect a high level of flexibility and personalization.
One of the main advantages of &agrave; la carte menus is that they allow restaurants to showcase their culinary expertise and creativity. Chefs can craft unique dishes and ideas that highlight their skills and the quality of their ingredients, without being constrained by a fixed menu structure. This format also enables restaurants to cater to different dietary preferences and restrictions, as customers can easily mix and match items to suit their needs.
When to Use &Agrave; la Carte Menus
<ul>
<li>Fine dining restaurants with a focus on culinary innovation and personalization</li>
<li>Establishments with a diverse customer base and varied dietary requirements</li>
<li>Restaurants with a wide range of offerings, including appetizers, entrees, sides, and desserts</li>
</ul>
Prix Fixe Menus
Prix fixe menus, also known as set menus, offer a predetermined selection of courses at a fixed price. This format is ideal for special occasions, themed events, or restaurants that want to streamline their operations and reduce food waste. By offering a limited number of options, prix fixe menus allow chefs to plan, optimize ingredient usage, and maintain consistent quality.
Prix fixe menus can also be an effective tool for upselling and increasing average order value. By bundling courses together at an attractive price point, restaurants can encourage customers to try new dishes and spend more than they might with an &agrave; la carte menu. Additionally, prix fixe menus can create a sense of value and exclusivity, making diners feel like they&rsquo;re getting a special dining experience.
When to Use Prix Fixe Menus
<ul>
<li>Restaurants hosting special events, such as holiday dinners or wine-pairing evenings</li>
<li>Establishments looking to streamline operations and reduce food waste</li>
<li>Eateries aiming to create a unique dining experience or showcase a specific culinary theme</li>
</ul>
Cycle Menus
Cycle menus also referred to as rotating menus, are an excellent choice for restaurants that want to keep their offerings fresh and exciting for regular customers. This format of a restaurant website involves changing a portion of the menu regularly, such as weekly or seasonally, while maintaining a core set of popular dishes. Cycle menus allow chefs to showcase seasonal ingredients, test new recipes, and adapt to changing customer preferences.
One of the key benefits of cycle menus is that they encourage repeat visits from loyal customers who are eager to try new dishes. By regularly updating the most seasonal menu here, restaurants can create a sense of anticipation and excitement, keeping diners engaged and coming back for more. Cycle menus also provide an opportunity for chefs to experiment with new flavors and techniques, while minimizing the risk of investing in dishes that may not resonate with customers.
Updating Menus
<a href="https://pos.toasttab.com/blog/on-the-line/restaurant-management-statistics" target="_blank">31% of restaurateurs</a> update their menu on a monthly basis, while 24% do it seasonally. <a href="https://www.zoomshift.com/blog/restaurant-industry-statistics/" target="_blank">88% of restaurant operators</a> plan to expand their menu offerings in the next year. Popular new menu trends include global flavors, zero-waste cooking, and healthy kids meals.
When to Use Cycle Menus
<ul>
<li>Restaurants with a strong focus on seasonal ingredients and locally sourced produce</li>
<li>Establishments catering to a loyal customer base that values variety and novelty</li>
<li>Eateries looking to test new dishes and gather customer feedback before making permanent menu changes</li>
</ul>
Buffet Menus
Buffet menus offer a wide variety of dishes in a self-service format, where customers can serve themselves from a selection of options. This format is well-suited for restaurants that want to provide a casual, relaxed dining experience and cater to large groups or families. Buffet menus often include a mix of hot and cold dishes, salads, and desserts.
One of the main advantages of buffet menus is that they allow customers to try a variety of dishes without committing to a single entree. This format also enables restaurants to offer a high volume of food at a lower cost per item, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious diners. Additionally, buffet menus can be an effective way to reduce food waste, as customers can serve themselves the exact amount they want.
When to Use Buffet Menus
<ul>
<li>Restaurants catering to large groups or families</li>
<li>Establishments looking to offer a casual, relaxed dining experience</li>
<li>Eateries aiming to provide a high volume of food at a lower cost per item</li>
</ul>
Combination Menus
Combination menus combine elements of different menu formats to create a unique dining experience. For example, a restaurant might offer a prix fixe menu with &agrave; la carte options or a cycle menu with a buffet component. This format allows chefs to showcase their creativity and flexibility while providing customers with a range of choices.
One of the key benefits of combination menus is that they can cater to a diverse customer base with varying preferences and dietary needs. By offering a mix of menu formats, restaurants can appeal to a broader audience and increase customer satisfaction. Combination menus also provide an opportunity for chefs to experiment with new dishes and flavors, while minimizing the risk of investing in a single menu format.
When to Use Combination Menus
<ul>
<li>Restaurants with a diverse customer base and varied dietary requirements</li>
<li>Establishments looking to showcase their culinary creativity and flexibility</li>
<li>Eateries aiming to cater to a broad audience and increase customer satisfaction</li>
</ul>
Source: <a href="https://metrobi.com/blog/restaurant-menu-ideas-to-attract-more-customers/" target="_blank">Metrobi</a>

By understanding and employing these menu psychology tricks, you can effectively boost sales, increase average order value, and drive profits in your restaurant

Maximizing Profits: 5 High-Profit Menu Items to Feature

Nostalgia is a strong emotional trigger that can greatly influence customer behavior. By featuring familiar, comforting dishes on your menu, you tap into positive memories and create a sense of warmth and satisfaction. This emotional connection can lead to increased sales and customer loyalty.
Consider incorporating regional favorites or childhood classics into your menu. For instance, a homestyle mac and cheese or a classic apple pie can evoke feelings of comfort and familiarity. When customers associate your restaurant&rsquo;s branding with positive emotions, they are more likely to return and spend more on each visit.
New Food
<a href="https://www.therail.media/stories/2021/10/21/4-restaurant-menu-stats-to-keep-in-mind" target="_blank">79% of Millennials</a> and 78% of Gen X enjoy experimenting with products from different cultures or countries. Younger demographics are more open to trying new menu items.
Incorporating Nostalgia and Comfort Food
<ol>
<li>Research popular regional and childhood favorite dishes</li>
<li>Develop recipes that capture the essence of these nostalgic meals</li>
<li>Feature these items prominently on your menu with enticing descriptions</li>
<li>Use evocative language and imagery to enhance the emotional appeal</li>
</ol>
Source: Oguzhan Uyar, <a href="https://metrobi.com/blog/restaurant-menu-ideas-to-attract-more-customers/" target="_blank">Metrobi</a>

Consider incorporating regional favorites or childhood classics into your menu. This emotional connection can lead to increased sales and customer loyalty.

Leverage the Power of Nostalgia and Comfort Food

Guests&rsquo; appetite for comfort foods and classic dishes have continued to increase in 2024.1 In fact, more and more consumers are turning to their favorite dishes in times of uncertainty and anxiety.2 While this demand initially spiked due to the pandemic, it&rsquo;s clear that the cravings have not dissipated, especially amongst younger generations.2 According to a 2020 study in the journal Physiology &amp; Behavior, comfort foods reward 'hedonic hotspots' in the brain, which are subregions that enhance the pleasurable sensation or &ldquo;liking&rdquo; of enjoyable tastes, such as carbohydrates, fats, and salt.3 These heightened sensations often amplify a person's motivation to seek those foods out.4 This ultimately means your guests crave comfort food, and satisfying their craving is a great way to keep them coming back.
However, knowing what comfort food options your guests want can be difficult. <a href="https://www.lambweston.com/resources/simplified-strengthened/extra-crispy-fries.html?utm_medium=Paid-Content-Syndication&amp;utm_source=Publication&amp;utm_campaign=FSBU_FY25_DistArticle_OpEdge_UpscaleComfortFood_Eng_US&amp;utm_content=Website" target="_blank">French fries</a> are a great place to start though. They are considered a top comfort food5&ndash;67% of people even consider them one of the most popular options.6 Additionally, 35% of guests are ordering <a href="https://www.lambweston.com/resources/simplified-strengthened/extra-crispy-fries.html?utm_medium=Paid-Content-Syndication&amp;utm_source=Publication&amp;utm_campaign=FSBU_FY25_DistArticle_OpEdge_UpscaleComfortFood_Eng_US&amp;utm_content=Website" target="_blank">fries</a> more often when seeking traditional recipes.6
<a href="https://www.lambweston.com/resources/simplified-strengthened/extra-crispy-fries.html?utm_medium=Paid-Content-Syndication&amp;utm_source=Publication&amp;utm_campaign=FSBU_FY25_DistArticle_OpEdge_UpscaleComfortFood_Eng_US&amp;utm_content=Website" target="_blank">Frozen french fries</a> are also the perfect versatile base, providing operators with a comfort food item that can be <a href="https://www.lambweston.com/recipes.html#f=application-type~topped-and-loaded?utm_medium&amp;utm_source=Publication&amp;utm_campaign=FSBU_FY25_DistArticle_OpEdge_UpscaleComfortFood_Eng_US&amp;utm_content=Website&amp;?utm_medium=undefined" target="_blank">topped and loaded</a> with pretty much any ingredient. This gives you the freedom to stick to basic comfort food that reminds your customers of their childhood or dress the dish up for a more upscale experience. Embracing an upscale approach with classic comfort food may give guests an even greater incentive to return. In addition to craving comfort foods, customers are also interested in indulgent flavors and unique dining experiences, according to the 2024 Flavor and Color Outlook. In fact, research shows that consumers love classic, comforting European and Asian flavors but are looking to chefs to reinvent them this upcoming year.1 Guests are looking for the food they love but with a new, exciting twist. Luckily for you, <a href="https://www.lambweston.com/recipes.html#f=application-type~topped-and-loaded?utm_medium&amp;utm_source=Publication&amp;utm_campaign=FSBU_FY25_DistArticle_OpEdge_UpscaleComfortFood_Eng_US&amp;utm_content=Website&amp;?utm_medium=undefined" target="_blank">Loaded fries</a> are the perfect opportunity to put an elevated spin on a classic like these <a href="https://www.lambweston.com/recipes/Pomme-Frittes-Biscuits-and-Gravy-Style.html?utm_medium=Paid-Content-Syndication&amp;utm_source=Publication&amp;utm_campaign=FSBU_FY25_DistArticle_OpEdge_UpscaleComfortFood_Eng_US&amp;utm_content=Website" target="_blank">Pomme Frittes</a> or <a href="https://www.lambweston.com/recipes/japchae-fries-with-kimchi.html?utm_medium=Paid-Content-Syndication&amp;utm_source=Publication&amp;utm_campaign=FSBU_FY25_DistArticle_OpEdge_UpscaleComfortFood_Eng_US&amp;utm_content=Website" target="_blank">Japchae fries with kimchi</a>. Furthermore, mushrooms are gaining popularity as a premium ingredient and can be featured in dishes like<a href="https://www.lambweston.com/recipes/delice-de-bourgogne-mushroom-fries.html?utm_medium=Paid-Content-Syndication&amp;utm_source=Publication&amp;utm_campaign=FSBU_FY25_DistArticle_OpEdge_UpscaleComfortFood_Eng_US&amp;utm_content=Website" target="_blank"> Delice de Bourgogne Mushroom Fries</a>.7
The possibilities are truly limitless, and <a href="https://www.lambweston.com/recipes.html#f=application-type~topped-and-loaded?utm_medium&amp;utm_source=Publication&amp;utm_campaign=FSBU_FY25_DistArticle_OpEdge_UpscaleComfortFood_Eng_US&amp;utm_content=Website&amp;?utm_medium=undefined" target="_blank">loaded French fries</a> with toppings and sauces also offer your customers increased perceived value. So they command a higher price point on menus. In fact, <a href="https://www.lambweston.com/recipes.html#f=application-type~topped-and-loaded?utm_medium&amp;utm_source=Publication&amp;utm_campaign=FSBU_FY25_DistArticle_OpEdge_UpscaleComfortFood_Eng_US&amp;utm_content=Website&amp;?utm_medium=undefined" target="_blank">"loaded" fry dishes</a> command a median price that is $2.81 higher than <a href="https://www.lambweston.com/recipes.html#f=application-type~appetizers?utm_medium&amp;utm_source=Publication&amp;utm_campaign=FSBU_FY25_DistArticle_OpEdge_UpscaleComfortFood_Eng_US&amp;utm_content=Website&amp;?utm_medium=undefined" target="_blank">French fry apps</a> and sides overall.8 And they are easy to execute, require low labor, and provide higher margins. Higher profits and more satisfied customers, now that is real comfort food.
For more ideas on how fries can help improve margins and customer satisfaction, visit <a href="https://www.lambweston.com/?utm_medium=Paid-Content-Syndication&amp;utm_source=Strategic&amp;utm_campaign=FSBU_FY24_DistArticle_OpEdge_UpscaleComfortFoods_Eng_US&amp;utm_content=Website?utm_medium=Paid-Content-Syndication&amp;utm_source=Publication&amp;utm_campaign=FSBU_FY25_DistArticle_OpEdge_UpscaleComfortFood_Eng_US&amp;utm_content=Website" target="_blank">Lambweston.com</a>.
Content courtesy of Lamb Weston
1Bar &amp; Restaurant Expo, 2023
2Food Navigator, 2024
3National Library of Medicine, Journal of Physiology &amp; Behavior, 2020
4Humanitas University, 2024
5Goldbelly, 2024
6Amplifry, 2023
7Penn State, 2024 Food Trends
8Datassential Menu Trends

Your guests crave comfort food, and satisfying their craving is a great way to keep them coming back.

Upscale Comfort Foods

These days, consumers are visiting restaurants for more than just basic dining. A whopping 72% of consumers are looking for comfort food when eating out, emphasizing a shift in eating habits toward nostalgic, soothing dishes.1 With comfort foods at the forefront of consumers' minds and palettes, crafting comforting dishes that stand out can be a challenge, but swapping out a traditional protein like pork or beef for something leaner and flavorful like turkey can help satisfy customers&rsquo; cravings without forgoing any trending flavors.&nbsp;
Low Cost, High Reward
Compared to beef, turkey is a lean protein that is lower in fat, packed with protein and full of flavor.2 It also has a lower cost compared to both beef and pork. In fact, turkey prices are projected to fall throughout 2024,3 but you can still charge a price comparable to similar proteins across your menus, meaning turning to turkey can help put more profit in your pocket.&nbsp;
Trend the Turkey Way
Turkey entrees don&rsquo;t need to be the old reliables: turkey clubs, roast turkey with potatoes, etc. There are loads of global comfort food cuisines that pair perfectly with turkey. Customers will love a creamy, braised Thai turkey curry over coconut jasmine rice packed with pickled vegetables. Or try delicious Yucat&aacute;n tacos with smoked turkey topped with the spicy, sweet combo of chipotle aioli and mango salsa. Try adding grilled Korean BBQ Turkey Skewers with kimchi fried rice and gochujang mayo to your menu for customers to gobble down! Comfort food is just the beginning; there is so much you can do with turkey to make your menu stand out and be more profitable.&nbsp;
Discover all the delicious versatility that turkey has to offer. With multiple products to choose from, you have the freedom to unleash culinary creativity through endless flavor profiles and multiple cooking methods&ndash;like roasting, braising, grilling, or smoking.&nbsp;
Content courtesy of Heritage Premium Meats&nbsp;
1Upper Lakes Food, Restaurants Embrace the Comfort Food Craze, 2024
2GoodFood&rsquo;s Top 5 Health Benefits of Turkey, 2021
3USDA, Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook: May 2023

Turkey entrees don’t need to be the old reliables: turkey clubs, roast turkey with potatoes, etc. There are loads of global comfort food cuisines that pair perfectly with turkey.

Turkey: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Comfort food always holds a cherished spot on menus, yet an innovation refresh is necessary that integrates tradition with trend. Right now, that would include incorporating globally inspired flavors, expanding on snackability, and highlighting health-forward ingredients. This &ldquo;what&rsquo;s old is new&rdquo; approach preserves the nostalgic appeal of comfort food while aligning with the modern consumer&rsquo;s desire for fresh experiences and quality.
Globally inspired
If you aim to draw the coveted younger Gen Z and Millennial demographics, note that they are the most likely to find comfort when eating Mexican, Japanese and Korean cuisines in a global sense, according to a Datassential consumer survey.1 Bonus if it is fried. More than one-third (38%) of consumers overall consider fried fast foods their go-to comfort foods.1 Popular fried chicken sandwiches are evolving with international variations like Japanese katsu sando, in the early stages of menu introduction, and German schnitzel, now in the menu adoption phase.2
Perhaps consumer craving for fried food combined with trendy Korean comfort fare inspired <a href="https://shakeshack.com/blog/our-food/team-swicy-vs-team-umami-the-choice-is-yours#/" target="_blank">Shake Shack</a> to enter into 2024 with bold flavors via a Korean Style Fried Chicken sandwich. It featured crispy, white-meat chicken breast coated in a spicy and sweet Gochujang glaze, sprinkled with sesame seeds and topped with white kimchi slaw on a toasted potato bun. The limited-time offer also included a Korean BBQ Burger, Spicy Korean BBQ Fries and Spicy Korean BBQ Cheese Fries.
Indulge in Snacks
With the potential to increase profitability, tap into the coveted afternoon and evening snack dayparts. When consumers are in the mood for comfort food, 57% crave small snacks and drinks, according to a Datassential survey of 756 U.S. consumers. After dinner/late night is when 21% of those same consumers say they most crave comfort food.1
Fried chicken, chicken fingers and fries might be the most ubiquitous comfort snack options currently menued.2 Add new life with toppings, sauces and loaded versions.
In June 2024, Wendy&rsquo;s launched a line of Saucy Nuggs with Gen Z in mind, who the chain identifies as &ldquo;obsessed with chicken.&rdquo; 3 The fast food giant already offered comfort-centric chicken nuggets, but in a quest for the bolder flavors customers were asking for, it spent a few years developing seven sauces: honey bbq, garlic parm, buffalo, spicy honey bbq, spicy garlic parm, spicy buffalo and spicy ghost pepper. For snacking or a meal, the Saucy Nuggs are available in quantities of four, six, 10 or 20.3
Also in June, Dave&rsquo;s Hot Chicken targeted snack enthusiasts with the rollout of Dave&rsquo;s Bites. The crunchy nuggets come in three spice levels (no spice, medium and hot) as a 10-piece serving.4
Make it health-forward
Using and marketing notable healthful premium ingredients is a great way to draw attention to your comfort fare. Incorporate first-rate ingredients into staples like soups, stews, mac &amp; cheese and pot pies to create a distinctive edge over others in your segment.
Part of Boston Market&rsquo;s ethos and marketing message centers on quality and flavor. That includes the rotisserie chicken in its Chicken Pot Pie. Its <a href="https://www.bostonmarket.com/" target="_blank">website states</a>: &ldquo;We believe that you shouldn&rsquo;t have to compromise taste for health, which is why our chicken is not only delicious but also a healthier choice. Our rotisserie chicken is prepared without any added hormones, steroids, or antibiotics.&rdquo;
Consumers likely appreciate this. Weighing in on the poultry claims they think are most important, Clean Label ranks No. 1 (53%), followed by No Antibiotics Ever (50%), Humanely Raised (40%), Raised in the USA (40%) and Organic (38%), according to an online survey of 1,000 consumers representing the general population.5
Remember, to stay competitive and appealing to the evolving tastes of discriminating guests, continuously innovate your comfort food offerings. Incorporate international flavors, expand snack options and emphasize wholesome ingredients to drive traffic, sales and good will.
Content courtesy of Perdue Foodservice
Sources:
1Datassential&rsquo;s &ldquo;Comfort Food Defined&rdquo; report, 2023
2Datassential&rsquo;s &ldquo;The World of Comfort Food,&rdquo; September 2023
3&ldquo;Wendy&rsquo;s Ups Chicken Game with Saucy Nuggs,&rdquo; qsrmagazine.com, May 31, 2024, <a href="https://www.qsrmagazine.com/story/wendys-ups-chicken-game-with-saucy-nuggs/" target="_blank">https://www.qsrmagazine.com/story/wendys-ups-chicken-game-with-saucy-nuggs/</a>
4 &ldquo;Dave&rsquo;s Hot Chicken Adds Chicken Bites to Menu,&rdquo; qsrmagazine.com, June 4, 2024, <a href="https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/daves-hot-chicken-adds-chicken-bites-to-menu/" target="_blank">https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/daves-hot-chicken-adds-chicken-bites-to-menu/</a>
5Perdue Proprietary Research May 2022

Comfort food still has legs. Keep it current with global flavors, snacking versions, and healthful ingredients. Make it your competitive advantage.

Kick Up the Comfort

John Manion never expected his loaded-fries version of the classic seafood tower to become a social media sensation. The chef/owner of <a href="https://www.elchechicago.com/" target="_blank">El Che Steakhouse &amp; Bar,</a> a South American-inspired hot spot in Chicago&rsquo;s West Loop neighborhood, was just having fun when he decided to do something impulsive for a group of friends who came in to dine.
They ordered mar de plata, a heaping assortment of fire-roasted seafood: seared scallops, head-on shrimp, oysters, and charred lobster tails drizzled with an ultra-rich lobster and crab Diavola butter sauce. As if that wasn&rsquo;t decadent enough, they asked for a side of the signature beef fat fries. Manion surprised them by bringing over the dish himself.
&ldquo;When I dropped the dish off at the table, I impulsively dumped the fries right on top and the crowd, as they say, went wild,&rdquo; Manion described.
&ldquo;About two days later, we saw a dramatic uptick in this dish being ordered, and the question everyone asked when it was delivered was &lsquo;Where are the fries?&rsquo;&rdquo; he continued. &ldquo;Apparently, someone at [my friends&rsquo;] table had taken a video of me dumping the fries onto the dish, and it went viral on TikTok. It's been one of our top-selling items ever since. Never underestimate the power of fried potatoes here in the Midwest.&rdquo;
That power gets an injection when fries are transformed into loaded fries, which have been growing 59% in the past four years on restaurant menus, according to Datassential.1 Loaded fries have been trialed by three-quarters of consumers and two-thirds of consumers have an affinity for them, said the leading food and beverage market research and intelligence firm. They are expected to grow another 29% in the next four years.2
Part of the appeal for consumers is new toppings and unconventional formats, which are areas of innovation for restaurants. That&rsquo;s what Manion discovered with increased sales of El Che&rsquo;s mar de plata, which he admitted wasn&rsquo;t selling as much until he added the loaded fries component. Other trending toppings across the country include beer cheese, pickled onion, brisket, grilled chicken, crema, chorizo, pepper jack, red onion, avocado, hot sauce, pesto and truffle oil.
American classics meet loaded fries
When Buffalo chicken wings unite with fries, they become Buffalo Chicken Fries. While the combo sounds simple enough, it hadn&rsquo;t been made official until a California man created the Buffalo Fries Franchise Restaurant and opened <a href="https://www.thebuffalospot.com/menu/" target="_blank">The Buffalo Spot</a> in Long Beach, California, in 2013. Ivan Flores&rsquo; concoction consists of a heaping of Buffalo chicken nuggets over fries with a special house-made sauce pulling them together. He now boasts more than 30 franchised locations in California, Arizona, Nevada and Texas.
Datassential reports that Buffalo chicken fries were up 86% in the past four years.&sup3; Even Burger King got in on the action in 2015 when the fast-food chain introduced a limited-time offer of breaded sticks of poultry with a dipping sauce. The dish can currently be found on the menu at <a href="https://www.victorygrillchicago.com/" target="_blank">Victory Grill,</a> a modernized Chicago diner specializing in burgers, shakes and a variety of loaded fries topped with all sorts of tasty ingredients. Additional fun takes on American classics are pizza sauce on fries (up 63%) and Philly Cheese Steak loaded fries (up 38%).4
At <a href="https://www.chick-fil-a.com/menu/chick-fil-a-waffle-potato-fries" target="_blank">Chick-fil-A</a>, Chicken Waffle Fries are one of the most requested items on the secret menu. Here, the dish is all savory, and part of the fun is that customers get to assemble it themselves. It consists of a 12-count nugget, large waffle fries, pepper jack cheese, Buffalo sauce, and a salad bowl. Guests are instructed to spread the waffle fries on the bottom of the bowl, then sprinkle nuggets and cheese on top, and finally finish with Buffalo sauce.
Loaded french fries&hellip;for dessert?
While chicken waffle-loaded fries are typically both sweet and savory, some consumers just straight-up want loaded fries in a dessert format. Datassential reports that funnel cake fries have grown 83% over the last four years, translating into 1% on dessert menus. Further, the report says, churro fries and beignet fries have grown 41% in the last year.5
For example, beignet fries are on menus in New Orleans, considered home of the beignet. <a href="https://www.pereantoinefrenchquarter.com/" target="_blank">Pere Antoine Restaurant</a> serves them two ways: beignet fries sprinkled with powdered sugar as well as Bananas Foster Beignet Fries (beignet fries with sliced bananas and topped with classic Foster sauce of dark brown sugar, banana liqueur and butter). They&rsquo;re served in similar fashion at another New Orleans staple, <a href="https://cafemaspero.com/" target="_blank">Caf&eacute; Maspero</a>, as well as at <a href="https://www.tastytailsseafood.com/" target="_blank">Tasty Tails</a>, in Dallas.
Globally influenced loaded fries appeal to masses
Something as easily versatile as loaded fries also gets international flavor across menus. For instance, according to Datassential:
<ul>
<li>Thai fries have grown 144% in the last four years</li>
<li>Kimchi fries grew 95%</li>
<li>Mexican-influenced offerings like nacho fries grew 83% and carne asada fries grew 65%</li>
<li>Greek-inspired fries are up 55%, and an Italian spin on loaded spuds grew 49%.6</li>
</ul>
At <a href="https://eatatww.com/" target="_blank">Waterfront Warehouse</a>, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Greek-, Mexican- and Thai-inspired loaded fries are offered on the menu. The Greek version is a hearty portion of waffle fries topped with homemade tzatziki sauce, imported Greek feta, Kalamata olives, organic Greek olive oil, chives, and oregano. Guests may add diced chicken or gyro meat for an additional fee. The Mexican choice is topped with chorizo, queso blanco, pickled jalape&ntilde;os, pico de gallo, chives and sour cream. And the Thai option consists of waffle fries topped with thick-cut pork belly, egg-up, roasted peanuts, scrambled egg, fig marmalade, chives, and drizzled with coconut curry and sriracha sauces.
Additional globally loaded fries recipes to watch are ramen fries, takis fries and sushi fries, which may come with wasabi aioli (gaining 5% in awareness).7
Ready to add some loaded fries to your menu? Check out these delicious recipes from the Simplot Culinary Team:
Maui Fries We aren&rsquo;t sure if this dish classifies as a meal or a dessert, but we&rsquo;re pretty sure you&rsquo;ll want to try it either way. Crispy fries topped with coconut syrup, toasted coconut, and chopped macadamia nuts.&nbsp;
Ramen Fries We make a bold move and top shoestring fries with all the delicious flavors of a ramen soup bowl: crispy pork belly, pickled veggies, crunchy ramen noodles and the hot sauce of your liking.&nbsp;
Sushi Fries Call us crazy&mdash;but only after you've tried this dish. Perfectly cooked fries topped with Ahi tuna, sliced avocado, pickled ginger, and creamy wasabi mayonnaise with toasted nori strips and sesame seeds.
Mediterranean Fries Have you ever put fries in your gyro? We flipped that concept and put the gyro on the fries. The result? A Mediterranean-inspired culinary delight&mdash;so good!&nbsp;
Content courtesy of Simplot Foods
1-7Datassential: ReportPro, MenuTrends, and Consumer Preferences, 2023

Fries that have been transformed into loaded fries have been growing 59% in the past four years on restaurant menus!

Loaded Fries Go Wacky, Wild, And Over the Top

Comfort food as we know it is changing. Where once we saw comfort food as dishes that were familiar and safe, we&rsquo;re making way for new recipes that reflect the heritage of the chef and the restaurant&rsquo;s locale. Through rich culinary storytelling and the chef&rsquo;s genuine emotional connection to the dish, diners are presented with new and fresh food experiences that feel and taste special. Think classic and rustic ancestral recipes to be shared and enjoyed creating the new comfort food.
History is full of lost culinary treasures
Chefs, restaurateurs, and recipe creators around the world are re-discovering local traditions, and reimagining dishes by looking to history for fresh ideas in an industry that increasingly demands authenticity. This, coupled with the demand for local, sustainable sourcing, means ingredients that had been resigned to the long-lost past are back on our plates.
Reimagining ingredients
These artifacts of tables past are reappearing and rebranding with impressive deftness. It&rsquo;s now possible to get mead at music festivals, offal is being sold as a delicacy and honey has never left. Chefs are fermenting and pickling all sorts and combinations of vegetables, fruits, and spices.
New trends are wonderful and coupled with a historic relevance they&rsquo;re even better. It was great when quinoa hit the scene, but it can be hard to import and water-intensive to grow. In seeking something that fulfills the quinoa demand in a local, sustainable way we can look back at what our great-great grandparents, and their friends were eating. Welcome back, ancient grains! Spelt and rye-based bread is more expensive than ever, farro is appearing all over the shop, pearl barley sounds exotic and does what quinoa does so well (making chickpeas look pass&eacute;).
In the quest for originality, it might sound ironic to look to the past, but what better way to show a new ingredient, a fresh concept, or a sophisticated technique than to apply it to a classic. There&rsquo;s a simple joy in being served a familiar dish in a bright new way; it&rsquo;s the best of both worlds.
For more modernized comfort food as well as the other 4 trends identified by Unilever Food Solutions, download the full Future Menus report <a href="https://www.unileverfoodsolutions.us/future-menus-2024.html" target="_blank">here</a>.
Content courtesy of Unilever Food Solutions

Classic and rustic ancestral recipes to be shared and enjoyed are creating the new comfort food.

Comfort Food Is Changing

What&rsquo;s the difference between Spanish adobo and Middle Eastern za&rsquo;atar? They both can add layers of flavor to your cooking with spice blends. Get inspired by mixed spices from around the world.&nbsp;
Share Printpice mixtures are great in the kitchen, representing an easy way to add flavor and consistency to foods. And global recipes are full of distinctive spice mixtures that represent virtual shorthand for ethnic cuisine.
Adobo Seasoning (Spanish) &ndash; Used extensively in Latin cultures, this dry rub often includes garlic, onion, black pepper, oregano, cumin, and cayenne; not to be confused with a Filipino stew of the same name.
Berbere (Ethiopian) &ndash; Pronounced bear-BEAR-eh, this brick-red, sun-dried chile-based spice blend also typically includes toasted ginger, cardamom, garlic, fenugreek, and cinnamon. Its sweet/savory flavor profile makes berbere very versatile for meats and poultry, vegetables, and even fruit, yogurt, and desserts.
Chermoula (North African) &ndash; A fragrant, relish-like mixture of cumin, Spanish paprika, and turmeric, mixed with chopped onion, parsley, cilantro, lemon juice, garlic, and cayenne pepper, which can be used as a condiment or to season fish, chicken, and other proteins.
Chili Powder (American) &ndash; A spicy blend of chili peppers&mdash;mostly either ancho, cayenne, chipotle, New Mexico, and/or pasilla chilis&mdash;with cumin, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and sometimes black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, mace, nutmeg, or turmeric. Used in chili and other Tex-Mex/Southwestern dishes that need a kick of heat.
Chinese Five Spice &ndash; Used in Chinese red-cooked items and other specialties, such as five-spice chicken wings, this mixture contains star anise, clove, cinnamon, ginger, and anise.
Curry Powder (British, by way of India) &ndash; Though commonly associated with India, this blend of spices is seldom actually used there (see garam masala). It is nonetheless a delicious addition to everything from curries to chicken salad. A typical mixture includes coriander, turmeric, cumin, and fenugreek as well as such additional ingredients as ginger, garlic, fennel seed, cinnamon, clove, mustard seed, green cardamom, black cardamom, mace, nutmeg, and red pepper.
Fines Herbes (French) &ndash; A mildly flavored mixture of fresh parsley, chives, tarragon, and chervil, used in omelets and other subtle foods.
Garam Masala (Indian) &ndash; With as many possible combinations as there are cooks, this &ldquo;warm spice mixture&rdquo; takes many forms, depending upon its intended use. The basic mixture might include black and white peppercorns, cloves, bay leaves, chilis, black cumin, cumin seed, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, mace, star anise, and coriander seed.
Herbes de Provence (French) &ndash; A Provencal mixture of dried herbs including thyme, bay leaf, rosemary, marjoram, basil, and sometimes lavender; great on roast chicken.
Jerk Seasoning (a.k.a. Jamaican jerk spice) &ndash; A fiery blend of allspice and Scotch bonnet chilis, as well as clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, thyme, and garlic; used to season chicken and other meats.
Montreal Steak Seasoning (American) &ndash; A robust blend for burgers, steaks, and other grilled meats; often includes cracked pepper, salt, paprika, onion, and garlic powder, coriander, and dill.
Old Bay Seasoning (American) &ndash; Included in many recipes for boiled seafood and crab cakes, this iconic regional seasoning mix includes celery salt, bay leaf, mustard seed, both black and red pepper, cinnamon, and ginger.
Ras el Hanout (Moroccan) &ndash; Literally &ldquo;top of the shop&rdquo; (as in spice shop), ras el hanout is an increasingly popular Moroccan spice blend that can contain more than 30 ingredients, but a &ldquo;streamlined&rdquo; version might include cumin, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, coriander, cayenne, allspice, nutmeg, clove, and several types of pepper. Used as a rub for grilled meats or a seasoning in tagines and other mixtures.
Shichimi Togarashi (Japanese) &ndash; A seven-ingredient blend of coarse red chili pepper, sansho (similar to Sichuan pepper), orange peel, poppy and sesame seeds, hemp seeds, and nori or aonori seaweed, used to enliven Japanese noodle and soup dishes.
Vadouvan (Indian) &ndash; Used to season a variety of foods, this specialty spice mixture has recently been discovered by chefs; it usually is comprised of curry leaves, fenugreek, mustard seed, garlic, and sometimes cumin, and may also include garlic, shallots, or onion.
Za&rsquo;atar (Middle Eastern) &ndash; Great on flatbreads, in pilafs, and as a dried spice rub for kebabs and grilled meats; this spice mixture usually includes ground sumac (a lemony-flavored berry), dried thyme, oregano, and marjoram mixed with toasted sesame seeds.
Content courtesy of Nestle Professional

Get inspired by mixed spices from around the world.

Global Cuisine Starts with Spice Blends

Single-serve desserts and beverages have become the ultimate in instant gratification across social media, offering a quick and satisfying indulgence that aligns perfectly with the fast-paced, shareable nature of the platform. With the trend continuing to captivate and delight audiences worldwide, now is a great time to entice your customers and drive business in your operation.
By the Numbers
<ul>
<li>34% of consumers treat themselves to indulgent foods and beverages a few times a week1</li>
<li>74% of consumers say they&rsquo;re more likely to try a new food if it&rsquo;s indulgent2</li>
<li>51% of 18- to 24-year-olds want restaurants to offer more nostalgic items or flavors3</li>
</ul>
The Quick Dish
Miniature desserts are a great way for your operation to introduce new sensations in a low-risk format for consumers looking to indulge. By pairing the unexpected with a beloved flavor, you can create something that&rsquo;s both on-trend and appeals to a mainstream audience. Get inspired by some of the dessert category&rsquo;s fastest-growing flavors.
Fastest-Growing Dessert Flavors4
<ul>
<li>Toasted Marshmallow: +33%</li>
<li>&Eacute;clair: +19%</li>
<li>Bavarian cream: +17%</li>
<li>Sea salt: +16%</li>
<li>Pumpkin spice: +14%</li>
<li>Cotton candy: +13%</li>
</ul>
Content courtesy of Conagra Foodservice
Sources:
1Datassential, &ldquo;2024 Food Trends,&rdquo; FoodBytes, November 2023
2Datassential, &ldquo;The Simply Smarter Webinar,&rdquo; May 9, 2024
3Technomic/IFMA, &ldquo;New, Now &amp; Next: Menu Trends to Watch Webinar,&rdquo; March 26, 2024
4Technomic, &ldquo;Desserts: U.S. Menu Trends,&rdquo; Q4 2023

Single-serve desserts and beverages have become the ultimate in instant gratification across social media, which aligns perfectly with the fast-paced, shareable nature of the platform.

Capitalize on the Success of Single-Serve Sensations

In the landscape of off-premises dining, the demand for an effective and convenient food transportation solution is crucially important. Low-Density (LD) and High-Density (HD) food storage bags are a great choice as they are food grade, come in bulk quantity roll-packs and preserve the quality and freshness of various foods or supplemental to-go items. Here are some highlights of these options.
Low-Density Storage Bags: A Versatile Solution
LD storage bags are designed to provide food operators with a versatile and reliable storage solution. These bags excel in preserving the freshness and crispness of a wide range of food items, including sandwiches, desserts, fruits or any side orders, whether stored in a refrigerated or dry storage area before heading out the door. The clear design of these LD bags promotes quick and convenient identification of the bag's contents. LD storage bags offerings come in various sizes to provide flexibility to store items ranging from delicate pastries to condiments, to bulky proteins or sandwiches.
Elevating Preservation with High-Density Storage Bags
In addition to LD bags, High-Density (HD) storage bags are designed to take food preservation a step further. HD storage bags are engineered to block out more light and air, which are common culprits of food spoilage, thereby extending the shelf life of perishable items. They protect from freezer burn for frozen items such as beef or seafood, leading to reduced food waste and increased operational efficiency. They also come in various roll pack options and sizes to accommodate any food storage need.
Diverse Perspectives: Meeting Varied Needs
From the perspective of food operators, the utilization of LD and HD storage bags represents a commitment to value and convenience. On the customer end, the benefits of utilizing the right LD or HD food storage bags translate into receiving orders that are preserved and travel well. By integrating LD and HD bags into their operations, operators demonstrate a dedication to delivering high-quality, fresh meals, thereby enhancing the overall customer experience and contributing to customer loyalty and positive reviews.
Content courtesy of Handgards

In the landscape of off-premises dining, the demand for an effective and convenient food transportation solution is crucially important.

Enhancing Off-Premises Dining with Low-Density and High-Density Food Storage Bags

According to research from Cornell University, financial stress is one of the primary reasons <a href="https://daniels.du.edu/assets/research-hg-parsa-part-1-2015.pdf" target="_blank">why restaurants fail</a>, which means that increasing sales is critical to running a successful restaurant. However, generating revenue is more challenging than ever for the foodservice industry following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fortunately, there are several things you can do to increase sales at your restaurant: 1) reach new customers, 2) influence existing customers to buy more frequently and 3) get customers to spend more. We&rsquo;re sharing 20 of the best techniques for driving restaurant sales, organized into those three primary categories.
How to increase restaurant sales by reaching new customers
Here are several ideas to increase restaurant sales that involve spreading the word about your business to new customers.
1. Host a grand opening event to increase sales
If you&rsquo;re opening a new restaurant, you need to let people know about it with a bang. Host a grand opening event in which you serve highlights from your menu.
Promote your grand opening on social media to reach potential guests, and invite the press and influencers to create buzz before, during, and after the event.
In exchange for free entry, ask attendees to register for the event online. This way you&rsquo;ll have their contact details in your <a href="https://sevenrooms.com/en/platform/crm-data-guest-profiles/" target="_blank">customer relationship management</a> (CRM) software and can send them targeted marketing messages to get them to come back.
2. Establish and optimize a social media presence
It&rsquo;s just as important to connect with guests online as it is to connect with them in person. Create social media accounts for your restaurant on the most relevant social media channels: Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. If you&rsquo;re feeling creative, you can even experiment with <a href="https://sevenrooms.com/en/blog/trending-tiktok-ideas-for-restaurants/" target="_blank">TikTok</a>.
Optimize your presence by linking to your direct <a href="https://sevenrooms.com/en/platform/acquire/reservations/" target="_blank">reservations</a> and <a href="https://sevenrooms.com/en/platform/acquire/delivery-pickup/" target="_blank">online ordering</a> landing pages in the bio or about section of your profiles. Post consistently, with high-quality photos, to keep your restaurant top of mind.
3. Focus on SEO to increase restaurant sales
Search engine optimization (SEO) can help your restaurant&rsquo;s website appear at the top of the search engine results page (SERP) for its name and related keywords.
Ranking for unbranded keywords is just as important as ranking for your restaurant&rsquo;s name. If, for example, you run an organic wine bar in New York City, and its website appears at the top of the SERP when someone searches &ldquo;organic wine bars NYC,&rdquo; that&rsquo;s exposing your business to new guests.
While paying for Google Ads is one way to see your restaurant at the top of the SERP, this strategy can be expensive and stops working when you stop paying for the ads. Instead, focus on organic and local SEO, which involves creating content on your website that uses the keywords you want to rank for in a useful way and <a href="https://sevenrooms.com/en/blog/google-business-listing/" target="_blank">optimizing your Google My Business Listing</a>.
4. Optimize your Google My Business Listing
<a href="https://sevenrooms.com/en/research/apac-direct-discovery-booking-behaviors/" target="_blank">SevenRooms&rsquo; research</a> shows that 33% of diners discover and book restaurants through Google. By making the most of your restaurant&rsquo;s Google My Business listing, you can drive guests who are searching for restaurants like yours to make a reservation, join your waitlist, or place an online order.
Google automatically adds third-party delivery and reservation platform links to your restaurant&rsquo;s listing. After <a href="https://support.google.com/business/answer/2911778?hl=en&amp;co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop" target="_blank">claiming your listing</a>, you can add links to your direct ordering and reservations platforms, and designate your preferred links, which will help you save on third-party fees.
Add photos, menu links, and tags to your listing to make it easy for guests to discover and choose your restaurant over others.
5. Meet guests where they are
Using delivery and reservation marketplaces that your potential customers are already using can help expose your restaurant to new clientele. Just be aware that many third-party platforms charge fees, advertise your restaurant alongside the competition, and don&rsquo;t let you access your customers&rsquo; data.
To mitigate these issues, convert third-party guests into direct customers. Create inserts for delivery orders that have coupon codes for customers&rsquo; first orders through your direct <a href="https://sevenrooms.com/en/platform/acquire/delivery-pickup/" target="_blank">delivery and pickup platform</a>. For third-party dine-in guests, create a check presenter insert that offers diners a discount on their next meal if they sign up for your newsletter. Then, send guests emails that explain the benefits of making direct reservations going forward.
6. Run digital ads to increase profits
Use social media ads and Google Ads to reach new customers online. Through <a href="https://sevenrooms.com/en/blog/restaurants-social-media-marketing-paid-ads/" target="_blank">ads on Facebook and Instagram</a>, target people who live and work near your restaurant and whose demographics match your existing customers&rsquo;.
Use Google Ads to reach potential customers who are searching for keywords related to your restaurant. For example, if you run a pizza restaurant in New York City, you could buy ads for the keywords &ldquo;best pizza New York,&rdquo; &ldquo;NYC pizza&rdquo; or &ldquo;pizza restaurant New York City.&rdquo;
7. Run traditional ads
You can also create and run traditional advertisements like TV commercials, radio commercials and magazine and newspaper ads. Traditional advertising tends to be more expensive than digital advertising, but can help you reach a wide audience.
How to increase restaurant sales by attracting repeat business
Follow these tips to learn how to boost restaurant sales by influencing existing customers to frequent your restaurant.
8. Send guests targeted offers
Marketing to existing customers is a piece of cake with <a href="https://sevenrooms.com/en/platform/retain/marketing-automation/" target="_blank">marketing automation software</a>. Send&nbsp;targeted offers &ndash; like a &ldquo;we miss you&rdquo; message inviting guests to make a reservation &ndash; via email or SMS to customers who have already dined with you.
9. Cross-promote internally to increase sales
Drive repeat business by cross-selling delivery to your dine-in guests and booking a table to your delivery diners.
Encourage guests who always dine at your restaurant to order online by offering them a promo code for their first order. Set up an <a href="https://sevenrooms.com/en/platform/retain/marketing-automation/" target="_blank">automated email campaign</a> to take care of this for you.
Motivate pickup and delivery customers to make reservations by offering them upgrades via email, like a free champagne toast upon arrival, when they join you in person.
10. Introduce online ordering
If you haven&rsquo;t done so already, add an online ordering revenue stream to your business. However, don&rsquo;t rely only on third-party delivery platforms, as they take steep commissions and don&rsquo;t let you access your customer data.
With commission-free, <a href="https://sevenrooms.com/en/platform/acquire/delivery-pickup/" target="_blank">direct online ordering</a>, you can circumvent per-order fees, avoid missing phone orders, and generate revenue from customers even when they don&rsquo;t feel like dining in.
11. Implement a loyalty program to increase revenue
Implement a loyalty program that lets customers accumulate points for on-site and online orders and redeem points for free food, exclusive experiences, and more.
How to boost restaurant sales by influencing customers to spend more
Follow these creative ideas to increase restaurant sales that involve convincing diners to spend more during each visit and order.
12. Sell reservation upgrades
Let guests pre-purchase birthday cakes, champagne toasts served upon arrival, flowers on the table, and more through prepaid reservation upgrades. You can collect payment up front and secure extra revenue, and build these upgrades seamlessly into the booking experience so guests won&rsquo;t even feel like you&rsquo;re upselling them.
13. Add special experiences to the menu to increase sales
Push past the boundaries of traditional dining by offering guests experiences they won&rsquo;t be able to resist or forget. Organize special experiences, like chef&rsquo;s tables, packages that come with kitchen tours, dining with live jazz music and more, and make them available for a premium. Use your <a href="https://sevenrooms.com/en/platform/acquire/events-experiences/" target="_blank">restaurant management software</a> to easily sell and manage these unique experiences.
14. Offer prix fixe menus
Sell multiple courses as a <a href="https://sevenrooms.com/en/blog/how-to-maximize-revenue-with-a-prix-fixe-menu-during-a-pandemic/" target="_blank">prix fixe menu</a> to encourage customers to spend more. Offer them year-round or for special occasions, such as <a href="https://sevenrooms.com/en/blog/mothers-day-marketing-ideas/" target="_blank">Mother&rsquo;s Day</a> and <a href="https://sevenrooms.com/en/tools-resources/playbooks-guides/the-ultimate-valentines-day-guide-for-restaurants/" target="_blank">Valentine&rsquo;s Day</a>.
15. Create takeout bundles
Create the takeout version of a prix fixe menu with takeout bundles for your online ordering customers. Offer multi-course bundles for takeout and delivery, or large-format family-style entrees that you can charge more for.
16. Make it bottomless to increase revenue
Offer bottomless or endless options &ndash; like bottomless coffee or mimosas, or endless fries or breadsticks &ndash; to let guests upgrade their meals. You can charge a premium for these additions, but guests will feel like they&rsquo;re getting a great deal, even if they don&rsquo;t end up consuming as much as they think they will.
17. Upsell add-ons
Boost incremental revenue by <a href="https://smallbusiness.chron.com/upselling-techniques-restaurants-20154.html" target="_blank">upselling</a> add-ons to dine-in and online orders.
Train your front-of-house (FOH) staff to recommend drinks, appetizers, desserts, and side dishes. At quick-service restaurants, upselling could entail asking guests if they would like to upgrade from a small drink to a large drink.
For delivery and pickup orders, configure your online ordering platform to suggest add-ons that complement the items already in the cart.
18. Cross-promote your entire portfolio
If you run multiple restaurants, make sure that your guests know about every venue in your portfolio, so that you can be part of more of their dining-out or ordering-in occasions. Create an <a href="https://sevenrooms.com/en/blog/marketing-automation-cultivate-regulars-on-off-premise/" target="_blank">automated marketing campaign</a> that lets guests know where else they can enjoy your restaurant group&rsquo;s hospitality and incentivizes them to book tables or place orders.
19. Make personalized recommendations to increase profits
When you know your guests, and know their order history, you can make personalized recommendations that drive profits.
Let&rsquo;s say you have a guest who always orders a $75 bottle of wine. When you know this about your guest, your staff can start recommendations at that price level and go up from there.
Use your CRM to track guest data and <a href="https://sevenrooms.com/en/blog/what-is-a-restaurant-crm-and-how-can-it-help-boost-your-restaurants-profits/" target="_blank">use it to your advantage</a>.
20. Sell merchandise
Our final tip for how to increase restaurant sales is to sell merch. Create merchandise featuring your restaurant&rsquo;s branding. You can sell t-shirts, water bottles, aprons, cookbooks and even canned versions of your famous sauce; the sky&rsquo;s the limit. Sell merchandise at your restaurant and online as an add-on to a takeout order.
Pro tip: Add e-commerce capabilities to your website to let customers purchase merchandise even if they aren&rsquo;t within your food delivery range.
Wrapping up: How to increase restaurant sales
By reaching new customers and influencing existing guests to spend more and more frequently, you&rsquo;ll see restaurant sales go up. For best results, use a combination of the strategies we shared, and leverage SevenRooms to streamline your efforts.
FAQs about increasing restaurant sales:
1. How do you promote a grand opening on social media?
The best way to promote a grand opening through social media is through images, promotions, paid and organic social postings and hashtags. Creating timely and relevant content with high-quality images is a great way to captivate your audience. Using three hashtags per post is a best practice to follow while posting about your event.
2. What are some restaurant promotion strategies that encourage more customer spending?
One restaurant promotion strategy for boosting revenue is selling reservation upgrades by letting guests pre-purchase birthday cakes or champagne toasts served upon arrival. Another tactic is to create takeout bundles, featuring multiple courses and family-style entrees, to influence your online ordering customers to spend more.
Source: <a href="https://greatmenusstarthere.com/Sevenrooms" target="_blank">SevenRooms</a>

Here are 20 of the best techniques for driving restaurant sales, organized into three primary categories.

20 Ways to Increase Restaurant Sales

Tasked with generating demand for dining out, foodservice marketers face a multifaceted challenge that can't be met with a single solution. Locations must balance digital-marketing tools like search engines, social media, and loyalty platforms with more old-school methods that get them out in the community, meeting potential guests and regulars. What is the most effective balance to strike?
Most eateries, including three in five restaurants, market themselves on social media. Restaurants were also significantly more likely than the on-site segment to cite community involvement, though on-site venues host local events just as often.
We asked operators: &ldquo;In the past year, what has been your most successful marketing initiative?&rdquo;
&ldquo;We get almost instant success when we run a text message special to our rewards club.&rdquo; - an owner of a fast-casual restaurant in the Northeast
&ldquo;Yelp reviews and owning the rights to our name on Google and Apple Maps searches.&rdquo; - an owner of a B&amp;I facility in the West
&ldquo;For us it was veggie dogs, which we advertised in vegan magazines and on targeted websites. It exceeded our expectations and set us up for return customers.&rdquo; - an owner-operator of a quick service restaurant in the West
Content courtesy of Unilever Food Solutions
Source:
Datassentials &ndash; Local-Store Marketing &ndash; September 2022

What is the most effective balance to strike in using various marketing channels to promote your restaurant?

Local Store Marketing

Of-the-moment condiments, sauces, and spice blends can upgrade standard recipes into menu signatures.
Beyond the ever-present sriracha, gochujang, and aioli, there are a number of newly trending flavor boosters that are transforming the way chefs innovate. In fact, according to the NPD Group, consumption of spices, seasonings, marinades, and rubs increased by more than 50% between July 2019 and July 2020.
Building a recipe around one of these specialties or adding it to a more familiar favorite can have a big payoff.
Ajvar &ndash; This Serbian roasted red pepper sauce adds smoky depth with the added tang of garlic and vinegar, and sometimes eggplant. Serve as a dip with crusty bread, crackers, or raw vegetables; as an accompaniment to sausages; as a sandwich spread alone or mixed with mayo; or anywhere ketchup is called for, such as French fries or burgers.
Chili Crisp/Chili Oil &ndash; The Big Kahuna of current condiments started in China with an invigorating, fiery red blend of crispy shallots, garlic, and red pepper flakes infused into oil, but DIYers might add Sichuan peppercorns, ginger, cinnamon, cumin, and more&mdash;straining out the ingredients leaves a vivid oil. Use it to add umami and color to everything from egg dishes to vegetables to Asian noodle soups to Italian pasta.
Dukkah &ndash; A crunchy Egyptian blend of ground nuts, coriander, fennel, cumin, sesame seeds, and dried mint, dukkah is delicious added to oil for dipping bread; to nut and olive mixes; and to add depth to poultry, meat, and other proteins. Mixed with panko, it makes an excellent breading for fish and chicken.
Everything Bagel Seasoning &ndash; Off the top of bagels and into everything from salmon rubs to sweet-savory ice cream, this blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried onion flakes, and kosher salt&mdash;some include caraway, garlic, and other flavorings&mdash;adds toasty flavor and intriguing texture to foods.
Fish Sauce &ndash; The &ldquo;secret ingredient&rdquo; that gives a lift to a variety of contemporary chef-driven recipes is actually an ancient Asian blend of fermented fish and salt, or its Italian equivalent: colatura di alici, made from the concentrated, bronzed droplets of liquid squeezed out from barrels of anchovies fermenting with salt. Use as a sophisticated sub for Worcestershire, or wherever umami is desired.
Hot Honey &ndash; As the name implies, this honey steeped with some type of hot pepper (red pepper flakes, Thai chiles, jalape&ntilde;os, etc), adds spicy heat to foods. It&rsquo;s essential in some fried chicken and fried chicken sandwich items, but it also works on wings, pizza, in softened butter for biscuits, salad dressings, desserts, and even in cocktails.
Kewpie Mayonnaise &ndash; A rich, yolk-only Japanese mayo that&rsquo;s smoother and sweeter (despite containing no sugar) than standard commercial mayo. Many chefs consider it the closest thing to fresh housemade mayonnaise.
Yuzu Kosho &ndash; This fragrant Japanese blend of citrus zest, garlic, chile, and salt adds aromatic acidity (and some heat) to rice dishes, noodle soups, fish, and chicken. It&rsquo;s also great on Mexican-style street corn and in fish tacos. Substitute lemon, lime, and/or grapefruit zest for the hard-to-find yuzu, a Japanese citrus.
XO Sauce &ndash; Umami-rich and originally hailing from Hong Kong, XO sauce is an iconic condiment made from dried seafood (namely, dried shrimp, and scallops), salty ham, shallots, garlic, chile, and oil. Use in Asian recipes such as fried rice, of course, but also as a barbecue or steak sauce, sandwich spread, or in roasted vegetables or chili.
Zhoug &ndash; This exhilarating Yemeni green chile and garlic sauce, verdant with fresh chopped parsley and coriander, lifts any salad, sandwich, or falafel pita. It&rsquo;s also useful as a dip (added to yogurt or vinaigrette, or as is), especially for fried foods or crudite; or in a marinade for grilled proteins and roasted or grilled vegetables.
Content courtesy of Nestle Professional
Source: The NPD Group/CREST (July 2020)

Spices, seasonings, marinades, and rubs make a huge difference in flavor. Learn what’s trending today and take your menu appeal to new heights. It’s an easy upgrade.

Get Spicy With Your Recipes

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