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

Wild Alaska Salmon Burger - skyscraper - both - 04.25

Sugar Foods ecoStick Less Waste - banner - both - 10.16

Reel in Greater Appeal - skyscraper - both - 10.22

Simplot Sidewinders - Bendy is Trendy - banner - both - 01.20

Simplot GoodGrains - skyscraper - both - 01.20

Catch of the Season - banner - both - 07.22

Sugar Foods Barista Blend - skyscraper - both - 04.17

Wild Alaska Keta Salmon - banner - both - 08.25

Knorr's Cook with More Possibilities - skyscraper - both - 09.24

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

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

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

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

La Ranchera Birria Base - both - 09.24

Banner Ad - 3 - OE - Operator - supersized

Ready to Eat Frozen Vegetables - banner - both - 03.23

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

Tyson Cortona Pepperoni - skyscraper OE 1.23

Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt banner with chef - both - 04.23

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

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

Hormel - Bacon 1 - Great Bacon in Half the Time - skyscraper - both - 02.20

Nestle White Cheddar Mac - Mac Pizza - banner - both - 04.19

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

Reel in Greater Appeal - both - banner - 10.22

Find Fresh Inspiration - skyscraper - both - 08.22

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

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

This Soup Can Do That Mushroom Dijon Chicken - both - skyscraper - 10.03.25

Nestle - Hot Cocoa Bulk and Single-Serve Packets - skyscraper - both - 09.21

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

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

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

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

Wild Alaska Keta Salmon - skyscraper - both - 08.25

Indiana Packers - Vertical Integration - banner - both - 07.21

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

Simplot Conquest Crispy Potato Strips - skyscraper - both - 01.20

Simplot RoastWorks - skyscraper - both - 01.20

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

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

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

Ambrosia Chocolate - banner - both - 03.23

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

This Soup Can Do That Tomato Chicken Tinga and Ratatouille - both - banner - 10.03.25

Sugar Foods Barista Blend - banner - both - 04.17

Dan's Prize Sliced Meats Convenience - banner - both - 04.20

Mini Cinnamon Swirl French Toast - banner - both - 09.23

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

Indiana Packers - Vertical Integration - skyscraper - both - 07.21

Knorr's Cook with More Possibilities - banner - both - 09.24

McCain - Tactical Takeout Webinar - skyscraper - both - 05.20

Wild Alaska Salmon Burgers - banner - both - 04.25

Sugar Foods Deliver It Better - skyscraper - both - 04.20

Simplot Conquest Crispy Potato Strips - banner - both - 01.20

Empress 5-Compartment School Food Tray - 05.22

Performance Plus Food Safety - skyscraper - both - 09.21

Dixie Ultra Surface Systems - skyscraper - both - 02.23

Essity - Impress Your Guests - banner - OE - 03.17

McCain - Takeout and Delivery Menu Ideas - banner - both - 05.20

Simplot Harvest Fresh Avocados - skyscraper - both - 01.20

Grab 'n Go! Anytime. Every Time - banner - both - 07.23

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

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

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

Nestle - Every Season is Pumpkin Season - skyscraper - both - 08.18

Simplot Harvest Fresh Avocado - banner - both - 01.20

Golden Tiger Vegetable Spring Roll - Elevate Dishes with Vibrant Flavor - OE - banner

Certified Cage-Free Egg Bites - Portable, Protein-Packed Breakfast - banner - both - 09.23

Nestle Stouffer White Mac and Cheese - banner - both - 08.18

Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt skyscraper - both - 04.23

This Soup Can Do That Cream of Chicken Garlic Parm Chicken - both - banner - 10.03.25

Simply Potatoes Low Sodium Mashed Potatoes - skyscraper - both - 09.23

Wild Alaska Burgers - banner - both - 04.25

Skyscraper Ad - MM -  Beat - Operator

Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt skyscraper with chef - both - 04.23

Hormel - Fire-Braised Chicken - Ease Your Operator's Kitchen - banner - both - 02.20

Ambrosia Chocolate - skyscraper - both - 03.23

A Family of Fine Cheeses - skyscraper - both - 08.22

Savor Imports - banner - both - 06.24

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

Simplot GoodGrains - banner - both - 01.20

Nestle White Cheddar Mac - Mac Pizza - skyscraper - both - 04.19

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

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

Sunny Fresh Egg Bake Bites - skyscraper - both - 03.23

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

Sunny Fresh Egg Bake Bites - banner - both - 03.23

Simplot Sidewinders - Bendy is Trendy - skyscraper - both - 01.20

General Mills - Gluten Free Options - banner - both - 03.18

Hormel - Bacon 1 - Full Case of Bacon No Grease - skyscraper - both - 02.20

Cooper Shreds Have Now Arrived - banner - 02.24

Seafood is Better - banner - both - 05.21

Essity - Clean Dry Hands - banner - OE - 03.17

Rich's Plant Based Cooking Creme - skyscraper - both - 02.18

Dan's Prize Corned Beef Pastrami - Simple, Tender - banner - both - 04.20

Simplot Pineapple Perfected - RoastWorks - banner - both - 08.20

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

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

The holiday season is upon us, bringing with it the promise of increased foot traffic and revenue. But with rising costs and persistent labor shortages, maximizing this opportunity requires a strategic approach. This spotlight offers actionable tips to help you navigate these challenges and create a holiday season that's both merry and profitable.
Driving Foot Traffic: More Than Just Decorations
While twinkling lights and festive d&eacute;cor are essential, driving foot traffic requires a multi-faceted approach:
<ul>
<li>Embrace the Power of "Limited Time Only":&nbsp;Create a sense of urgency with limited-time holiday menu items and promotions. This encourages customers to visit sooner rather than later, fearing they'll miss out.</li>
<li>Partner with Local Businesses:&nbsp;Cross-promote with nearby retailers or community organizations. Offer discounts to their customers or host joint events to expand your reach.</li>
<li>Leverage Social Media:&nbsp;Run targeted ads showcasing your holiday offerings. Host contests and giveaways to generate excitement and encourage sharing. Don't forget to highlight your safety protocols and any special accommodations you're making.</li>
<li>Don't Underestimate Email Marketing:&nbsp;Segment your email list and send personalized holiday greetings with exclusive offers or early-bird specials.</li>
<li>Community Engagement:&nbsp;Sponsor a local holiday event or offer a discount to community members. This builds goodwill and attracts new customers.</li>
</ul>
Marketing Magic: Spreading Holiday Cheer (and Awareness)
Effective marketing is crucial for cutting through the holiday noise:
<ul>
<li>Highlight Value &amp; Savings:&nbsp;Emphasize affordable options and special deals. Consider offering family-style meals or bundled packages to cater to larger groups.</li>
<li>Tell a Story:&nbsp;Connect your holiday offerings to meaningful traditions or charitable causes. This adds emotional resonance and differentiates you from the competition.</li>
<li>Visual Appeal is Key:&nbsp;Invest in high-quality photos and videos of your holiday dishes and ambiance. Use these visuals across all your marketing channels.</li>
<li>Mobile-First Approach:&nbsp;Ensure your website and online ordering system are mobile-friendly. Many customers will be searching for dining options on their phones.</li>
<li>Track Your Results:&nbsp;Use analytics to monitor the performance of your marketing campaigns and make adjustments as needed.</li>
</ul>
Menu &amp; Recipe Ideas: Festive Flavors on a Budget
Crafting a compelling holiday menu doesn't require breaking the bank:
<ul>
<li>Focus on Seasonal Ingredients:&nbsp;Utilize readily available and affordable seasonal produce like squash, cranberries, and root vegetables.</li>
<li>Elevate Classic Dishes:&nbsp;Put a holiday spin on your existing menu items. For example, add <a href="https://www.generalmillsfoodservice.com/recipes/turkey-and-brie-stuffed-croissants-with-lingonberries/06cf53f2-b805-422f-88d4-94f9d0366f3a" target="_blank">Lingonberry jam to your turkey sandwich</a> or offer a <a href="https://www.generalmillsfoodservice.com/recipes/pumpkin-spice-stuffed-cinnamon-rolls/abf44b74-6ab6-48c2-a9d0-a71337abfd0a" target="_blank">special pumpkin spice dessert</a>.</li>
<li>Consider Family-Style Options:&nbsp;Offer large-format dishes that are perfect for sharing, reducing individual plating time and food waste.</li>
<li>Embrace Vegetarian and Vegan Options:&nbsp;Cater to a wider range of dietary preferences with creative plant-based holiday dishes.</li>
<li>Pre-Portioning:Pre-portion ingredients to save time and reduce waste.</li>
</ul>
By implementing these strategies, you can navigate the challenges of the holiday season and create a festive and profitable experience for both your customers and your team. Remember, a little planning and creativity can go a long way in making this holiday season your best yet.
Content courtesy of General Mills Foodservice

This spotlight offers actionable tips to help you navigate challenges and create a holiday season that's both merry and profitable.

Deck the Halls (and Your Tables): A Guide to a Festive & Profitable Holiday Season

Customer expectations are higher than ever. Guests want faster service, personalized interactions, and consistent experiences&mdash;across every location and every channel. Restaurants that meet these demands see higher ratings, more repeat visits, and stronger revenue growth.
Discover how leading restaurants are using AI to increase satisfaction, streamline operations, and grow repeat visits. In this report, you'll learn how AI helps restaurants:
<ul>
<li>Deliver personalized guest experiences that drive loyalty and spending</li>
<li>Automate reviews, support, and feedback to reduce staff workload</li>
<li>Turn customer insights into marketing actions that boost visibility and revenue</li>
<li>Learn from real-world success stories like Caribou Coffee</li>
</ul>
Download the whitepaper <a title="Toolbox_Fast_Casual_AI_whitepaper" href="https://greatmenusstarthere.com/uploads/files/Toolbox_Fast_Casual_AI_whitepaper.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.
Source: Fast Casual

Discover how leading restaurants are using AI to increase satisfaction, streamline operations, and grow repeat visits.

Using AI to Increase Restaurant Revenue by Improving Customer Satisfaction and Operational Efficiency

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Deck the Halls (and Your Tables): A Guide to a Festive & Profitable Holiday Season

Using AI to Increase Restaurant Revenue by Improving Customer Satisfaction and Operational Efficiency