Braising, roasting and simmering: they’re the techniques that create richly flavorful, indulgent dishes that match how your customers want to dine in the fall and winter. But slow cooking can feel at odds with a fast-paced kitchen, where every second counts. This holiday season, take advantage of time-saving ingredients and prep methods—so you can focus on delivering a memorable experience for your guests.

The good news is that there’s a huge opportunity to promote unique menu items when the weather cools down, even as seasonal trends shift the traditional LTO launch calendar. In fact, 57% of consumers say they’re interested in restaurant specials in the winter.¹ Millennials are especially hungry for LTOs, with 73% saying they always order them!²

A hearty dish like pot roast is a prime example of a fall and winter offering that can go quite far on your menu. First and foremost, choose a fully cooked heat-and-serve product that you can easily offer as a traditional holiday entrée. Then, imagine how you can serve it across multiple applications and flavor profiles. Let’s take nachos, which were the fastest-growing dish in the appetizers category last year.³

Instead of chorizo or pulled pork, switch up the protein component to pot roast. Smoky BBQ, Tex-Mex or savory poutine pot roast nachos add fun to your starters menu, with just enough familiarity to encourage trial.

If you’re featuring prime rib on the menu during the holidays, consider also showcasing a signature prime rib sandwich as a way to capture the attention of customers who are more price-sensitive but still looking for special items. With 55% of consumers saying it’s important to get the best value when celebrating a special occasion,⁴ seasonally inspired premium sandwiches can help fill that niche.

Another way to bowl over your guests… holiday leftovers, reimagined! Customizable loaded mashed potato bowls will help your ingredient inventory go so far, and they’re easy to prepare. Proteins such as short ribs or roasted turkey can be paired with seasonal veggies like roasted Brussels sprouts and topped with gravy or cranberry sauce. These bowls are great for carry-out and catering opportunities, too.

¹Datassential, The Simply Smarter Webinar: Winter Trends, November 13, 2025

²Datassential, “Product & Menu Innovation Smartpanel,” June 4, 2026

³Datassential, The Simply Smarter Webinar: State of the Menu, February 12, 2026

⁴Datassential, The Simply Smarter Webinar: State of Value, August 13, 2026

Content courtesy of Heritage Premium Meats