Driving Menu Innovation and Efficiency
The restaurant industry is expected to continue growing in 2024, according to a recent report by The National Restaurant Association, despite challenges posed by inflation. High inflation rates over the last few years, however, have impacted consumer spending habits, particularly for those making $45,000 and below, leading to a shift towards eating at home.
Meeting the Challenge with Innovation
To win back these consumers, quick-service establishments are focusing on affordability, offering value price points to entice customers to dine out. Even in good times, this strategy often involves limited-time offers (LTOs) that blend familiar flavors with a twist, appealing to a wide range of tastes and preferences. Hitting on nostalgia with a returning menu item or bringing back a long discontinued item can also be met with much success – a strategy which the multinational chain Taco Bell (Yum! Brands) continues to do well with.
Embracing the Drinkable Dessert Trend
One emerging shift to drive visits is with drinkable desserts. From apple pie shakes to frozen coffee blends, guests love that they’re customizable, convenient and social media-friendly. Plus, they’re highly profitable. The recent article by Bret Thorn of Nation’s Restaurant News, The Rise of the Drinkable Dessert on Restaurant Menus, highlights this trend, showcasing examples from full-service restaurants to quick-service chains.
Image #1: Taco Bell is testing frozen coffee drinks at two locations. Image #2: Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers offers a rotating lineup of shakes that the Wichita, Kan.-based chain says help drive traffic.
Flavor Diversity and Innovation
Flavor diversity is key in this trend, with options ranging from traditional vanilla and caramel to salted brownie, vanilla bean and mint. Additionally, innovative combinations like hot honey, which pairs sweet with heat, are gaining popularity, according to the Food Institute – Hot Honey – The Great Condiment Mashup article.
Several national brands have successfully incorporated hot honey into their menu offerings, demonstrating the appeal of this flavor profile to consumers. At about 52 cents an ounce, this is a premium ingredient that’s ideal for a small portion-control investment.
Is Hot Honey in your future? Our hand-held Portion Pumps do an excellent job of controlling the serving size while your staff takes care of the application artistry.
Seen on menus:
- Decadent Shakes: Apple Pie, Mint Mobile and Frozen Hot Chocolate
- Dreamy Lemonade with Cotton Candy
- Dessert Cocktails
- Frozen Coffee & Coffee Slushies
- S’mores & Mocha Chocolate Chip Shakes
- Sweet Heat Hot Honey ‘Rita Cocktail
- Boneless Hot Honey BBQ Wings
- Hot Honey Double Pepperoni Pizza & Wings
- Mac & Cheese Waffle with Hot Honey Chicken
Enhancing Operational Efficiency with Portion Control
Creating excitement around LTOs or new menu items is at the core of your strategy. Paying close attention to ingredient control and operational efficiency likely runs a close second to achieving profitability. A line printed on a cup, color-coded spoons and scoops or a scale are simple steps to aid portion consistency. However, new equipment is often necessary to ensure tight cost control – especially when using branded sauces to draw appeal.
Naturally, the first foray an operation implements for dispensing a liquid ingredient is often with disposable pumps. Operators are instructed to push halfway down for a small and twice for a large. Or was it a whole pump for a small one? You get the point.
Consistent servings – the persistent struggle for daily operations – can be achieved with portion-control food dispensers. These dispensers play a crucial role in ensuring consistency and cost-effectiveness.
Investing in Innovation
A small investment in dispensers with adjustable portion settings simplifies menu training and ensures accurate servings of premium-branded menu items. This not only enhances the customer experience but also maximizes profitability by reducing waste and improving operational efficiency.
A Sweet Opportunity
The use of portion-control pumps in menu innovation is a strategic approach to meeting consumer demand for affordable and innovative menu options. Moreover, with recipe accuracy, foodservice operators can drive menu innovation, enhance operational efficiency and ensure financial success.
Ready to ‘sweeten your menu’? Explore our extensive selection of portion-control food dispensers to make consistent presentations and profitability your trademarks.
