Category Trend Feast

From Korea to the Caribbean: BBQ's Flavorful Regional Journey

From Korea to the Caribbean: BBQ's Flavorful Regional Journey

If you want to bring some excitement to your menu, explore regional BBQ flavors from Korea to the Caribbean. The possibilities for new entrées and side dishes are endless—and delicious!

9/23/2024

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Tap Into Maple

Tap Into Maple

Pumpkin spice has finally met its match. The reigning flavor of fall, according to consumers, is maple. And we couldn't agree more! Read on for information, recipes, and inspiration to include more maple on your menu.

9/23/2024

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Savor the Success: Signature Sauces

Savor the Success: Signature Sauces

Looking for a way to boost your menu appeal? House-made, signature sauces may be just the thing! Discover how signature sauces elevate dishes with bold, craveable flavors that customers love.

9/23/2024

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Small Plates, Big Profits: The Snacking Opportunity

Small Plates, Big Profits: The Snacking Opportunity

It’s official, snacks and small plates are more popular than ever, and patrons want to see creative, fun and reasonably-priced options on menus. Are you keeping up with this trend?

9/23/2024

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Create the Perfect Secret Menu Item in 6 Smart Steps

Create the Perfect Secret Menu Item in 6 Smart Steps

Ever thought about creating a secret menu? Now is the perfect time! Read on to discover what works and what your customers will love.

4/1/2024

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Fancy Eats, Familiar Feels: Boujee Breakfasts Offer Elevated Comfort Food

Fancy Eats, Familiar Feels: Boujee Breakfasts Offer Elevated Comfort Food

Boujee breakfast doesn't necessarily have to be all fancy, but it does have to be delicious! We offer ingredients and recipe ideas to help you attract your own boujee breakfast crowd.

4/1/2024

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Handheld Heroes: Late-Night Cravings Go Global

Handheld Heroes: Late-Night Cravings Go Global

Did you know that 53% of operators believe late-night menus are a long-term trend? Find out how you can dial up your menu to profit from America’s love for late-night gnosh.

4/1/2024

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Mastering Grab-and-Go Menus with Ready-to-Eat Vegetables

Mastering Grab-and-Go Menus with Ready-to-Eat Vegetables

If you aren't offering your customers Grab-and-Go or Ready-to-Eat items, you could be missing out on a potential revenue stream. Read on for more information, recipes and ingredient ideas!

4/1/2024

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Nostalgic Desserts Are Bringing Back Memories—and Customers

Nostalgic Desserts Are Bringing Back Memories—and Customers

Nostalgic desserts are really growing in popularity, and consumers across all age groups are interested in them. Do you have any of these retro sweet treats on your dessert menu? Read on to get ideas and kitchen-tested recipes from the Simplot Culinary Team.

9/27/2023

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Elevated Pizza Takes Flavor to New Heights

Elevated Pizza Takes Flavor to New Heights

It's no surprise, restaurant-goers love pizza, but tastes are evolving. So don't be afraid to get a little crazy with your pizza toppings—veggies, curry, Souvlaki, Al Pastor, seafood—give them a try.

9/27/2023

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Loaded Fries Go Wacky, Wild and Over the Top

Loaded Fries Go Wacky, Wild and Over the Top

Loaded fries are as popular as ever, so why not capitalize on this trend? You can be creative with your menu and customers get what they want. Win-win!

9/27/2023

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Globally-Inspired Veggie Small Plates

Globally-Inspired Veggie Small Plates

Why not create some globally-inspired small plates to add to your menu? It's the perfect opportunity to get creative, give your customers what they want, and have some fun!

9/26/2023

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How to Incorporate Island-Influenced Flavors into Your Restaurant

How to Incorporate Island-Influenced Flavors into Your Restaurant

If spicing up your menu is top of mind, consider adding a refreshing new unique bowl guaranteed to tantalize your customers' taste buds. We're here to praise the robust and exotic flavors of island cuisines.

3/3/2023

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Why Sauces Are Taking Over Social Media and Restaurants

Why Sauces Are Taking Over Social Media and Restaurants

Generate a buzz with your sauce offerings by creating a unique dipping sauce or by placing a twist on a classic condiment. And be sure to showcase your creations on your social media channels to draw in new customers!

3/3/2023

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5 Tips on How to Develop a Late-Night Snack Menu

5 Tips on How to Develop a Late-Night Snack Menu

Late-night customers are returning to bars and restaurants and they are ready to spend money on experiences, food and drinks. In this article, we give tips, tricks, and ideas to make your late-night menu streamlined and profitable.

3/3/2023

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Crafting Crave-Worthy Salads: Tips for Building Hearty Salads in Your Restaurant

Crafting Crave-Worthy Salads: Tips for Building Hearty Salads in Your Restaurant

While customers crave nutritious, healthy salad options to support lifestyle and fitness goals, it can be challenging to stick to these ideals when appetites kick in. The "salads that satisfy" approach is a great way to surprise and delight your hungry customers.

3/3/2023

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Why Spirit-Free Cocktails Are Essential on Every Drink Menu

Why Spirit-Free Cocktails Are Essential on Every Drink Menu

Some patrons are becoming more intentional with their alcohol consumption. But these "sober curious" consumers still enjoy the experience of ordering a thoughtfully crafted beverage without the side effects of alcohol. Do you have options for them?

8/17/2022

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Back To Our Roots with Fermentation and Pickling

Back To Our Roots with Fermentation and Pickling

Do you have any pickled or fermented items on your menu? If not, it might be time to reconsider. These items add flavor, reduce waste, and can even boost your bottom line.

8/17/2022

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There's Nothing Simple About These Soups

There's Nothing Simple About These Soups

Are you planning to feature soup on your menu this fall? It's a great way to show some creativity with flavors and ingredients—and customers love a big bowl of piping hot, housemade soup.

8/17/2022

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A Solid Catering Program Can Boost Your Business

A Solid Catering Program Can Boost Your Business

If you've ever considered adding a catering program to your existing business, you know that it presents some challenges. Start small and build from there—it could really boost your bottom line.

8/17/2022

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Strategies to Keep Catering Menus Profitable in 2022

Strategies to Keep Catering Menus Profitable in 2022

Consumers are ordering more catering than ever. We highlight some strategies and products to help you get the most out of your catered menu items.

8/17/2022

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5 Ways to Amp-up Your Appetizer Game

5 Ways to Amp-up Your Appetizer Game

Have you taken a critical look at your appetizer menu lately? With a little creativity and some attention to current trends, you can increase menu appeal and your bottom line.

2/22/2022

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Global Takes on Loaded Fries Turn Heads

Global Takes on Loaded Fries Turn Heads

Want to bring some innovation to your menu? Great idea, start with fries!

2/22/2022

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3 Ways to Make Shareable Small Plates from Side Dishes

3 Ways to Make Shareable Small Plates from Side Dishes

Transitioning your sides to enticing appetizers is a great way to optimize ingredient utilization. It can also be a lot of fun—for you and for your customers—don't miss out on this trend.

2/22/2022

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Building a Salad Using Regionally Trending Ingredients

Building a Salad Using Regionally Trending Ingredients

Today's health-conscious customers continue to seek out fresh menu options, and salads rank high on the list. But which salads and ingredients are customers looking for?

2/22/2022

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The Allure of Technology Grows at Understaffed Restaurants

The Allure of Technology Grows at Understaffed Restaurants

With wages rising to attract an ever-smaller workforce, many restaurant operators are struggling to break even. Could technology be the solution?

2/9/2022

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Restaurants Finding New Audiences on TikTok

Restaurants Finding New Audiences on TikTok

Are you using TikTok to showcase your business? If not, you might be missing out on its 100 million active users. It isn't just another tech platform you have to check out; TikTok is fast becoming a must-have for restaurant social media efforts.

8/13/2021

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Extreme Goes Mainstream with Over-the-Top Burgers and Sandwiches

Extreme Goes Mainstream with Over-the-Top Burgers and Sandwiches

People are eating out again and they are looking for something new. So get inventive with sandwiches and burgers on your menu, it's all about creating "outrageous crave-ability". Your customers will love you for it.

8/13/2021

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Roots Find New Growth in Heritage Recipes at Restaurants

Roots Find New Growth in Heritage Recipes at Restaurants

Comfort food and Heritage cooking are just what your customers are looking for right now. You can make traditional or "old" recipes current and fresh by adding a trendy flavor or by playing with textures.

8/13/2021

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Restaurants Take On Food Waste

Restaurants Take On Food Waste

Waste has always been an issue in the restaurant industry. But in the aftermath of the pandemic, many operators are finding ways to get creative, reduce waste, and increase their profitability in the process.

8/12/2021

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Breakfast Is Back: Are You Ready?

Breakfast Is Back: Are You Ready?

Going out to breakfast may seem like wishful thinking after so many months of pandemic restrictions. But with a little luck, one of the most profitable dayparts may be back in play soon. Now is the time to think about how you're going to approach this important opportunity. Your customers will be glad you did!

2/16/2021

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Using Frozen Foods in Fresh and Healthy Recipes

Using Frozen Foods in Fresh and Healthy Recipes

As we head into spring and summer, customer interest in fresh, healthy foods is going to pick up again. But with the pandemic, it's been really hard to forecast sales and plan product ordering around that. Putting items on the menu that are creative, fresh, healthy, and high quality doesn't mean you have to head to the farmer's market to buy produce that will go bad if you don't use it in a couple days.

2/16/2021

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The New Fusion: Meet the "Odd" Couplings from Around the World

The New Fusion: Meet the "Odd" Couplings from Around the World

Mexican-Korean food? Chinese-Peruvian dishes? Welcome to the magnificent mashups of New Fusion cuisine, where good ideas and great flavors from around the world take your palate places you never thought it would go. And happily so.

2/16/2021

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International Flavors Put Chicken in the Spotlight

International Flavors Put Chicken in the Spotlight

Simplot Corporate Executive Chef Michael Thrash has identified some of the cultural trends around chicken preparation that are growing in popularity here in the U.S. Here's a little about each technique, what makes it unique, who's doing it successfully, and a version from our very own Chef Thrash.

2/16/2021

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How to Create Better Take-n-Bake Family Meals

How to Create Better Take-n-Bake Family Meals

With the right products and strategy, take-n-bake family meals are a terrific way for restaurants to boost revenue and maintain customer loyalty until the pandemic passes.

8/3/2020

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Serve Up a Side of Southern Comfort

Serve Up a Side of Southern Comfort

Right now, decision fatigue is everywhere, so make it easy and irresistible for your customers. Southern comfort food is delicious, accessible, and adaptable.

7/31/2020

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Experiential Takeout Goes to the Next Level

Experiential Takeout Goes to the Next Level

As dining rooms across the country close due to the pandemic, operators are turning takeout into a memorable experience to stay connected to their customers—and stay open.

7/31/2020

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Experiential Dining Proving to Be More Than a Fad

Experiential Dining Proving to Be More Than a Fad

Remember the good old days, when having great food, great service and appealing décor were enough for a successful restaurant?

3/2/2020

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Is 2020 the Year of the Flexitarian?

Is 2020 the Year of the Flexitarian?

When The Economist published its "The World in 2019," it declared 2019 to be "The Year of the Vegan." Could be The Economist was right. If Burger King's new Impossible Burger offering is any clue, vegan and vegetarian diets are more widely followed now than ever before.

3/2/2020

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What's the Latest in Charcuterie? French Fry Boards

What's the Latest in Charcuterie? French Fry Boards

Fry charcuterie is the latest in a series of Instagram-able entertaining boards or grazing tables. The trend started with more elaborate cheese and charcuterie boards and has evolved to breakfast, candy and even taco boards.

3/2/2020

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Trend Feast: Three Easy Strategies for Making Kids' Meals Healthier

Trend Feast: Three Easy Strategies for Making Kids' Meals Healthier

One of the most popular trends on kids’ menus for 2018 is the addition of healthy menu items. And, surprise—it’s not the kids who demanding these items—it’s their moms. Why should you care?

9/15/2019

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Trend Feast: How to Keep Kids' Menus Profitable

Trend Feast: How to Keep Kids' Menus Profitable

Oftentimes, operators use kids’ menus as a “loss leader,” selling kids’ menu items below cost to attract parents. The hope is to make up the difference—and then some—on the parents’ meals and drinks.

9/15/2019

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On Game Day, You Bet on Team Vegetables

On Game Day, You Bet on Team Vegetables

Americans know they should eat more vegetables, and honestly, they're trying. Thirty-four percent of consumers are ordering healthy items more often than they did two years ago.

9/15/2019

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Breakfast for Dinner? The Blurring of Dayparts Continues

Breakfast for Dinner? The Blurring of Dayparts Continues

Breakfast foods aren't particularly rebellious most of the time—crispy fried eggs and buttery toast, pancakes stacked high, served with bacon and plenty of syrup.

2/13/2019

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Walkables/Carryables/Deliverables: How to Take on More Takeout

Walkables/Carryables/Deliverables: How to Take on More Takeout

The statistics are staggering: 86% of consumers are using eating off-premise at least monthly. And a third are using it more than they did a year ago. Even more exciting is that food delivery is expected to grow in the double digits—12% per year over the next five years.

2/13/2019

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4 Hot Menu Trends for Fall 2018

4 Hot Menu Trends for Fall 2018

As seasons change, so do the trends in foodservice. Thankfully, our Simplot Culinary Team was busy over the summer, pinpointing the latest menu trends and coming up with their own list of recommendations to help you stay on par with your off-campus competition.

8/1/2018

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Trend Feast: Is Your Kids' Menu Helping or Hurting?

Trend Feast: Is Your Kids' Menu Helping or Hurting?

42% of American households contain children. And when families go out to eat, kids have a say in 93% of the decisions on where they eat. So catering to kids is just smart business.

7/19/2018

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