In the current economic climate, restaurant operators need to employ creative strategies to attract guests while providing outstanding value. Diners are more discerning with their spending, seeking experiences that offer both enjoyment and affordability. Here are some savvy strategies to create value-driven promotions that can help draw guests in and keep them coming back.
A well-designed loyalty program can be a significant draw for repeat customers. Implement a system where guests earn points for each visit or spend, which can be redeemed for discounts, free meals, or exclusive offers. It can be as simple as a buy one, get one for their next visit with an appetizer or dessert item. This not only encourages repeat business but also fosters a sense of appreciation and connection with your restaurant.
Many big chains have embraced the concept of a value menu for a reason—it effectively caters to budget-conscious diners. Even in tighter times, people love dining out, but they seek more bang for their buck. Consider reviewing your menu to find opportunities for a value menu, perhaps by offering a smaller version of a popular sandwich or wrap that keeps your customers happy without breaking the bank.
Bundle deals offer a complete dining experience at a reduced price, providing perceived value to guests. Consider creating bundle options that include an appetizer, main course, and dessert, or offer a family-style meal kit that customers can enjoy at home. You could start with something straightforward like a soup and sandwich combo or offer a more sophisticated option where guests pick from a selection of three appetizers and three main courses for a fixed price. Just ensure that each appetizer and entrée is priced similarly in terms of food cost to maintain balance. This approach not only draws in deal-hunters but also highlights the diverse offerings on your menu.
Hosting themed nights can create excitement and draw in crowds. Consider offering a "Taco Tuesday" with discounted tacos or a "Wine and Dine Wednesday" featuring a special wine pairing menu for people going out on a date. Don’t forget to promote your theme, for example use a photo of a couple enjoying a night at your restaurant, creating a moment in time can capture people’s attention on social media when they are scrolling (bonus: most mealtime decisions are made the day of so make sure you regularly post).
Partnering with local businesses can elevate your promotions and widen your audience. Consider teaming up with nearby breweries for a beer-tasting event or collaborating with themed attractions like escape rooms to offer a combined package where guests enjoy the escape room experience followed by a dinner at your restaurant.
Create urgency and excitement with flash sales or limited time offers. Announce these promotions on social media or through email newsletters to generate buzz and drive immediate traffic. Whether it's a weekend brunch special or a weekday dinner discount, these offers can fill seats during slower periods.
Tailoring promotions to meet the specific needs and preferences of your customer base is crucial. Use surveys or feedback forms to gather insights into what your guests value most. Whether it's healthier menu options, kid-friendly meals, or special dietary accommodations, understanding these preferences allows you to customize promotions that resonate with your audience.
Focusing on customer needs, getting creative with your deals, and engaging with the community can lead to increased patronage and loyalty. Embrace these strategies to ensure your restaurant remains a top choice for diners seeking both value and quality.
The arrival of fall brings a fresh palette of flavours and seasonal ingredients. With the changing leaves and cooler temperatures, diners are on the lookout for comforting, seasonal dishes that capture the essence of autumn. Introducing a fall menu not only keeps your offerings fresh and exciting but also aligns your restaurant with the seasonal cravings of your patrons.
By incorporating autumnal ingredients such as squash, apples, and spices, you can create dishes that resonate with the warmth and coziness synonymous with this time of year. Whether you run a fine dining establishment or a cozy café, the fall season is a prime opportunity to revamp your menu and entice both new and returning customers.
A fall menu is more than just a seasonal change; it's an opportunity to create buzz and draw in curious diners. Highlighting the unique flavours of autumn can set your restaurant apart and make it a destination for those seeking seasonal delights.
Focus on seasonal ingredients that are at their peak during the fall. Consider dishes like butternut squash soup, apple cider-glazed pork, and roasted root vegetables, which showcase the bounty of the season.
Secondly, storytelling can be a powerful tool. Share the inspiration behind your fall menu through social media, newsletters, or on your restaurant's website. Whether it’s a family recipe, a tribute to local farmers, or a personal culinary adventure, letting your customers in on the story adds a layer of connection and intrigue. Lastly, consider hosting a fall menu launch event. Invite local food bloggers and loyal customers to sample your new dishes, creating word-of-mouth excitement that can drive more traffic to your restaurant.
No discussion of fall menus is complete without mentioning the iconic pumpkin spice. This beloved flavour, with its blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, has become synonymous with fall.
Pumpkin spice can be more versatile than you might think. Beyond the classic pumpkin spice latte, consider using this flavour profile in desserts like pumpkin spice cheesecake or muffins. It can also be creatively integrated into savoury dishes, such as a pumpkin spice-infused marinade for poultry or as a seasoning for roasted nuts featured in a salad.
Remember, the key is balance. While pumpkin spice is wildly popular, ensure it complements your overall menu and doesn't overshadow other fall favourites. By offering a diverse selection of fall flavours, you can cater to a broader audience and avoid the pitfalls of a one-note menu.
Limited time offers (LTOs) are a powerful strategy for driving interest and urgency in your restaurant. By presenting exclusive dishes for a short duration, you create a sense of scarcity that encourages customers to act quickly. They can also help you identify trends and preferences within your customer base. By analyzing sales data from LTOs, you can gain valuable insights into what concepts resonate most with your audience. This information is invaluable for shaping future menu decisions and ensuring your restaurant stays relevant in a competitive market.
Think outside the box with your LTOs. While fall staples like pumpkin and apple are always a hit, consider introducing unconventional ingredients or international flavours that align with autumn. For example, a Moroccan-inspired lamb tagine with apricots and almonds or a Japanese kabocha squash tempura can offer a unique twist on fall dining.
Engage your customers by involving them in the creation process. Host a contest where patrons can submit their fall-inspired dish ideas, with the winning entry making it onto your menu as a limited time offer. This not only sparks creativity but also fosters a sense of community and involvement. Additionally, promote your LTOs through social media teasers and email campaigns, highlighting the limited availability to entice diners to visit before the opportunity slips away.
View the fall issue of The Dish
We've collaborated with the team at Saporito Foods to help you elevate your cooking, frying, and baking techniques. In this post, we’ll share valuable tips and tricks on how to effectively use and maintain these products in your kitchen.
Liquid Fry Shortening 16L Pail (Product number: 460145)
Specially Designed for Deep Frying: This product is produced without partially hydrogenated oils, making it perfect for deep frying. It maintains stability at high temperatures, ensuring your fried foods come out crispy and delicious.
Usage Tip: Ideal for commercial deep fryers. Regularly filter the oil to extend its life and maintain food quality.
Canola Oil 16L Pail (Product number: 448271)
Low Saturated Fat Content: Canola oil contains the lowest level of saturated fatty acids among vegetable oils, making it a healthier option for various cooking methods.
Usage Tip: Perfect for sautéing, stir-frying, baking, and as a base for salad dressings. Store in a cool, dark place to preserve its quality.
Soya Margarine Yellow 13kg (Product number: 210341)
Great Flavour and Smooth Texture: Made from a blend of non-hydrogenated soya and vegetable oils, this margarine offers a cost-competitive formula without compromising on taste and texture.
Usage Tip: Excellent for baking and spreading. Ensure it is kept refrigerated to maintain its consistency and flavour.
Total Beef® Deep Fry Shortening 20kg (Product number: 460257)
Non-Hydrogenated Frying Shortening: Ideal for deep-frying French fries, poultry, and finger foods. This product ensures a crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender.
Usage Tip: Regularly monitor the temperature of your fryer to avoid overheating, which can break down the shortening and affect the taste of your food.
1. Regular Filtration: For oils used in deep frying, it's crucial to filter the oil daily. This removes food particles and extends the oil's usability.
2. Proper Storage: Always store oils and shortenings in a cool, dark place to prevent them from going rancid. Margarine should be kept refrigerated.
3. Monitoring Usage: Keep track of how many times you've used the oil. As a general rule, replace frying oil after 8-10 uses or when it starts to smoke at lower temperatures than usual.
4. Temperature Control: Maintain proper frying temperatures (typically around 350°F to 375°F). Overheating can degrade the oil faster and affect the quality of your food.
Saporito Foods is your trusted supplier for healthy, trans fat-free, premium quality oils, shortenings, and margarines. We pride ourselves on offering a comprehensive range of competitively priced, high-quality products, including canola oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, vegetable oil, blended oils, shortenings, and margarines suitable for both retail and food service markets. Whether you are cooking, frying, or baking, we have the right product to meet your needs.
For more information and to explore our full product range, visit www.saporitofoods.com.
Chefs have always used microgreens as a beautiful finishing touch to garnish their final dish, but did you know that microgreens can add benefits beyond their stunning looks?
GoodLeaf Farms is revolutionizing the way that microgreens are grown and taste through the powers of vertical farming. This innovative way of farming allows for these gorgeous greens to be grown in Ontario year-round, so you never have to worry about seasonality or availability. Their highly specialized growing methods and controlled environments allow for their microgreens to produce intense, delicious flavours that can be used to add to meals and used in creative ways. One of the standout features of Good Leaf products is that they are never touched by pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or even human hands until they reach their final destination. This commitment to "Pure" farming ensures the utmost purity and quality.
Here's 4 Ways Chefs can use Microgreens for more than just a Garnish:
No matter the dish, GoodLeaf nutrient-dense microgreens are a simple and creative way for chefs to add flavours and colours to increase customers’ dining experience!"
The 2024 food show was our best yet! There was so much energy in the building, we are so grateful that our customers, suppliers and employees put so much effort to make the day as wonderful as it was. If you weren’t able to come, here were some of our favourite products of the day:
Carve Beef AAA Inside RoundCarve Premium Ontario Beef: Elevate your menu with the local pride of Ontario—Carve Premium Ontario Beef, where AAA quality meets hometown glory. This isn't just beef; it's a celebration of local farming, delivering a taste so rich and succulent, it'll have you questioning why you ever looked elsewhere (sorry, Alberta!). Our showstopper? The Carve Inside Round, perfectly paired with caramelized onion and a bold horseradish spread, served on a soft bun.
222816 CARVE BEEF INSIDE ROUND AAA FRESH - 2/11KG |
Grille and Galley Pickerel FilletGrille and Galley Pickerel Fillet: Get ready to reel (sorry-had to go for the pun) in some compliments with our Pickerel Fillets, fresh from the waters of Lake Erie. Local is not just about the taste and freshness; it's about building a narrative for your restaurant that resonates with diners seeking authentic, sustainable, and regionally focused eating experiences. The Great Lakes often remind Ontarians of long summer days spent with family and friends, evoking these memories helps you connect with your guests. Stay tuned – soon we'll have some Fresh Yellow Perch from the Great Lakes!
230125 GRILLE PICKEREL FILLET S-ON 8-16 OZ - 1/4.54KG |
D & D Poultry Tandoori Chicken SkewerHailing from an Ontario family-owned business, they embrace the flavours of tandoori seasoning, and they are Halal. Super popular and super tasty! Serve with basmati rice, warm naan bread and cucumber raita (This cooling yogurt-based dip with cucumber, mint, and sometimes garlic, offers a refreshing contrast to the spices in Tandoori skewers).
164923 D&D CHICKEN BREAST SKEWER TANDOORI - 1/5KG
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Wow Factor Gulab Jamun Dainty CakeI must admit, I had no idea what to expect with this dessert. It’s a dough ball, soaked in rose syrup, nestled within creamy cheesecake, and topped with a delicate rose water mousse sprinkled with pistachios. This masterpiece is an East Indian delicacy that's capturing hearts and trending for all the right reasons.
105775 WOW CHEESECAKE GULAB JUMAN - 30/5.08OZ |
Mike’s Hot HoneySpice up your menu! Originally created as a pizza topping, this versatile ingredient is only available at Flanagan’s. Four bottles per case (each one is 24oz), the applications for this are endless. Add it to a chicken sandwich, grilled cheese, wings and more. First, it’s all "mmm" with the sweetness, then bam – the spice kicks in!
358743 MIKES HONEY HOT ORIGINAL - 4/24OZ |
Chicago Dill Pickle FriesPickle fries served on top of French Fries with a dill pickle ranch dressing? Sign me up! Dill pickle flavour has long been a crowd-pleaser, and its popularity is now reaching new heights, popping up in the most unexpected places. Flanagan’s takes the lead by being the first distributor to showcase the Chicago Pickle brand.
234271 CHIPCO PICKLES DILL FRIES - 1/18.9LT |
High Liner Blue CodAlways on the crest of innovation, High Liner has launched new blue cod offerings that are not only delicious but also priced to woo even the most wallet-weary customers. This whitefish is like the Swiss Army knife of seafood - incredibly versatile. Jazz up a po-boy, tossing it into wrap or mix it into a salad.
134090 HILINE COD BLUE FILLET IQF 3OZ - 1/4.54KG 134092 HILINE COD BLUE FILLET IQF 4OZ - 1/4.54KG 134116 HILINE COD BLUE FILLET IQF 5OZ - 1/4.54KG 134791 HILINE COD BLUE PAN SEAR CITRUS&HERB - 1/10LB 134793 HILINE COD BLUE POTATO CRUSTED 3.5OZ - 1/10LB |
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Boneless, Cooked Beef Short RibsSucculent boneless short ribs, already cooked to perfection in an au jus sauce. It is tasty, easy to prepare and offers consistency for your guests while taking it easy on your labour costs. Serve with mashed potatoes, make a sandwich or toss them in bowls where the possibilities are endless.
158812 PACKER BEEF SHORT RIB AA BNLS COOKED - 5/900GM |
Maple Leaf Hot DogsMaple Leaf is famous for dishing out crowd pleasing food. In the face of rising inflation, it's prime time to tweak your tactics and lure folks in with budget-friendly eats. Enter the humble hot dog, a summertime hero, sporting an attractive price tag that leaves room for some seriously upscale embellishments (pulled pork anyone?).
179179 JMS WIENER 6" 6CT RG FZ - 1/5.44KG 179205 JMS WIENER 6" 10CT FZ - 1/5.44KG 179218 JMS WIENER 7" 4CT RG FZ - 1/5.44KG 179233 JMS WIENER 7" 5CT RG FZ - 1/5.44KG 179257 JMS WIENER 7" 8CT RG FZ - 1/5.44KG 179260 JMS WIENER BEEF 7" 8CT FZ - 1/5.44KG 179265 JMS WIENER BEEF 7" 5CT FZ - 1/5.44KG 179272 JMS WIENER 5" 12CT RG FZ - 1/5.44KG 179283 JMS WIENER 11" 6CT RED HOTS FZ - 1/5.44KG 179287 JMS WIENER BEEF 12" 2CT FOOT LONG - 1/6KG |
Bridor Peach DanishNot only does it catch the eye with its meticulously crafted appearance, but it also wins hearts with its commitment to purity - boasting a clean label and all-natural ingredients. Plus, it's ready to bake, transforming your kitchen into the sweetest spot on the block in no time.
108076 BRIDOR DANISH PEACH RTB - 42/90GM
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Chicago Style Pizza DoughA Fresh Twist on Tradition! Out of Rich’s oven and into yours, this dough goes from frozen to fabulous in just 9 minutes. Choose how to cook: bake it in a pan for that iconic, deep-dish Chicago style experience, or go pan-less for a crust that’s delightfully focaccia-esque. Either way, you’re guests in for a treat.
126180 RICHS PIZZA CRUST DETROIT STYLE GTF - 20/100PC
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Flavoured Cheese CurdsPountine just keeps getting more and more innovative. Elevate your menu to new heights with Alain Royer's ingeniously flavoured cheese curds. It's time to get imaginative and add some zest! From tangy orange curds, smoky BBQ curds, to the spicy kick of 3-pepper curd - can the world of cheese get any more exciting?
116008 ARC CHEESE CURD ORANGE - 2/5KG 116156 ARC CHEESE CURD BBQ - 20/500GM 116157ARC CHEESE CURD 3 PEPPER - 20/500GM |
Good Leaf GreensMy biggest surprise of the day! Who knew greens could taste this good? A local treasure that's bursting with flavour, Good Leaf Greens has truly outdone itself. Thanks to vertical farming, these leafy wonders are available all year round, ensuring fresh, delightful bites every time. And talk about pristine quality - not a single human hand touches these greens until they grace your restaurant.
283031GOLEAF NORTHERN SWEET & SPICY MICRO - 4/1.5LB 283039 GOLEAF SPICY MUSTARD MEDLEY - 8/50GM 283041 GOLEAF SPRING NORTHERN BLEND - 4/1.5LB 283043 GOLEAF NORTHERN FIESTA PREM BLEND - 4/1.5LB 283050 GOLEAF SPRING NORTHERN BLEND - 2/680GM 283052 GOLEAF NORTHERN FIESTA PREM BLEND - 2/680GM 283053 GOLEAF NORTHERN SWEET & SPICY MICRO - 2/680GM |
Made Good Blueberry Oat BarsThe ultimate snack for on-the-move moments. Made with care, these bars are a beacon of organic goodness, free from allergens, gluten-free, and proudly wearing the vegan badge. With a commitment to clean ingredients and the functional benefits that come from real food, Made Good Bars not only tick all the health-conscious boxes but also get the green light as a school-friendly treat.
364619 MADEGD BAR OAT MORNING BLUEBERRY GTF - 30/30GM |
With hundreds of innovative products to see and an array of delicious samples to taste, the Flanagan Show truly showcased the best of what the food industry has to offer. For those who couldn't make it this year, we missed having you with us and sincerely hope you'll be able to join the excitement next time. I may be biased (okay, I am definitely biased), but the Flanagan Show stands unrivaled as the premier foodshow in Ontario. Here's to hoping we see you next year!