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As consumers continue to seek more health-conscious, high-quality options when eating out, salmon remains a favoured staple on menus across the foodservice industry. From fast-casual eateries to fine dining restaurants, the demand for this nutrient-rich fish continues to increase. It’s a lean premium protein, it’s filled with vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids and it tastes great – I mean what’s not to like?
But when it comes to sourcing salmon, it’s not a one-type fits all. The choice between Atlantic and Pacific salmon can have a significant impact on your menu, margins, and guest satisfaction.
In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between Atlantic and Pacific salmon specifically from a foodservice perspective.
Atlantic salmon is primarily farm-raised and widely available across global markets. They have a torpedo-like shape that’s rounded, broad in the middle and tapers smoothly at the head and tail.
For foodservice operators, Atlantic salmon offers consistency in size, flavor, and supply. Its rich, mild taste and higher fat content make it versatile across a range of menu applications from grilling and roasting to raw preparations like tartare and poke. Since Atlantic salmon is farm-raised and available year-round, it is a dependable option for kitchens that require predictable inventory and portion control.
Pacific salmon refers to a group of species native to the North Pacific Ocean and rivers in North America and Asia and is entirely caught in the wild. The five main types used in foodservice are listed below. Each species varies in flavor, appearance, texture and nutritional content.
Since Pacific salmon is caught in the wild, availability and pricing can range due to seasonality and environmental factors. Its flavor is more prominent compared to Atlantic salmon, especially in varieties like Sockeye. This makes Pacific salmon ideal for menus that emphasize wild, regional, or specialty seafood offerings.
Both types of salmon offer distinct characteristics in terms of flavor, texture, availability, and cost. Understanding these differences is essential for making smart purchasing decisions that align with your culinary goals and operational needs.
See the graphic below to learn key differences between Atlantic and Pacific salmon that are relevant to Foodservice restaurants and businesses.
If you want to feature salmon on your menu and are having trouble deciding which salmon type makes the most sense, we have some best-practice indicators below to help guide your decision.
When to Choose Atlantic Salmon
When to Choose Pacific Salmon
When consistency, quality, and trust matter, True North Seafood stands out as a leading provider of premium fresh salmon. As part of the Cooke family of companies, True North combines decades of expertise with a deep commitment to responsible aquaculture.
Their salmon is raised in the cold, clean waters of the North Atlantic and harvested with a focus on freshness, resulting in mild-flavored, firm-textured fillets ideal for a wide range of menu applications. With rigorous food safety standards, sustainability certifications like BAP and ASC, and year-round availability, True North offers foodservice operators the reliability and product integrity they need to serve great salmon every time.
Interested in learning more and placing an order? Talk to your Flanagan Sales Professional. New to Flanagan? Become a customer below.
Burrata, the pearl of Italian gastronomy, is a creamy, indulgent cheese that has taken the culinary world by storm. Its delicate texture and rich flavour make it a favourite for chefs and diners alike. Traditionally served fresh, burrata has long been considered a premium, though highly perishable, ingredient. But for modern foodservice operators, a new solution is reshaping how we serve and store this luxurious cheese: frozen burrata.
Fresh burrata is a delicacy—but it's also a logistical challenge. With a shelf life of less than 14 days, managing inventory becomes a balancing act to avoid spoilage, waste, and loss of profits.
Enter frozen burrata, such as the 100g single-cup burrata by Bontà Viva (product code 116121). Handmade in Puglia, Italy, this burrata retains the same rich, creamy center and delicate taste—only now with extended shelf life and simplified logistics:
1. Extended Shelf Life
Frozen burrata boasts a shelf life of up to 18 months when stored at -18°C to -21°C. Even after defrosting, it stays fresh for 4 days—ample time for service. This means less stress over quick turnover and fewer losses due to spoilage.
2. Zero Waste
Each portion is individually packed in a single-serve 100g cup with its own serum, ensuring optimal preservation and zero waste. Use only what you need, when you need it.
3. Authentic Quality
Despite being frozen, Bontà Viva’s burrata is crafted using traditional methods in the heart of Puglia. The creamy stracciatella center and soft mozzarella shell remain intact, delivering that melt-in-the-mouth experience customers crave.
4. Always Available
Whether you’re plating an elegant salad, topping a gourmet pizza, or elevating a pasta dish, frozen burrata is ready when you are. Just defrost at +4°C for 32 hours, and you’re set to serve with confidence.
Frozen burrata doesn’t compromise quality—it enhances it with convenience. It’s a practical solution that preserves the essence of Italian tradition while supporting the fast pace of foodservice.
When you're in the foodservice industry, terminology matters. However, the terms "patty" and "burger" are often used interchangeably, which can lead to confusion.
A patty refers to the meat, it’s the foundation that it is 100% meat, and there aren’t any fillers in the patty. A burger has fillers in it which add flavour to the burger allowing for a unique burger experience. As to which is preferred? That is up to you and your preference. What we do know is mastering the art of the burger is not just an option—it’s a necessity to appease today’s diners whose palate and willingness to try new flavours is increasing regularly.
Burgers have been a menu staple for decades, and for good reason. They offer a blend of comfort, customization, and crave ability that few other dishes can match. Here's why they deserve special attention when building your menu:
1. Versatility in Flavours
Burgers are a blank canvas for culinary creativity. Whether your customer craves traditional simplicity or adventurous flavours, you can craft burgers that cater to everyone. A single recipe can transform into numerous menu items with the right toppings and presentation, keeping your offerings fresh and exciting.
2. High Profit Margins
Burgers are a financial powerhouse. With smart sourcing, you can create a premium product that commands a higher menu price while keeping costs manageable. Customization options like premium toppings (e.g., truffle aioli, aged cheddar, or avocado) further justify a higher price point, appealing to diners willing to splurge.
3. Wide Customer Appeal
From fast food outlets to fine dining establishments, burgers attract all types of diners. They’re a go-to comfort food with universal appeal. Plus, they work in nearly any business model, offering both speedy prep for quick-service settings and upgrade potential for gourmet concepts.
4. Easily Adaptable to Trends
Whether it’s the push for plant-based options, demand for sustainable practices, or the rising interest in global cuisine, burgers can easily adapt to meet these trends while maintaining their identity as a menu staple. For example, globally inspired flavours can bring excitement to your menu without deterring your core audience.
Creativity is the key to keeping burgers exciting. Here are some ideas to elevate your burger menu while appealing to diverse customer preferences:
1. Global Inspirations
Bring international flavours to your burgers by experimenting with ingredients and toppings.A Korean-inspired burger with bulgogi-marinated beef, kimchi slaw, and gochujang mayo. Mediterranean lamb patties with tzatziki, sun-dried tomatoes, and arugula. Thai chicken burgers topped with mango slaw and peanut sauce. Global twists not only attract adventurous eaters but also allow you to showcase fresh, bold flavours.
2. Modern Presentation
Presentation matters. Consider sliders for shareables or stack multiple smaller burgers in a tall burger to create Insta-worthy visuals. Unique buns, such as pretzel rolls or brioche swirls, elevate the experience. Even after traditional burgers, “deconstructed” options or burgers served open-faced with artistic plating can intrigue diners.
3. Beyond the Bun
Experimentation doesn’t have to stop at toppings. Think outside the bun, lettuce-wrapped burgers for a health-conscious crowd. Waffle buns or grilled cheese sandwiches repurposed as the outer layers.
These variations spark curiosity and conversation, encouraging repeat visits to explore new creations.
From classic cheeseburgers to gourmet creations, burgers are more than just a menu item; they’re a culinary opportunity. Chefs who master the balance between foundational quality and innovative flair will find that burgers can become their star attraction.
Summer is a high-demand season in foodservice, and with it comes the need to operate smarter. With increased guest volume, patio seating, and higher staff turnover, efficient tools can help your operation run more smoothly while controlling costs and minimizing waste.
Cascades, a proudly Canadian-owned company, offers a smart, long-term solution with Cascades PRO Perform® Interfold Napkins, paired with Cascades PRO Tandem® dispensers. More than just a seasonal switch, this combination is designed for foodservice environments that prioritize performance, responsibility, and results.
Napkins are often overlooked as a cost driver. But they play a larger role than just cleaning hands or containing spills. In high-volume service areas, napkin overuse leads to excess waste, frequent refills, and inflated operational costs.
Cascades PRO Perform® Interfold Napkins are designed to help solve these challenges. They’re durable and purpose-built for fast-paced environments.
What makes these napkins different?
By switching to a product that does more with less, you help reduce both your environmental footprint and your supply costs.
The design of the napkin—specifically how it’s dispensed—can impact how much your customers use. Traditional bulk napkins invite users to grab multiple at once, often more than they need. This leads to unnecessary waste and higher replenishment frequency.
Although the napkin is the central player, the Cascades PRO Tandem® Interfold Napkin Dispenser supports it with functional design:
When paired with Cascades PRO Perform® Napkins, the dispenser becomes an all-in-one solution that addresses hygiene and operations.
When you choose Cascades PRO Perform® Interfold Napkins, you’re investing in a smarter system that helps your operation:
✅ Reduce waste and consumption
✅ Lower refill frequency and labor time
✅ Support corporate sustainability goals
✅ Improve hygiene and customer satisfaction
Now is the time to rethink the everyday tools that keep your foodservice business running. With Cascades PRO Perform® Interfold Napkins, you're not just switching a product—you’re improving how your operation runs.
[1] The products under this certification are suitable for industrial and municipal composting facilities, not for home composting. Please check locally, facilities may not exist in your area.
Running a successful foodservice operation takes more than just great food—it requires smart decisions that add value to your business. Flanagan Foodservice is proud to support operators by offering Brand Points PLUS, Canada’s premier loyalty program for foodservice professionals.
As a proudly Canadian-owned company, we understand the challenges you face and are committed to helping you maximize every purchase. With Brand Points PLUS, you earn rewards on the products you already buy while gaining access to exclusive benefits that help your business thrive.
If you haven’t joined yet, here’s what the program is all about and how it can benefit your business.
Brand Points PLUS (BP+) is about giving back to operators. Whether you’re stocking up on week-to-week essentials or investing in premium ingredients, BP+ is designed to reward your purchases of national brand products by offering exclusive benefits that enhance profitability and operational efficiency.
With exclusive offerings like Brand Points PLUS | Rewards, Brand Points PLUS | Cash, and Brand Points PLUS | Exclusive Offers wrapped into one reward program, your loyalty not only gets acknowledged but directly benefits your bottom line.
As a Flanagan Foodservice customer, you gain the option to sign up for:
With every eligible purchase, earn points that can be redeemed for a wide variety of rewards tailored to your needs. This includes kitchen equipment, business tools, gift cards, trips and more! It’s simple—shop, earn, redeem. These rewards reflect the value we want to bring to your business for choosing trusted suppliers.
Sometimes, cash back makes the most impact. Convert your loyalty directly into savings and earn cash rebates through eligible purchases. This system offers unmatched flexibility, allowing foodservice operators to use their cash rewards in the way that benefits them most.
Access limited-time deals and promotions from companies that understand the needs of foodservice operators. Whether it’s on the products you already use or valuable services, these offers provide savings, discounts, or additional points just for being a BP+ member. These exclusive offers help stretch your purchasing power, giving you more opportunities to reinvest in your business and drive growth.
Supporting a Canadian-owned rewards program keeps your loyalty local. This aligns with Canadian values while strengthening the foodservice industry in our communities. Being Canada-focused means the program understands your challenges and needs, providing solutions that resonate with your business.
You spend thousands every year on essential supplies. Why not make those purchases more rewarding? Brand Points PLUS turns your investments into tangible rewards, adding value to the money you’re already spending.
The combination of points-based rewards, cash-back options, and exclusive offers ensures that there’s something for everyone. You have the flexibility to choose the perks that best fit your business ambitions and lifestyle needs.
Every point, cash reward, and offer with Brand Points PLUS contributes directly to your financial health. These benefits allow you to reduce costs, reinvest in your team and equipment, or scale operations.
Brand Points PLUS works with a trusted network of industry leaders. By participating, you know you’re not just supporting any supplier—you’re associating with top-tier brands committed to your success.
Getting started is quick and easy! If you want to sign up for both BP + Rewards and BP+ Cash, you can use this express sign up form. If you are already a member of one and need to sign up for the other program, insutructions are below.
Follow these steps to enroll and start earning rewards today:
Visit the Brand Points PLUS express sign up form: Click here
Sign Up: Follow the prompts to provide your Flanagan sales information, preferences, business details & required credentials
Start Earning Points: Congrats! You’re now a BP+ Rewards and Cash member and will begin earning points
Visit the Brand Points PLUS Website: Go to www.BrandPointsPLUSCanada.com
Sign Up: Click the "sign up" button is at the top right corner of the homepage
Create an Account: Click “create account" and provide your business details, contact information, & required credentials
Submit your Form: Review your information & click “Create Account” at the bottom of the page. You will receive a confirmation email, please confirm the account
Start Earning Points: Congrats! You’re now a BP+ Rewards Member and will begin earning points
Visit the Brand Points PLUS Website: Go to www.BrandPointsPLUSCanada.com
Navigate to the BP+ | Cash Page on the Navigation Bar: Scroll down, to the “Sign Up Now” button
Fill out the Registration Form: Provide your business details, contact information & required signature
Submit your Form: Review your information & click “submit”. You will receive a confirmation email notifying you that we received your request to join the program
Application Review: If your application is approved, you will receive a welcome email the following week. If your application is denied, your distributor sales rep will contact you
Start Earning Cash Rebates: Congrats! You’re now a BP+ | Cash Member and will begin earning rebates
Flanagan Foodservice is committed to helping foodservice operators succeed, and Brand Points PLUS is just one of the many ways we support your business. By joining the program, you’re not just making smart purchases — you’re maximizing every dollar spent.
Sign up today and start turning your everyday foodservice purchases into valuable rewards and savings!
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