Build snack and dessert sales with innovative, re-fab approaches that utilize inventory staples in new, low-labor ways.
Appetizer & dessert consumption continues to grow.
SNACKS ON MENUS
As lines between categories blur, operators are menuing appetizers and “mini-bites” of entrees as snacks to build incremental sales, introduce customers to more of their menu and satisfy flex-diners.
THEY’RE EVERYWHERE
Egg rolls, poppers, sliders, fried seafood, fried cheese, onion rings, garlic/cheese bread, platters/boards, meatballs.
INCIDENCE IS RAPIDLY GROWING
Edamame, fried pickles, pretzel bites, sweet-potato fries, pot stickers, tots, seafood dip, bacon-wrapped dates, pickled vegetables.
CATCHING ON
Pierogi, pimiento cheese, falafel, croquettes, arancini, poutine, empanadas, deviled eggs, cheese curds, crudites.
EMERGING
Scotch eggs, baba ghanoush, bao buns, samosas..
FROZEN DESSERTS ON MENUS
Dessert sales overall rose by 17 percent over the past year. Frozen desserts (ice cream, sorbet and gelato) are a natural canvas for multiple flavor profiles and are a hot opportunity.
THEY’RE EVERYWHERE
Oreo, pistachio, candies, chocolate, mint, mocha.
INCIDENCE IS RAPIDLY GROWING
Dark chocolate, pretzel, pumpkin, red velvet, salted caramel, eggnog, birthday cake, cotton candy.
CATCHING ON
Graham cracker, Nutella, Madagascar vanilla, espresso, snickerdoodle, pomegranate, Thai tea/green tea/matcha.
EMERGING
Guava, saffron, rosewater, Irish cream, lychee, black pepper, chai, basil, black sesame, cardamom, rosemary.
MAXIMIZING OPPORTUNITIES
- Promote sharing as a way to experience more of your menu.
- Market snacks for both in-house dining and takeout.
- Base snacks on ingredients that can be cross-utilized.
- Promote add-on sales of snacks as "something for later," "brain-boosters" or energy boosters.
- Innovate by giving global flavor profiles to snacks.
- Menu platters/boards with charcuterie, deli meats, cheeses, veggies, dips.
- Blend slightly softened ice cream with spices and bits of crumbled cookies from Brickfire Bakery®. Pair ice cream with Brickfire Bakery® fancy desserts like decadent chocolate peanut butter mousse cake or divine chocolate lava cakes.
- Talk them up to customers at the beginning and the end of the meal.
- Suggest specialty-coffee pairings from Four Leaf Roasters®.
Share this Post
Get Rewarded Like Never Before
Get more great menu ideas and great savings on items you already purchase. Enjoy exclusive offers, rebates and promotions, and the chance to win great prizes, including trips to some amazing destinations with Shamrock Rewards.
Continue Reading
LET’S OPTIMIZE YOUR OPERATIONS
Check out our resources to help give your menu edge, make your kitchen more efficient and put our team of experts to work for you.
MyShamrock
Your online portal to place orders, track your deliveries and access your transaction history.
Profit Calculator
Maximize profitability with this simple, powerful tool that helps calculate your operation’s break-even point and more.
Menu Resources
Exclusive to our customers, an easy way to manage purchase tracking, inventory and menu costs.
Talk food to us.
Our team of seasoned professionals is ready to help you choose the right products for your business, and put our deep knowledge of the industry to work for you.