Restaurants are getting ready for patio season, offering seasonal menu options and gearing up for an influx of foot traffic as consumers head out more frequently. For operators looking for ways to appeal to diners in the coming months, offering craveable, familiar favorites along with a mix of new options that are destined to become classics is key. One common thread in all of these offerings? Queso.
By adding queso to seasonal offerings, appetizers and customer favorites alike, operators don’t have to worry about revamping the entire menu or stocking dozens of new ingredients. Rather, they can just add indulgent, quality Performance Dairy cheese sauce made from Land O’Lakes Foodservice.
According to Datassential, queso has 13% menu penetration and has the highest four-year trend increase among high-penetration appetizers. Already-popular items with a hint of a global theme, such as nachos and quesadillas, continue to grow in menu penetration as well.
Shareable options, plus new signature items made with queso are key for increasing menu appeal in the coming months.
Apps by the numbers
Datassential research finds that 78% of consumers report having an appetizer with dinner at least once a month, and 51% prefer a hot appetizer (with 72% recalling the last appetizer they had was a hot appetizer). Additionally, shareability is a top trait in appetizers, with 42% of consumers saying so.
Adding queso to hot appetizers couldn’t be easier with Land O Lakes® Extra Melt® Cheese. Available in loaves, shred and sauces, it offers fast melting, superior hot-hold and premium flavor—plus endless customization options.
Patio season stars
When choosing seasonal, summer-friendly options for the menu, operators should consider consumer preferences. Signature items, bold flavors and comfort food classics will be top sellers. Land O Lakes® Extra Melt® Cheese Sauce can be used plain to top vegetable or nacho appetizers, but it can also be customized by adding salsa or other mix-ins to create unique and indulgent sauces for an array of menu items. Add it to loaded fries topped with barbecue classics like pulled pork, or offer it alongside eggs benedict for a fresh take on brunch favorites. It’s perfect as a dip for shareable options such as pretzel bites or chicken tenders, too.
Importance of signature items
Thanks to social media and the desire for novelty, operators can encourage trial by highlighting “signature” menu items. Highlight dishes made with queso as “signature” to boost appeal—exclusivity sells! Land O Lakes® Extra Melt® Cheese Sauces are perfect for creating any number of signature menu items for summertime—and all year round. To learn more, visit www.landolakesfoodservice.com/brands/extra-melt/.
This post is sponsored by Land O'Lakes Foodservice