25 Smart Menu Moves

Menu items have to work hard for a living. They must fit with the concept. Sound and taste good. Make money, of course. And fall within the skill set and resources of the kitchen. The best menu items also have a certain extra something—an x-factor if you will. Maybe they cross-utilize a banner ingredient particularly well, or move an operation into a new menu category. Perhaps they carry zip costs or are an especially adept interpretation of a hot food trend.

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