There’s no doubt about it: All-day breakfast is a winning trend that’s showing no signs of slipping.
More than half of consumers (54%—up from 48% in 2013) say they enjoy eating breakfast foods at nontraditional times, according to Technomic’s recent Breakfast Consumer Trend Report.
Growing numbers of QSRs are introducing all-day breakfast menus while FSRs roll out brunch items. These popular, low-cost and typically easy-to-prepare dishes are profit powerhouses. McDonald’s, for example, predicts all-day breakfast will boost sales 2.5% a year.
So, how can savvy operators capitalize on the all-day breakfast trend with craveable menu items?
Set your sights on snacks
Millennial consumers gravitate toward breakfast foods at nontraditional times. These younger diners also snack more frequently than older ones. Consider menuing smaller versions of breakfast handhelds to sell all day. These adventurous eaters enjoy nontraditional sandwich bases like pancakes, muffins and waffles. All of these slightly sweet bases pair well with savory proteins like the chicken sausage patties from Jones Dairy Farm. Boost sales with bundle deals on these breakfast snacks, pairing sandwiches with small yogurt parfaits, fruit kebobs and more.
Go global
American breakfast favorites will always be popular. But ethnic breakfast fare is gaining in popularity. More than half of millennials (51%) and 43% of Gen Zers would like to see more global items offered for breakfast, according to Technomic’s Breakfast Consumer Trend Report. Shakshuka, a North African dish of eggs cooked in a thick, spicy sauce, is traditionally vegetarian. But chefs can add differentiation by serving the dish with flavorful proteins or even cheeses like feta in the cooking sauce. The flavors of shakshuka can also be transferred to breakfast sandwiches, toasts or omelettes.
Play up health with customization
Customizable breakfast offerings such as build-your-own breakfast bowls, toast bars and DIY oatmeal remain popular with consumers. They’re also an easy way to highlight menu transparency, as well the ability to offer a mix of healthy and indulgent items. Menu a range of fresh fruits and vegetables. Offer unexpected grains like farro or quinoa. And be sure to callout the availability of lean proteins with novel flavors like the Jones sausages in four-pepper chicken or chicken-and-apple flavors.
Take it easy
When planning for all-day breakfast, operators must keep kitchen space in mind. Adding more items to already-stressed fryers and grill stations isn’t going to help anyone. So, seek out semi-homemade and pre-prepped ingredients to make the addition of breakfast items at nontraditional dayparts easy on the kitchen. Items like fully cooked sausage products from Jones Dairy Farm offer a no-stress option for operators looking to expand their breakfast offerings.
This post is sponsored by Jones Dairy Farm