Burgers are the true shapeshifters of the restaurant industry: From fast-casual to fine dining, from classic to trending flavors, topped with classic cheddar or American cheese or artisanal cheeses with seasonal flavors—the burger can sit comfortably (and profitably) on just about any menu. According to Technomic’s 2019 Burger Consumer Trend Report, 55% of consumers say they eat burgers at least once per week.
This holds true even as the foodservice industry has been turned on its head. Many operators have shifted to focus their efforts on off-premise sales via delivery and takeout as dining rooms have closed nationwide. As a highly portable comfort food, burgers perfectly fit the bill for off-premise sales. The burger reigns supreme whether it’s served on-premise or dropped off at a customer’s doorstep.
While burgers are widely available, it’s versatility that keeps them fresh and exciting to consumers. One way to do this is with unique and innovative cheeses. Interesting cheeses offer a way for consumers to try something that’s at once familiar yet new and intriguing. And for operators, adding new cheeses to burgers takes mere seconds, so it won’t stress kitchen staff.
Across segments, consumers are drawn to unique and high-quality burger options. According to Technomic’s Burger report, consumers say that an operator’s “signature” burger is the most appealing option, followed closely by a build-your-own burger offering. Crafting a burger that stands out from the crowd doesn’t have to require additional time and effort: A change as simple as upgrading to a premium cheese can elevate an everyday burger to a one-of-a-kind offering that keeps customers coming back.
Dress it up
Mixing and matching premium cheeses with different burger patties and flavors is a simple switch that can elevate any burger in seconds. Make a memorable burger creation with unexpected combinations and globally-inspired flavors such as these:
- Turn up the heat on a traditional beef burger with Schuman Cheese’s newly-released Cello Smoky Pepper hand-rubbed fontina. This incredibly meltable cheese brings the perfect balance of creamy cow’s milk with a piquant trio of smoky peppercorn, paprika and savory spices.
- Create a fresh take on a turkey burger by incorporating Greek flavors with sliced red onions, arugula, Tzatziki sauce and a slice of tangy Dodoni Halloumi melted on top.
- A satisfying veggie burger is a must-have for consumers on meatless and omnivorous diets alike, and for those avoiding dairy, vegan cheese is the perfect solution. Add a Mexican-inspired flair with Vevan Foods P’Jack, a perfectly peppery dairy-free option that’s creamy and decadent with just the right amount of spice.
With a full line of cheeses—from traditional recipes to innovative offerings—Schuman Cheese offers the delicious, high-quality ingredients that foodservice operators need to turn an everyday burger into a signature offering in a snap. Schuman’s range of both domestic and imported cheeses ensures operators can find the cheese that will take their burger to the next level.
To learn more about how Schuman can help restaurants provide their customers a one-of-a-kind dining experience, visit schumancheese.com.
This post is sponsored by Schuman Cheese