Modern diners know that when they go out to eat, they can expect to see just about anything their heart might desire on the menu. And while plenty of consumers like noshing on familiar favorites, there’s plenty more who seek out unique items on restaurant menus, and operators need to make sure they’re offering those items, too. So how can restaurants make sure they’re striking a balance between offering the familiar favorites some diners want, and the exciting, original and unique options others do? Here’s a few ways to do so.
Updated shareable appetizers
Appetizer menus can feel a little repetitive at times. From nachos to wings to mozzarella sticks, fatigue from the same ol’, same ‘ol is an all-too-likely reality. Thankfully, with a few switches these classics can be exciting again.
For example, switch fried mozzarella sticks to a different cheese or sub in a vegetable like fried zucchini or pickle spears; offer carb-centric apps with new and unique dipping sauces (including globally inspired sauces); and tweak the protein format. Imagine: instead of pulled pork nachos made with tortilla chips, subbing in Tyson® Chicken Chips for a more substantial dish. Or, instead of serving wings, serve Tyson Chicken Chips with the same craveable dips diners clamor for, in which extra flavor is lifted from the unique, chip-flavored breading. With flavors like smoky barbecue and ranch, it’s an indulgent, flavorful stand-in for classic chicken wings.
Lower-carb fare and loaded up favorites
Even with diners looking for high protein options and low-carb meals more frequently, there’s only so many bun-less burgers and lettuce wraps one person can eat. With that in mind, entrees that cater to diners who might be looking for something lighter, while still being satisfying, should be on the menu. As for what to include, restaurants can consider items like a Chicken Caesar Salad, with Tyson Chicken Chips instead of—or in addition to—crispy croutons.
Restaurants can go in the other direction, too, and serve over-the-top creations that are perfect for diners who want to really indulge. For instance, serve Tyson Chicken Chips as “loaded” menu items—drizzled with buffalo sauce and crumbles of blue cheese as well as sliced carrots.
By incorporating familiar flavors in new formats with Tyson Chicken Chips, restaurants can hype up new menu items without worrying about alienating diners who don’t want to stray too far outside their comfort zone.
Keeping the menu exciting across the board—from appetizers to center of plate and more—means getting creative with flavors and formats, and Tyson Chicken Chips are the perfect catalyst for inspiring creativity. To learn more about how to add them to the menu and how to save up to $500, visit https://www.tysonfoodservice.com/chicken-chips.
This post is sponsored by Tyson Foods, Inc.