As vaccination rates continue to rise and restrictions lift, diners will be heading back to their favorite bars and restaurants. For operators, it’s a welcome change from delivery and takeout, but it also represents a time when differentiation will be more critical than ever before. Many diners will be choosy about where they dine in, and it’s up to restaurants not only to reassure guests of safety but also to entice diners to choose their restaurant. One easy way to do the latter? Offer crowd-pleasing LTOs. It's more important than ever to capture consumers’ attention—and dollars—and by dialing into specific aspects of successful LTOs, restaurants can set themselves apart from the competition.
The importance of exclusivity
According to Technomic’s 2020 Future of FSR: Family Style and Casual Dining Consumer Trend Report,
food tasting good is the most important factor when diners choose where to eat at, but being able to find exciting menu items. The report found that 43% of consumers say it’s important for restaurants to offer signature items they can’t get elsewhere, while 41% say it’s important for restaurants to offer menu items that feature unique flavors. By opting to offer original, limited-time only menu items featuring high-quality ingredients such as premium cheeses, operators can feel confident their offerings are craveworthy—and that consumers will order them.
High-quality ingredients
Any LTO can get a customer to come in once, but LTOs made with high-quality ingredients or specialty products can entice consumers to visit again to order the item before it disappears off the menu. Similarly to offering interesting menu items, consumers will also be swayed by high-quality choices: Technomic’s report finds that 41% of consumers say it’s important for restaurants to offer premium menu items or ingredients. Options such as artisanal cheeses, including Copper Kettle, fontal and mascarpone from Schuman Cheese, are all ideal for using across the menu—from appetizers to entrees and even desserts. Copper Kettle cheeses are ideal for offering a slightly different and unique flavor—great on burgers, sandwiches, fries, nachos and more, for instance. By choosing ingredients from a brand dedicated to delivering top quality cheeses, operators know their food will taste superior and their customers will be delighted to try something high-end.
Variety, variety, variety
Of course, cheese can be used in much more than just sandwiches and burgers. One of the biggest selling points of an LTO, beyond exclusivity, is the excitement of trying something that’s new and different. For instance, fontal cheese is great for melting, but is also perfect for a charcuterie or snack board at happy hour—hand-rubbed options offer customizable flavor that diners will love. And mascarpone, while a shining star in tiramisu, is great for more than just the favored Italian dessert. Try it whipped in place of whipped cream in a summery strawberry shortcake, or fill crepes with mascarpone and chocolate-hazelnut cream for an indulgent take on the latest trend of “bressert”—dessert-style foods during the morning meal.
Using premium cheese from Schuman Cheese gives restaurants an easy, no-labor-added way to boost menu appeal, and the options for LTOs are endless. To learn more about different varieties of cheese available, and to get more menu inspiration, visit www.schumancheese.com
This post is sponsored by Schuman Cheese