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Interesting Facts

Our Environment – Landfill Free

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Our desserts go beyond just quality ingredients. They represent a sincere dedication to our planet, community, and employees. Through socially responsible procurement practices, we strive to ensure a sustainable environment for generations to come. This commitment extends to our partners and customers alike. 

Recycling & Waste Reduction: 

We recycle cardboard, aluminum, metal, plastics, and paper instead of sending them to landfills. Waste is either recycled or used fuel to generate electricity at a nearby power plant, reducing waste hauling by nearly 1000 tons over 2 years. We’re committed to becoming landfill free! 

Energy Conservation:

Our bakery prioritizes energy conservation and continually seeks ways to reduce our environmental impact. Recent initiatives include installing variable frequency drives to lower fan speeds (electricity reduction), and using heat from our product cooling system to heat plant water year-round. 

Greener Packaging:

We produce frozen desserts shipped around the world and we must deliver these in the finest condition with zero food safety issues. In addition to meeting food grade standards, over 95%of our plastic packaging is recyclable number 1 or 6. We have reduced the size of our packaging, and our mailing carton is made from recycled material. In fact, 46% of the fiber used to make all of our corrugated packaging is recovered/recycled. Our corrugated packaging suppliers are certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative.

Sustainability:

  • Our palm oil is both organic and certified sustainable by RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil). This certification guarantees that our palm oil products adhere to rigorous standards of sustainable production. 
  • We incorporate more than 35 sustainable chocolates in our bakery. Although these chocolates may not carry “certified sustainable” labels, our suppliers offer similar certified chocolates at a higher cost.

Our suppliers adhere to sustainable practices, essential for ensuring the ongoing global sourcing of cocoa beans and enhancing the well-being of farmers and their communities. These initiatives encompass:

  • Crop protection and productivity – Supporting long-term stability and success through improved efficiency, cultivating higher quality seedlings and generating sustainable increased yields for farmers.
  • Advancement of Women – partnering on projects to help overcome barriers for women cocoa farmers.
  • Addressing Child labor – working towards a supply chain where no children are submitted to dangerous or forced work on cocoa farms.
  • Financing & Loans – empowering families in impoverished communities to earn a living wage via cocoa-growing.

Sustainability is at the core of everything we do. Through recycling, energy conservation, and eco-friendly packaging, we’re reducing our environmental impact. Our socially responsible procurement practices ensure that our desserts meet top quality standards while supporting a sustainable future. Partnering with suppliers committed to sustainability helps empower cocoa farmers and communities, safeguarding our resources for future generations. 

Click Here for more details, and to download our Social Impact Statement.


The post Our Environment – Landfill Free appeared first on Sweet Street Desserts.

Our Environment – Landfill Free

By About Sweet Street, blog, Industry News, Interesting Facts Comments Off on Our Environment – Landfill Free

Our desserts go beyond just quality ingredients. They represent a sincere dedication to our planet, community, and employees. Through socially responsible procurement practices, we strive to ensure a sustainable environment for generations to come. This commitment extends to our partners and customers alike. 

Recycling & Waste Reduction: 

We recycle cardboard, aluminum, metal, plastics, and paper instead of sending them to landfills. Waste is either recycled or used fuel to generate electricity at a nearby power plant, reducing waste hauling by nearly 1000 tons over 2 years. We’re committed to becoming landfill free! 

Energy Conservation:

Our bakery prioritizes energy conservation and continually seeks ways to reduce our environmental impact. Recent initiatives include installing variable frequency drives to lower fan speeds (electricity reduction), and using heat from our product cooling system to heat plant water year-round. 

Greener Packaging:

We produce frozen desserts shipped around the world and we must deliver these in the finest condition with zero food safety issues. In addition to meeting food grade standards, over 95%of our plastic packaging is recyclable number 1 or 6. We have reduced the size of our packaging, and our mailing carton is made from recycled material. In fact, 46% of the fiber used to make all of our corrugated packaging is recovered/recycled. Our corrugated packaging suppliers are certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative.

Sustainability:

  • Our palm oil is both organic and certified sustainable by RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil). This certification guarantees that our palm oil products adhere to rigorous standards of sustainable production. 
  • We incorporate more than 35 sustainable chocolates in our bakery. Although these chocolates may not carry “certified sustainable” labels, our suppliers offer similar certified chocolates at a higher cost.

Our suppliers adhere to sustainable practices, essential for ensuring the ongoing global sourcing of cocoa beans and enhancing the well-being of farmers and their communities. These initiatives encompass:

  • Crop protection and productivity – Supporting long-term stability and success through improved efficiency, cultivating higher quality seedlings and generating sustainable increased yields for farmers.
  • Advancement of Women – partnering on projects to help overcome barriers for women cocoa farmers.
  • Addressing Child labor – working towards a supply chain where no children are submitted to dangerous or forced work on cocoa farms.
  • Financing & Loans – empowering families in impoverished communities to earn a living wage via cocoa-growing.

Sustainability is at the core of everything we do. Through recycling, energy conservation, and eco-friendly packaging, we’re reducing our environmental impact. Our socially responsible procurement practices ensure that our desserts meet top quality standards while supporting a sustainable future. Partnering with suppliers committed to sustainability helps empower cocoa farmers and communities, safeguarding our resources for future generations. 

Click Here for more details, and to download our Social Impact Statement.


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Indulge Now or Miss Out! Unleash the Power of Limited-Time-Offerings

By blog, Dessert Enhancement, Interesting Facts, Seasonal Desserts Comments Off on Indulge Now or Miss Out! Unleash the Power of Limited-Time-Offerings

Desserts stand out as the perfect Limited Time Offer (LTO) for both restaurants and customers, adding a delightful and profitable dimension to the dining experience. Beyond being a sweet conclusion to a meal, desserts have a unique ability to captivate customers, drawing them in with a sense of indulgence and excitement. LTO desserts offer a dynamic and ever-changing menu that keeps customers curious and engaged. As a result, embracing dessert LTOs becomes a win-win strategy, fostering customer loyalty, and driving incremental revenue for restaurants. 

Why Our Desserts?

Desserts, beyond being a delightful conclusion to a meal, play a strategic role in enhancing the overall dining experience and contributing to the success of a restaurant. Studies show that desserts can add an average of 23.5% to check totals, boosting revenue. Moreover, servers can benefit from this as well, with tips increasing alongside the check total. The relationships between desserts and complementary desserts is evident, as almost everyone who orders dessert also opts for coffee, tea, or an after-dinner drink. Beyond the financial impact, serving quality desserts elevates customer satisfaction significantly. Satisfied customers not only return more frequently but are more likely to share their positive dining experiences, contributing to the restaurant’s reputation and success. 

Our LTO’S/Specifics.

Limited Time Offertings (LTO’s) are strategic maneuvers in the culinary world, injecting a sense of excitement and urgency into the dining experience. Datassential states that “+65% of consumers were motivated to visit an operator specifically to order an LTO within the past month.” Seasonal, holiday, and new offerings don’t just add variety to the menu; they drive sales and captivate customers. The notion of trying something “before it’s gone” taps into the human psyche, fostering a sense of adventure and exploration. LTO’s also serve as a “test run” for potential permanent additions to the menu, allowing customers to influence what becomes a lasting favorite. 

Sweet Street LTO Favorites!

New York Cheesecake:

Creamy, smooth, and satisfying. The buttery graham cracker crust provides the perfect balance to the luscious filling, making each bite a delightful symphony of sweetness and tanginess. 

Choc’late Lovin’ Spoon Cake:

The name says it all – moist and rich chocolate cake that is generously layered with velvety chocolate ganache, creating an irresistible symphony of flavors and textures. 

White Chocolate with Raspberry Cheesecake: 

Smooth white chocolate cheesecake base, perfectly complemented by a vibrant raspberry swirl. The buttery graham cracker crust adds a satisfying crunch to every bite! 

Design Suite… Calendar & Images.

Experience the Sweet Street Design Suite – your key to captivating marketing tools for brokers, distributors, and customers to elevate your dessert offerings. From visually enticing point-of-sale materials to strategies that unlock the potential for increased dessert sales, SweetStreetDesignSuite.com is your go-to destination for sweet success. Elevate your culinary journey with Sweet Street!

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Senior Living Solutions

By blog, Dessert Enhancement, Interesting Facts, Manifesto Comments Off on Senior Living Solutions

Embark on a journey of senior living solutions that are designed to infuse every moment with a sense of warmth and fullness. At Sweet Street, we understand that luscious, crave-worthy comforts are key to igniting happiness and togetherness, especially in the senior living community. 

According to Nova One Advisor, it states that in 2022, the market size of the U.S. Active Adult (55+) Community was approximated at USD $589.60 billion. It is projected to exceed USD $875.27 billion by 2032, with a forecasted compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.03% for the period from 2023 to 2032.

Embracing life to its fullest: Innovative Industry Solutions

In the realm of innovative industry solutions, a new area of senior living has emerged redefining the way residents experience their golden years. Active lifestyles, social events and “better-for-me” choices are centric to the 55+ community. 

At Sweet Street, we recognize the power of luscious, crave-worthy comforts. Our desserts serve as a perfect companion for every milestone and everyday joy, creating an atmosphere where residents and their guests can savor life to the fullest. But the benefits extend beyond taste:

Memories through Desserts

In senior living communities, it’s the experience and memories that take center stage. These moments of togetherness and joy form the heart and soul of these communities. This is where Sweet Street desserts come into play, ensuring that every shared experience is not just special but also incredibly delicious. 

Our Honduran Brownie, a beloved favorite, showcases our dedication to crafting desserts that cater to a range of tastes and occasions. Residents can enjoy it in various ways; As a simple, bite-sized treat perfect for casual conversations, a brownie bowl that allows residents to customize their dessert with a variety of toppings, or individually wrapped options for those on the move. 

For those with a taste for more fruitful, delightful option, our Vegan Banana Cake offers a versatile and wholesome choice. Whether it’s for a quick personal indulgence or a group celebration, the Vegan Banana cake is tailored to meet the diverse dessert preferences and needs of the senior living community ensuring that every bite is as delightful as the next. 

At Sweet Street, we recognize that each dessert holds the power to create cherished memories.  With our diverse selection of options and flavors, we aspire to enhance the senior living experience, one delectable bite at a time.

Resources:

Active Adult Analysis Report

Individually Wrapped Desserts

Recipes & More!

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Breakfast All-Day

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Morning routines generally consist of rolling out of bed, throwing on any clean clothes, grabbing a hot cup of coffee, and heading right out the door. The last thing on your mind is eating, especially dessert. They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day… Maple Bacon Xango’s anyone?

With time in the office or remote days at home, purchasing breakfast from restaurants and other foodservice venues have been beginning to pick up again. McDonald’s CFO, Kevin Ozan stated that breakfast  represented about 25% of the chain’s overall sales. For years, breakfast in the restaurant industry was standard bacon, toast, and eggs. Now there is a push for a more inventive offering. So what do you say, all-day breakfast? Egg-cellent! 

Reasons to upsell breakfast at your restaurant:

Early morning indulgence

Creative breakfast options

Breakfast appeals to all

More affordable alternative to dinner as a social occasion

Savory XANGOS- Your Solution to All-day Breakfast

Today, guests are explorers hungry for exciting new flavors while treasuring traditional and familiar formats. ManifestoⓇ SAVORY XANGOS™ are a modernly curated discovery of delicious regional flavors, from Central America and the Middle East to the Mediterranean. Aromatic spices, fresh herbs, naturally vibrant vegetables and smooth cage-free egg flan authentically meld in our iconic, crispy and golden tortilla. Free GMO’s and all things artificial.

Why Savory XANGOS?

What is a Savory XANGO?

  • Savory, cage-free egg flan
  • Roasted veggies and toasted spices
  • Flaky, golden pastry-like tortilla
  • Creamy, herbed cheeses

-Mediterranean Manifesto® Savory XANGOS™

Roasted red peppers, kale and caramelized onions paired with a savory cage-free egg flan seasoned with thyme, nutmeg and dijon. Finished with the creaminess of herbed feta filling rolled in a crisp, golden tortilla.

Inspired by the Mediterranean Frittata

Tradition: a delicious combo of cultures and cooking methods- eggs are beaten to a fluff as garden-fresh veggies and savory cheeses are folded in. Slowly baked in a firewood oven, until ready to be served al fresco with the entire family.

-Southwest Salsa Verde Manifesto® Savory XANGOS™

Mild spice of salsa verde- fire roasted tomatillos, Serrano and Bell peppers, sauteed onions – and crunchy tortilla chip crumbles layered and cooled by a smooth, savory blend of cheeses with roasted garlic and cayenne pepper. Wrapped in a crisp, golden tortilla.

Inspired by Chilaquiles

Tradition: For hundreds of years Mesoamerican families have sun-dried leftover tortillas and used them for breakfast the next day- providing a way to stretch resources while making a satisfying meal. In this dish, the crunchy tortillas are simmered in a sauce to soften and topped with favorites.

-Roasted Tomato Feta Manifesto® Savory XANGOS™

A mixture of smoked tomato, roasted red peppers, chilies, onions, and toasted Middle Eastern spices are layered with a smooth cage-free egg flan ribboned with fresh kale and crumbled feta. Wrapped in a crisp, golden tortilla.

Inspired by Shakshuka

Tradition: ingredients slowly cook on an open fire throughout the morning. As loved ones gather for brunch, the cast iron skillet is placed amidst a courtyard dining table for shared comfort and nourishment.

Reasons to love Manifesto® Savory XANGOS™?

Trending Flavors = Bold Solution

Individually Wrapped = No Waste

Versatile, Pre-oiled = Operationally Friendly

Familiar Format = On-The-Go Convenience

Purposeful Ingredients= Better-for-me Meal

For more, all things ManifestoⓇ Savory XANGOS™, click here.

More All-Day Breakfast Options

Breakfast comfort meets adventure. These decant recipes go beyond the usual pancakes, french toast, and waffles. There’s no need to wait until evening to indulge. Functional ingredients are flavoring the breakfast list. As breakfast makes a comeback, these meals can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Breakfast foods for dinner are most popular with consumers, at 59%, followed by lunch (49%), as a snack (39%) and for dessert (20%).

Maple Bacon Xangos

More than 2 decades have passed since our legendary Cheesecake XANGOSⓇ hit the scene. The momentous discovery of the cheesecake-filled crispy, golden tortilla dessert, dubbed the after-dinner “missing link”, forever changed the dining experience. 

Get brunch’d up with our Maple Bacon XANGOS® ! Rich, smooth cheesecake spread with crème fraiche. Top with cinnamon sugar w/ granola, crumbled with bacon and strawberries.

Click here for Maple Bacon Xango ingredients

Bonus page for more XANGOS® recipes and ideas. 

French Toast Pullmans

These French Toast Pullmans have breakfast written all over it. They’re free from GMO’s and all things artificial; additives, colors and flavors. Click here to learn more about our sustainable sourcing and ingredient initiatives.

A mainstay of breakfast, brunch and break indulgence is our Pullman Loaves:

  • Purposeful, better-for-you ingredients
  • Thaw and serve, ready to indulge
  • Comforting flavors and format
  • Versatile, breakfast, grab-and-go, plated, parfait, grilled, catering, etc.

Why All-Day Breakfast?

55% of diners love breakfast all-day and say they’d order breakfast items at any time if they were offered, Restaurant Management Statistics, 2022. No more complicated cooking methods or decisions about what dishes to rely on these streamlined plates featuring savory, smooth, and authentic dishes. You can be assured that these ingredients are savory, wholesome, and packed with nutrients. Making it more convenient to serve at your restaurant for all-day breakfast indulgence. That’s the power of exceptional food.

Resources: Homebound Consumers, Breakfast Comeback, Comfort Meets Adventure, All-Day Breakfast Is Changing Restaurants.

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Social Media & the Restaurant Industry

By blog, Industry News, Interesting Facts Comments Off on Social Media & the Restaurant Industry

Social media is one of the most relevant ways to reach customers and promote your restaurant business. It has changed the way we experience everything from day-to-day communication to eating out. 

With the rise of Instagram and Facebook, restaurant owners are seeking social media platforms to attract customers, get customer feedback, and to build customer loyalty. 

Let your customers eat with their eyes. Sharing pictures and videos of your restaurant’s menu, food preparation, and venue attracts the attention of young consumers and creates brand recognition.

  • Increased Control – Social media marketing can be controlled on a computer in the back of house or via iPhone. Studies show that 1 billion people use IG every month and while 63% of the users login everyday, 62% of people say they’ve become more interested in a brand or product after seeing it on their IG stories. 
  • Responsive Campaigns – Planning an upcoming event for your restaurant? Last minute changes? Luckily social media plans can be edited online within a matter of seconds, ensuring that your customers will get the correct information quickly. 
  • Ongoing Interaction – Whether positive or negative feedback, it is important that you acknowledge criticism and be openly grateful that you are listening to your customers. By taking the time to read and respond to comments, you can learn a lot about your audience is enjoying and what they want to see more of. 

From GrubHub, 45% of customers say they’ve tried out a new restaurant after seeing its post on social media. Everyone loves having something to celebrate. Incorporating micro food holidays into your social media strategy can lead hungry diners to check out your cuisine. 

#ShareSweetness on social media! 

The purpose of our toolkit is to provide insights, tips, and resources for promoting your offerings on social media. Let us help you connect with takeout and delivery customers and build higher check averages through the lusciousness of Sweet Street desserts. From our Sweet Street Fall/Winter Mix-Up magazine, 60% of American consumers order delivery at least once a week which leads to 40% of restaurant revenue that makes up for online orders. 

Leveraging social media is one of the most affordable and effective ways to promote your restaurant and build customer loyalty. Word of mouth is the most powerful form of advertising. Using go-to hashtags like #ShareSweetness can help encourage your customers to mention your restaurant in their own posts. 

Check out our Social Media Toolkit for more marketing solutions!

Social media has completely revamped the way we build connections. It lends a helping hand to many who need support or services when it comes to digital marketing. Most importantly, it has opened doors for various industries to gain the exposure they need to build a thriving business. 

All businesses should utilize social media marketing practices. By doing so, they can maximize opportunities, reach people in need, and provide the resources to drive more business and revenue.

Resources: Diner Study, Aging of Social Media, Social Media Holidays

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Cranberries: Health Benefits & LTO Favorites

By blog, Interesting Facts Comments Off on Cranberries: Health Benefits & LTO Favorites

Cranberries, a small tart fruit, commonly used in baking to make juice and cranberry sauce, penetrates 41.2% of all US menu’s. While they have a short season, it is best to get them fresh in the grocery store around mid-October. They are grown primarily in the northeastern states and are harvested mid-September and October. As some describe them as bitter and sour, they stay fresh from October through December, which is why we only see them around the holidays. It’s never too early to start freezing some!

Fall is the time to get to know these tart berries and their wealth of nutritional benefits. From immunity to brain health, cranberries are worth adding to your healthy eating routine and/or to add to your Thanksgiving and Christmas desserts as they add a sweet, tart tang to delicious sweets. 

People call cranberries a superfood for a good reason; They have all kinds of health-boosting benefits: 

  • Immune system benefits
  • Cardiovascular system benefits
  • Anti-cancer benefits
  • Digestive benefits

Immunity Benefits:

  • Cranberries are one of the top antioxidant foods. As it is rich in vitamin C, this will help keep your immune system healthy and functioning properly. They also contain five categories of natural chemical compounds, known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. 

Cardiovascular Benefits:

  • These berries have a concentrated source of both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients. A study from Food & Function, included 45 men who either consumed cranberry powder equivalent to 100g of fresh cranberries per day, or a placebo for one month. Those who consumed the cranberries, had significant progress in flow-mediated dilation (FMD) that signals improvement of heart and blood vessel function. 
  • The results in this study demonstrated consumption of cranberries as part of a healthy diet that can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by improving blood vessel function. 

Anti-Cancer Benefits:

  • Cranberries provide an average amount of vitamin C, but the main source of cranberries potential for cancer prevention comes from the package of phenolic compounds. This includes polyphenols that are found in the berries as well as a unique type of proanthocyanidin. From the University of Rochester Medical Center, “proanthocyanin may protect the heart and cardiovascular system. They may work as antioxidants and block nitrosamines from forming. They work with vitamin C to lower the risk of breast cancer, reduce the risk of blood clots, and may lower the risk of a heart attack. 
  • Individuals may differ in cancer protection from cranberries as many of the compounds are complex molecules that are broken down by gut microbes.

Digestive Benefits: 

  • Consuming cranberries have played a role in traditional treatments for the protection against urinary tract infections (UTI’s). They are the most common bacterial infections that are among women. They are mostly caused by E. coli which attaches itself to the inner surface of your bladder and urinary tract.
  • Native Americans were the first to use the cranberries for their medical conditions such as complaints, including blood disorders, stomach ailments, liver problems, and fever. 

Holiday & Menu Additions:

Want to be creative for the upcoming holidays or add desserts to your fall menu? Here’s how you can incorporate cranberries with our desserts. 

NY Cheesecake & Cranberry Pomegranate Sauce – An elegant New York cheesecake topped with a festive touch of a luscious cranberry- pomegranate sauce. Great for romantic fall dessert menus.

Iced Vanilla Bean Cupcake w/ Raspberries: Our natural, buttery vanilla cake filled with a vanilla bean-flecked cream and finished off with fresh cranberries. Perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas parties.

Resources: Health Benefits, Cranberry Facts, Cancer Research

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Pumpkin Season

It’s pumpkin season! The star of autumn, our fall celebrity. Pumpkins are more than a cute decoration for suburban homes or Instagram-worthy activities. These famous gourds are a robust source of nutrients with medicinal properties. This is the time of year when customers jump on their favorite pumpkin-flavored LTO’s returning to the menu. Here’s a few reasons to incorporate pumpkin flavors in your restaurant’s menu concepts. 

Nutritional Benefits

Research has found several health benefits of pumpkins including the positive effects on stabilizing blood sugar and its ability to lower blood pressure, serve as an antioxidant, and decrease inflammation and fight chronic disease. The seeds are high in protective essential fatty acids and amino acids. While the pumpkin fruit is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals ranging from potassium, sodium, magnesium, zinc, vitamin E, vitamin B6, iron, selenium and the precursor to vitamin A, beta-carotene. Beta-carotene can help boost immunity and protect against sun damage and conditions that may negatively affect eye health. Speaking of eye health, pumpkins also contain two additional phytonutrients, lutein and zeaxanthin, which have been linked to lowering the risk of developing cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

Menu Additions

The nutrient density of pumpkin leads to versatility in the kitchen. Pumpkin can be used in a range of dishes and with many different flavor pairings that will spice up your recipes. The soft sweetness of a pumpkin makes it a fan favorite in custard, pies and pancakes. It works equally as well in savory dishes such as soups and pastas. Here are some ideas for incorporating pumpkin into your seasonal menu:

  • Season chopped pumpkin with fresh or dried herbs and throw it on the grill.
  • Simply sprinkle a spice blend of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and ginger on your roasted pumpkin.  
  • Add brown sugar, molasses and walnuts to pumpkin pancakes.
  • Use onion and garlic in a pumpkin squash ravioli, soup or chili.
  • Puree pumpkin to use as a festive baking ingredient instead of eggs or oil.
  • Combine canned pumpkin with coconut milk and spice for a curry base.

Transformational Fall Toppings:

Pumpkin Chai Caramel Sauce: The iconic flavor and nutritional value of Pumpkin make it a favorite among bakers. This chai infused recipe is easy to cook-up and enjoy atop our NY Cheesecake or your favorite dessert, even delicious drizzled on fresh, crisp apple slices.

Pumpkin Whipped Cream: Quick and simple whipped cream recipe with spiced pumpkin folded in. Whip it up and top your favorite holiday dessert!

Salted Caramel Apple Pasta w/ Pumpkin Cream Sauce: Mixing our three favorite things: pasta, fall, and dessert.

Carrot Cake Corn Dogs w/ Pumpkin Sauce: A unique fall LTO bar guests will love!

Seasonal flavors, like pumpkin, offer a sense of comfort. Nostalgic seasonal flavors are widespread on LTO menus and some become so popular they stick around year-long. Pumpkin spice can trigger pleasant memories in your customers, so make one or two of these additions to your menu this fall and appeal to the masses.

Resources: HoustonChronicle | NutritionalOut

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Raise Your Spirits w/ Non-Alcoholic Bevvies

By blog, Dessert Enhancement, Interesting Facts Comments Off on Raise Your Spirits w/ Non-Alcoholic Bevvies

Something for everyone, from functional to flirty. Non-alcoholic beverages are on the rise. According to NielsenIQ, sales of non-alcoholic beverages jumped 32% in the past year, while non-alcohol spirits have grown 114% during the same period.

Pairing beverages with dessert enhances the after-dinner experience, complementing a slice of pie or contrasting the cheesecakes flavor. Coupling something bold and new with a classic – tried and true – is a great way to embrace trends while catering to your guests curiosity and cravings.

Popular Pairings for Every Stage of the Menu Adoption Cycle

New York Cheesecake with Golden Milk

New York Cheesecake (0021) paired with Golden Milk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Original Cheesecake Xango (7944) paired with Mexican Hot Chocolate

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie (0620) paired with Earl Grey Tea

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cinnamon Crumb Cake (EZ8 1526) paired with Spieced Mint Iced Tea w/ Lyre's Italian Spritz (non-alc spirit)

Cinnamon Crumb Cake (EZ8 1526) paired with Spieced Mint Iced Tea w/ Lyre’s Italian Spritz (non-alc spirit)

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Menu Hacks: The Psychology Behind Menu Design

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Your most valuable piece of marketing as a restaurant owner is a thoughtfully designed menu. It advertises your offerings while increasing your restaurant’s profitability. Menu engineering is the strategic process of designing a menu to maximize profits. It requires analyzing profitable and your most popular menu items. Using menu psychology techniques to highlight these items, restaurants can construct menus in the most effective way.

First, you must analyze menu items to find the most popular and profitable, which is important since you’ll be constructing your menu around these items. Ensure that your menu is priced correctly for maximum profits and understand item popularity using the menu matrix. After analyzing your menu items and pricing them appropriately, the fun can begin with these designing hacks.

Scannability

The first component to consider in menu design is its scannability. Therefore, restaurateurs want to grab guests’ attention with their high profit items. The research shows that customers are likely to order one of the first items that draw their attention. Since guests only spend an average of 109 seconds looking at your menu, it must be designed for guests to easily find key items aka scannable.

You want to avoid crowded layouts, limit item choices, and create a natural flow. Do you ever get overwhelmed at the sight of too many options? This is the psychological theory known as the “paradox of choice,” which assumes that the more options we have, the more anxiety we feel, whereas too little options make consumers feel misrepresented. The golden number for food options is 7 per category. Anything over seven items can ambush customers and lead to confusion, and confusion can cause them to revert to their “usual” by default instead of trying a new menu item. There is no shame in sticking with what you know, but a well-designed menu will entice you to try something different or more expensive.

  • Limit Options.Psychologists suggest that restaurateurs limit options per category to the golden number, around 7 items, based on the theory, “paradox of choice”. Limiting options can increase perceptions that consumers made the right choice, which in turn brings customers back. in an industry where repeat customers account for about 70% of sales, getting diners to return is the ultimate goal. (Mental Floss)
  • Declutter. Avoid crowded layouts and choose easy-to-read fonts and font sizes. Stick with visible dish titles and clear sections.
  • Location, location, location! Psychologists have studied consumer eye patterns and found that our eyes tend to move to the center of the menu first, then move on to the top right corner, followed by the top left corner. This is known as “The Golden Triangle”. Place your most profitable menu items in these prime real estate locations (Webstaurant)
  • Use glossaries if needed. Some patrons may feel intimidated by unfamiliar names and be deterred from ordering fancy-sounding dishes. A glossary can give more context so guests feel confident that they’re making an informed decision and the right choice.

Sensibility

Next, consider the menu’s ability to tap into the customer’s senses. Do the food items catch your eye? Does the menu evoke emotion? According to restaurant consultant Aaron Allen, colors can conjure different types of feelings and “motivate” behavior. For example; blue has a calming effect, while red can stimulate appetite and a sense of urgency, and yellow draws our attention. Entertain the use of borders, shaded boxes, and white space to highlight specific and profitable items. Crowding your menu with photos can cheapen the feel of a menu, but a nice-looking picture alongside a food item can increase sales by 30%.

Another tactic is writing longer, more detailed descriptions that persuade customers they are getting more for their dollar. According to a Cornell study, researchers found that more detailed descriptions sold nearly 30% more food. Customers also rated those items as tasting better. “People taste what you tell them they’re tasting” says menu engineer, Gregg Rapp (Mental Floss). So tell them a story! Detail dishes with verbiage that describes where it’s sourced and how it’s prepared to be effective in increasing the perception of quality in the items.

  • Use color. Choose a color scheme that reflects your sales and marketing objective. People emotionally respond to color, subconsciously, which can influence their behavior. You can use bright colors, which capture attention and trigger appetite, to draw focus to specific arrears of your menu.
  • Use photos. Use professional photography in your menu, but do it sparingly. People respond to images on display like they would if the plate was right in front of them and if you’re hungry the response is “I’ll have that!”
  • It’s all about semantics! Mind the language that you use to describe your dishes and tell a story. Adjectives like “line-caught,” “farm-raised,” or “locally-sourced” are big turn-ons for customers and can increase the perception of quality.
  • Make it nostalgic. Touching past time-periods can trigger happy memories of their childhood, family or traditions. “Grandma’s Chicken Soup” or “Campfire Hot Cocoa” stir feelings of comfort and closeness.

Another trick is to create space around high-profit items by putting them in boxes or otherwise separating them from the rest of the options. “When you put in a pocket of negative space, you pull the eye there,” writes Allen. “Putting negative space around an item can call attention to it and help you sell it” (Mental Floss).

Profitability

Finally, circle back to your menu’s profitability. Perspective is everything when considering menu design. Author of Priceless, William Poundstone, reveals the psychology behind menus, stating ”ultimately, it’s about minimizing the focus on price”. Making price tags as inconspicuous as possible, we can encourage guests to spend more. A Cornell University study found that written-out prices also encourage guests to spend more. Here’s a few more hacks that are designed to increase your menu’s profit potential.

  • Avoid dollar signs. Currency indicators are a pain point that remind customers they are spending money and make them feel like they are spending more than they actually are. Soften the price by eliminating the dollar sign.
  • Avoid price trails. Price trails are dotted lines that connect your menu items to their price and are the cardinal sin of menu design. This takes the focus away from your dish description and straight to the price instead. Try “nested” pricing, prices that are listed discreetly after the meal description in the same font size, so consumer eyes glide right over it (Mental Floss).
  • Avoid price columns. Placing prices in a column will draw focus to the cost of the food, instead of the dish itself, which could lead guests to choose the cheapest items on the menu.
  • Use price decoys. A price “decoy” is a menu item that would seem overly expensive to guests, placed near high profit margin items. This gives the perception, when compared to the decoy, that customers are getting a deal, a “better bang for their buck”.
  • Sandwich your menu items. D Studies show that customers tend to notice and order the top two items or the last item of each section more often than other items. Place your most profitable items at the top of the list and one at the bottom to optimize your menu categories.

Final thoughts

Guests will scan your menu in less than 2 minutes on average, which means you have a small window to set the menu’s tone for customer satisfaction and optimal profit. Using these psychological tactics of menu design, to revamp your menu can greatly improve your restaurant’s profits and guest experience. Our Sweet Street Design Suite provides you with the expertise and tools to sell more.

 

 

Sources: Aaron Allen | WebstauranteStore | Canva | Mental Floss | The Sydney Morning Herald

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