🍝 Is your menu too complicated?

When it comes to menu offerings, is niche best? A new survey from U.S. Foods favors menu simplification. But how simple is too simple? It's time to pull up a chair for today's edition of The Prep.

 On the menu:

🍽️ Leaning into the solo dining era
🥣 Adding meal-prep to the menu
🧯 Flaming dishes steal the spotlight
🦙 Arequipa's epic food scene

Streamlining your menu for success

According to a new U.S. Foods survey, simplifying your menu can lead to a 20% increase in customer satisfaction and a 15% boost in profits. Here are key takeaways to consider:

• Focus on "Hero" Dishes: Identify your most popular and profitable items and prioritize them on your menu.
• Consolidate Similar Options: Eliminate redundancy by offering variations of a dish as add-ons instead of separate entries.
• Seasonal Twists: Keep things fresh with seasonal offerings as specials, avoiding overwhelming your menu with static options.
• Clear & Concise Descriptions: Use descriptive language that accurately reflects the dish, but avoid overly wordy explanations.

By simplifying your menu, you can enhance the customer experience, improve operational efficiency, and ultimately boost your bottom line.

Get more details at Restaurant Business.

🎧 Restaurant Rockstars, Episode 383

The key to an efficiently run back-of-house

Howard Task and John Ebarhart of Restaurant Equippers, a family-owned company specializing in restaurant equipment, dive deep into the world of restaurant equipment, offering insights into optimizing operations. The episode explores various tools and technology solutions that can streamline your back-of-house tasks and boost your bottom line.

Listen to the full episode here.

Catering to convenience
The demand for high-quality, convenient meals is increasing among consumers. According to the National Restaurant Association report, 67% of adults are interested in meal subscriptions that offer a set number of meals per month, and 53% are open to supplementing their home-cooked meals with restaurant-prepared items. This presents a lucrative opportunity for restaurants to expand their reach. They can partner with delivery services or offer in-store pickup for maximum accessibility. Pre-made meals can be a delicious way to increase their revenue and cater to the evolving needs of today's diners.

 Learn more at Food Business News.

Adapting menus for the solo diner

Did you know that over half of all restaurant visits in the US are made by solo diners? A new study suggests offering comfortable seating options such as bar stools or high-top tables to accommodate solo diners is ideal. In addition, providing solo-friendly menus with smaller portions or prix fixe options can be particularly appealing. By embracing this trend and catering to the needs of solo diners, you can increase your revenue and create a more inclusive dining experience for everyone.

 Read more at Modern Restaurant Management.

Leveling up the customer experience

Have you heard about the new trend that has unexpectedly captured consumers' interest? The Flaming Grill unveiled it as an April Fool's Day prank, but it might be the next big thing for restaurants. The concept involves bringing sizzling hot dishes directly to the table on fire, making for a playful and memorable experience. However, it's important to note that legal waivers and fire safety equipment are necessary for this kind of service. Would you consider implementing this concept in your restaurant to elevate its atmosphere and attract adventurous diners?

 Dive into the trend at Trend Hunter.

Discover Arequipa's culinary delights

National Geographic has praised Arequipa, Peru, as an up-and-coming destination in the culinary world. This charming city features a unique blend of indigenous and European influences that can be tasted in its delicious cuisine. In addition to the famous alpaca dishes, you must try local specialties such as "Rocoto Relleno" (spicy stuffed peppers) and "Chupe de Camarones" (creamy shrimp stew). 80% of visitors consider the culinary scene a significant factor in visiting Arequipa. So why wait? Pack your bags and get ready to indulge your taste buds in Peru's "White City"!

 Explore more at National Geographic.

A pinch of this and that

🥖💽 Panera Bread hit by ransomware attack

🏅 James Beard finalists announced

👩‍🍳 From haute couture ➡️ haute cuisine

🗨 Chef José Andrés' remarks spark debate

🍷 Brooklyn's first walk-up wine window

From consumer trends to emerging technology that will improve your operations -- The Prep offers weekly insight into what is driving the bar and restaurant industries.

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We’re looking forward to connecting with you each week – thanks for coming to the table for The Prep.