By Katie Belflower
In the saturated world of foodservice, knowing how to stand out from the crowd is vital. Nailing down your restaurant concept and cultivating a menu that reflects your brand goes a long way to attracting and retaining customers. Every few weeks with Technomic’s Concepts to Watch, we highlight three restaurants that are showing innovation and inspiration across the country.
This month, the focus is on Sansotei Ramen, HiFive Chicken, and Chorizo Fresh Mex.
Sansotei Ramen
Image Source: Sansotei Ramen Instagram
Facebook: 3,112 likes | Instagram: 8,725 followers
Locations: 14 (Ontario and Quebec)
Concept characteristics:
- Full-service spot specializing in authentic tonkotsu ramen
- Emphasis on sourcing high-quality products and ingredients
- Interiors have modern red-and-black colour scheme
- Franchise opportunities available
Menu snapshot:
- Products and ingredients sourced both locally and directly from Japan
- Pork bone broth made fresh daily
- Ramen options include Tonkotsu, Miso Black, Shoyu, and Spicy Tantan
- Extra toppings such as egg, black fungus, and bamboo shoots allow guests to customize their ramen, as well as giving them a choice between thick or thin noodles
- Side options available include gyoza and seaweed salad
- Chicken dishes menued include wings and Hokkaido-style fried chicken
HiFive Chicken
Facebook: 556 likes | Instagram: 2,738 followers
Locations: 4 (British Columbia)
Concept characteristics:
- Quick-service restaurant specializing in freshly fried and roasted chicken
- Emphasizes love and care for customers and works to give back to the community
- Offers a loyalty program to reward repeat customers
- Franchise opportunities available
Menu snapshot:
- Hand-spiced, locally sourced chicken
- Fried and roasted chicken available in legs, thighs, wings, and breasts
- Other chicken choices include sandwiches, wraps, tenders, hot wings, and popcorn chicken
- Fried sides include onion rings, jalapeño poppers, pickles, and macaroni and cheese
- Housemade sauces come in varieties including HiFive Regular, HiFive Extra Spicy, and Sweet Chili
Chorizo Fresh Mex
Facebook: 1,181 likes | Instagram: 842 followers | Twitter: 169 followers
Locations: 4 (Ontario)
Concept characteristics:
- Quick-service restaurant dishing up Baja, Calif.-inspired fare
- Draws inspiration from San Francisco’s Mission District
- Focus on freshly prepared foods
- Offers catering as well as take-home taco and fajita kits
Menu snapshot:
- Marinated meats are cooked fresh to order
- Protein choices include Mexican chorizo, grilled steak, grilled chicken, and grilled shrimp
- Customers can choose between options such as the California Burrito and Fajrito, a fajita burrito
- Other entree options include tacos, quesadillas, and nachos
- Housemade salsas and guacamole made fresh daily
Concept Watch is based on restaurant and menu concepts and trends noted by Technomic Inc.
Katie Belflower is Associate Editor for Technomic, a Chicago-based foodservice research and consulting firm. Technomic provides clients with the facts, insights and consulting support they need to enhance their business strategies, decisions and results. The company’s services include publications and digital products as well as proprietary studies and ongoing research on all aspects of the food industry, including menu trends.
