As more and more operators get creative with their menus, develop partnerships, and focus on seasonal LTOs, diners are being treated to memorable flavours and dishes. 62 per cent of diners are motivated to visit a restaurant with an LTO, so offering temporary, fun featured dishes can help drive traffic, broaden your customer base, and increase revenues. Trends tend to get attention, so featuring a flavour or dish that’s timely can draw new customers to your restaurant as menu innovation evolves.
Here are some of the most recent innovative additions to restaurant menus:
Subway has added quite a few items to its footlong menu in recent years, and the newest addition is footlong nachos, celebrating a partnership with Doritos Nacho Cheese chips, and launching on April 17. Canada’s version features Doritos Nacho Cheese tortilla chips, a blend of shredded cheese, lettuce, salsa mix, and a spicy kick from jalapeños (banana peppers in Quebec) and topped with smoky, creamy Chipotle Southwest Sauce.
The snack features nacho cheese-flavoured chips, layered with cheddar cheese sauce and shredded Monterey-cheddar cheese, and topped with jalapeño slices, diced tomatoes, red onions, and Baja Chipotle sauce. This item is available for a limited time and can be upgraded with rotisserie-style chicken or steak for no extra cost.
KFC has upped the spice factor on its current menu, now offering the Mike’s Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich. This sandwich highlights the “swicy” trend that’s still dominating many restaurant menus, and features triple-breaded chicken, Mike’s Hot Honey® and crispy jalapenos. Along with the sandwich, guests can try the Honey Tenders, which include KFC’s original recipe chicken tenders served with Mike’s Hot Honey® dip.
Tim Hortons is getting into the Easter spirit with holiday-themed donuts and spring Timbits buckets, which come with a refillable 30 Timbits that may be the perfect addition to this year’s Easter egg hunts. Frozen Quenchers are also new to the menu, combining fruity flavours and creaminess in Orange Tangerine, Blackberry Yuzu, Peach, Strawberry Watermelon, and Pineapple Dragon Fruit variations.
As the seasons change and competition continues, restaurants that strive for innovation and creativity will stand out and attract attention this season.
Image courtesy of Tim Hortons
