Technomic report finds starters and small plates well positioned to grow in popularity

Press Release With consumers’ desire for innovation increasing and snacking becoming more of a habit, mealparts such as starters, small plates and sides are well-positioned to gain share of stomach. Technomic’s 2019 Starters, Small Plates & Sides Consumer Trend Report explores how these mealparts can help foodservice brands maximize existing opportunities and overcome potential challenges. […]

November 2017’s top menu trends to watch

By Aaron Jourden Below we will highlight some of the leading menu trends to watch on Canadian menus in November 2017. Attention-grabbing apps About the trend: Operators are featuring innovative and out-of-the-ordinary starters to create excitement at the top of the menu. These new offerings range from those that are highly indulgent to those with […]

Appetizers: Does Size Matter?

Whether savoured alone or shared with friends, appetizers are becoming a hot commodity among restaurant goers. What’s more, the popularity of bite-sized shareables has given rise to new innovations and fresh opportunities for foodservice providers. “The appetizer category presents an exciting opportunity for restaurant operators, who are often challenged to provide innovative menu items that […]

The cultural shift to healthy appetizers

By Lucia Weiler At my recent Nutrition for NON-Nutritionists training workshop, I was reminded how important it is to open up the event with a story that hooks the audience and gives them a reason to listen and stay for more. The same thinking holds true for food. In a restaurant, appetizers set the stage […]

Appetizers take centre stage with bold flavours and ethnic influences

By Kristin Menas Appetizers are currently at the forefront of menu development, with operators using starter menus to test and experiment with bold flavours, unique ingredients and creative preparations. That appetizers can be ordered as a lead-in to a meal or as a snack between meals makes them particularly appealing options for diners looking to […]