Proven Menu Strategies That Drive Profits Offer Small Plates 50% of guests who don’t order an appetizer would do so if smaller, less expensive portions were available. Implement these smaller, less expensive portions to increase sales:
Mushrooms Straight Up
Three Amigos
Italian Mozz Stack
Ingredients: 6 West Creek Breaded Whole Mushrooms 1 Tbl. West Creek Ranch Dressing 1 celery heart sprig 1 grape tomato 0.5 oz spring salad mix Martini glass
Ingredients: 3 West Creek Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapenos 2 Tbl. queso 2 celery stalks 1 celery heart sprig 1 tomato slice 6” china or glass plate
Ingredients: 5 West Creek Breaded Mozzarella Cheese Sticks 2 Tbl. ROMA Marinara 1 parsley sprig 6” china or glass plate
Menu Price: $1.99 Average Food Cost: $0.99 Profit/Serving: $1.00
Menu Price: $2.99 Average Food Cost: $1.50 Profit/Serving: $1.49
Menu Price: $3.99 Average Food Cost: $2.06 Profit/Serving: $1.93
Consider Drink and Appetizer Specials More than 50% of guests said they’d order a drink and appetizer special if available. Operators offering a drink and appetizer special get results: • • • •
56% 54% 49% 39%
increased overall sales increased drink sales increased appetizer sales drove traffic
3-Course Combos 50% of all casual and midscale dining visits are tables of two. Offer a 3-course combo with a shareable appetizer, two entrées and a dessert.
Breaking Down Your Apps Increase customer satisfaction and motivate sales with high-quality West Creek brand appetizers. West Creek appetizers are cost effective yet command high margins so operators can multiply profits — all while satisfying patrons with great taste and added value. A happy patron equals repeat business and increased loyalty.Effective appetizer menus feature patron pleasing core items like cheese sticks and onion rings as well as explore items. Core items: Proven menu favorites, core items are must-have volume drivers that satisfy the majority of consumers. Explore items: From stuffed jalapeños to fried vegetables, explore items engage customers, add variety and increase sales opportunities without replacing existing appetizer sales.
Menu Must-Haves Cheese Cheese is popular with all age groups and income levels. • Kid favorite, often menued as a kids meal option • Averages $2.10 in profit per serving
Onion Rings Offer opportunities across all day parts. Versatile as a side, an appetizer or a topper. Averages $2.80 in profit per serving. Variety of sizes and coatings to meet operator requirements Thin • Quicker prep • Better yield/lower cost
Breaded • Homestyle look • More premium appearance
• Perfect for basket Thick • Great plate coverage • Perfect for steak or sandwich garnish • Premium second onion ring • Long hold time
• Crispy texture • Tender bite Battered • Back of house appeal • Crunchy bite • Extended hold time & perfect for take out • Fryer friendly – no blow outs or coating fall off
Choose the right size:
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