Holiday edition
Meghan Padgett Brands Manager
As the holiday season approaches, it is important for operators to stay ahead of the culinary curve and anticipate the latest food trends that will be gracing our tables. 2024 promises to bring a new wave of flavors and experiences to our festive feasts, blending traditional favorites with innovative twists. From plant-based alternatives to indulgent desserts with unexpected ingredients, there is a growing demand for diverse and exciting options to satisfy the modern palate. By understanding and capitalizing on these emerging trends while still honoring age old traditions, operators can create products that cater to consumer preferences and stand out in a crowded marketplace. 67% of consumers associate the season with special flavors, dishes and beverages from restaurants, so the 2024 holiday season is shaping up to be a culinary adventure, mixing up both old and new. It's time for operators to embrace the challenge and bring these trends to the plate.
Global Fusion
Diverse global influences will continue to shape holiday season tables in 2024 as consumers embrace fusion flavors that meld international culinary traditions with their holiday feasts. Restaurateurs are recognizing this trend and introducing products that incorporate global flavors, such as spice blends, sauces, or ready-to-eat dishes that bring a taste of the world to holiday dining. By staying ahead of the curve and offering a worldly palette of flavors, operators can cater to the evolving preferences of their customers and create unique dining experiences that stand out in a crowded market. who have tried food fusions love or like them
GINGER SCALLOPS
These pan-seared scallops with ginger dirty beurre blanc are a culinary masterpiece that showcase a perfect balance of flavors. Searing the scallops to create a caramelized crust adds a depth of flavor that is simply irresistible. With the addition of ginger, it brings a warm and zesty kick to the dish, complementing the buttery richness of the beurre blanc and the subtle complexity of the sake. This dish is sure to impress even the most discerning of palates. Get ready to experience a truly unforgettable culinary delight.
INGREDIENTS:
U-10 Scallops
Salt and pepper
Olive oil
Scallions
Fresh ginger
Unsalted butter
Soy sauce
Mirin
Sake
Lemon
Chili crisp
DIRECTIONS:
Pat the scallops dry and season with salt and pepper. Add oil to a preheated pan and sear scallops on medium high for 3-4 minutes, flip, and then sear for 1 additional minute. Remove from pan and set aside. In the heated pan, add more olive oil and the chopped scallions, ginger, mirin and sake. Reduce by 3/4th. Turn the heat off and add the soy sauce and butter to emulsify. Serve scallops over the sauce. Garnish with lemon zest and chili crisps.
Plant Forward Offerings
The focus is shifting towards plantpowered feasting for the upcoming holiday season. As the demand for plant-based options continues to rise, operators are urged to expand their offerings to accommodate those following vegan lifestyles or looking to reduce their meat and dairy intake. Innovative plant-based holiday alternatives like nut roasts, dairyfree desserts, and vegan-friendly gravies are on trend to meet this growing demand. It is crucial for these products to not only cater to dietary preferences but also to deliver exceptional taste and quality to satisfy customers looking for healthier and
PASS THE Plant-Based
The term plant-based is now on 6% of menus, increasing over 14,000% on menus over the past 10 years (MenuTrends). It probably goes without saying, that plant-based will continue to be a trend throughout the holiday season.
COCONUT CREAMED SPINACH
Rich and luscious Coconut Creamed Spinach is a delectable side dish with a luxurious texture that will elevate any meal. This dish is incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort in the kitchen. The combination of creamy coconut milk and tender spinach creates a velvety sauce that is both satisfying and nutritious. Perfect for those following a vegan or gluten-free diet, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
INGREDIENTS:
Olive Oil
Leeks
Fresh Ginger
Salt and pepper
Coconut milk
Fresh Spinach
Lemon juice
DIRECTIONS:
Sautee leeks in olive oil over medium heat until leeks are soft. Add salt, pepper and coconut milk and allow to simmer for 5 minutes. Add spinach allowing to wilt. Remove from heat. Squeeze a lemon over prior to serving.
Ancient Grains
In the evolving landscape of food trends, ancient grains and heritage ingredients are taking center stage in 2024. As consumers become increasingly interested in traditional and nutritious options, restaurants can showcase the versatility of ingredients like farro, spelt, and quinoa in a variety of product formulations. By incorporating these ancient grains into stuffing mixes, side dishes, and ready-to-cook products, restaurants can tap into a market of health-conscious individuals seeking both flavor and substance in their meals. Emphasizing the rich history and nutritional benefits of these ingredients not only adds depth of offerings but also connects consumers to the cultural significance of these ancient grains, celebrating tradition in a modern context.
VILLIAGE GARDEN HONEY MUSTARD DRESSING
Chef's Corner
Ancient grains are an easy way to create unique and delicious dishes. Their versatility knows no bounds, allowing for easy mixing and matching with a variety of flavors. The textures of these grains blend seamlessly together, creating a harmonious dishes.
Tony Schmidt, Corporate Executive Chef
ANCIENT GRAIN SALAD
This healthy grain side dish is a perfect blend of wild rice, farro, and red quinoa, enhanced by a variety of vibrant ingredients. You will appreciate the hearty texture of the grains paired with the crispness of the celery and nuts. The addition of dried cranberries and juicy pomegranate seeds ensures that each mouthful culminates in a burst of sweetness.
INGREDIENTS:
Wild Rice
Quinoa
Farro
Chopped Walnuts
Chopped Pecans
Chopped Pistachios
Dried Cranberries
Dried Apricots
Golden Raisins
Pomegranate
Scallions
Red Onion, julienned
Celery, chopped
Olive oil
Apple Cider Vinegar
Honey Mustard
Salt and Pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS:
Cook rice, quinoa, and farro according to package directions and cool. Toast chopped nuts. Incorporate all ingredients through celery. Whisk Olive oil, honey mustard and salt and pepper. Add to salad until moist.
Intimate Gatherings
Currently, the trend of smaller, more intimate gatherings that emerged during the pandemic is expected to persist in 2024. Restauranteurs should acknowledge this shift and tailor their offerings accordingly. For instance, consider creating premium, artisanal products that cater to smaller guest lists, offer private dining experiences, and create grab and go catering options to help with this trend. Finally, emphasize the quality, uniqueness, and convenience of these products to appeal to your customers seeking an elevated dining experience at the restaurant or in their home.
THE NEW
Friendsgiving
It wasn't long ago that Friendsgiving was more of an at-home phenomenon: a bunch of friends made their own dishes to contribute to one big feast, and everyone gathered at one person's home. And while Friendsgiving in general is fairly new (it was first used in print in 2007, though it only officially was added to Merriam-Webster's in 2020, crazy as that seems), the holiday meal usually shared by friends has already evolved beyond its origins. Now many restaurants have gotten in on the friends-centric meal, putting together Friendsgiving packages that can be taken to-go (even easier than organizing a potluck, right?).
are planning for a holiday gathering of 6 or less people. While 38% are expecting between 7 and 12 people.
Datassentials 2024 44% of Customers
Partner Insights
Kudzu Seafood Company: Holiday Strategy for Success
As the festive season approaches, Kudzu Seafood Company in Historic Downtown Macon, Georgia gears up for its busiest time of the year. Owners Lee Clack and Kelley Wrigley have crafted a comprehensive holiday strategy designed to enhance guest experiences and drive repeat business throughout December. Check out their strategy below and see what you might incorporate in your operation this holiday season!
Preparation and Training
Recognizing that December draws in large crowds thanks to downtown Macon’s beautiful display of Christmas decor, Lee and Kelley ensure their staff is fully trained and prepared by Black Friday. By reflecting on past experiences from previous holiday seasons, they identify areas for improvement and map out a plan. Detailed notes on staffing, weather, guest counts, and local events help them anticipate needs and streamline operations, ensuring that they deliver exceptional service even during peak times.
Engaging the Community
Social media plays a crucial role in their holiday strategy. Lee encourages patrons to follow Kudzu Seafood Company online for real-time updates, special promotions, and holiday offerings. To facilitate holiday gifting, the restaurant features an easy-to-navigate gift card purchase option on their website, encouraging customers to share the Kudzu experience with friends and family.
Convenience for Gatherings
To accommodate holiday festivities, Kudzu Seafood Company offers popular sides and bisques in large quantities for gatherings at home. The emphasis on convenience extends to takeout options, perfect for office parties or family gatherings, all provided with clear reheating instructions for a hassle-free experience. They partner with delivery services like Easycatering to ensure efficiency for customers opting for drive-thru or delivery options.
Fostering a Supportive Work Environment
Lee understands that high staff morale is essential during the winter months. He emphasizes a supportive atmosphere, offering generous vacation policies and organizing team-building events, such as outings to see local sports. By closing the restaurant on Sundays and Mondays, Lee ensures that his team has time to recharge and spend quality moments with their families, fostering a sense of unity and well-being among staff.
Maintaining Authenticity
Throughout the holiday rush, Lee remains committed to preserving the authenticity of Gulf Coast seafood. He sources fresh, local ingredients and insists on making all breading, season blends, and sauces in-house, ensuring that every dish reflects the quality and care that Kudzu Seafood Company is known for.
This holiday season, Lee and Kelley invite you to visit Kudzu Seafood Company. Experience the warmth of Southern hospitality, savor delicious Gulf Coast seafood, and enjoy a minivacation from everyday life in the heart of Macon. Whether you’re dining in or picking up for a festive gathering, Kudzu is prepared to make your holiday season special. Don't miss out on this beloved gem as you celebrate the season!
Take Away Kits
The holiday season in 2024 will continue to celebrate the joy of cooking and creating through DIY culinary experiences. As a restaurant, you have the opportunity to offer ready-to-create kits that provide customers with premeasured ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and unique holiday recipes. By simplifying the cooking process and fostering a sense of togetherness and creativity in the kitchen, these kits will enhance the holiday culinary experience for all those who participate. Make sure you share your offerings on social media and in your restaurant. Offer options for individual dishes or for an entire composed meal.
Consumers
typically
look to foodservice for ease and convenience during the holidays.
Consumers typically look to foodservice for ease and convenience during the holidays.
Gen Z consumers are especially likely to choose holiday foodservice because they lack the time and cooking skills required to organize a successful at-home celebration. Meanwhile, over a quarter of Millennials say they it’s become a tradition to dine out during the holidays. *Due to survey changes in 2023, time-trending is not available for this question.
Gen Z consumers are especially likely to choose holiday foodservice because they lack the time and cooking skills required to organize a successful at-home celebration. Meanwhile, over a quarter of Millennials say they it’s become a tradition to
Sweet Treats
Holiday season desserts will continue to be a canvas for culinary artistry in 2024. Operators should invest in crafting visually stunning and intricate dessert offerings that are not only exquisite in taste but also serve as centerpiece delights. Consider premade offerings to create signature dessert offerings that stand out in the market.
Piancone® Frozen Desserts are imported, high-end, single-serve portions that offer unique flavor combinations, making them a standout choice for any dessert menu. These delectable treats not only taste incredible but also have a beautiful appearance that will impress even the most discerning customer. Crafted with premium ingredients sourced from Italy, Piancone® desserts are sure to delight your taste buds and leave a lasting impression.
The convenience of these frozen desserts makes them an ideal choice for the holiday season, allowing you to effortlessly serve up a sophisticated and delicious treat without spending hours in the kitchen. Simply thaw-and-serve these authentic Italian desserts for a hassle-free dessert option that will wow your customers. For the ultimate indulgence, pair with a scoop of Piancone® Italian Gelato to create the perfect dessert combination that will leave everyone craving more.
PIANCONE GELATO CHOCOLATE
PIANCONE GELATO PISTACHIO
PFS ITEM# 682276
PIANCONE GELATO VANILLA
PFS ITEM# 682266
Mocktails
The demand for nonalcoholic options will persist in the 2024 holiday season, including sophisticated drinks. Restaurateurs should continue to develop non-alcoholic cocktails and mocktails that cater to those that choose to not partake. Create elegant beverage options that offer complexity in flavor and presentation, ensuring that all consumers have refined choices for holiday celebrations. over the last 4 years. With that trend predicted to continue into 2027
PUMPKIN PIE PUNCH
This mocktail is a sophisticated holiday punch that combines the flavors of apple cider, pumpkin, and cream soda to create a truly unique drinking experience. This special mocktail is perfect for the festive season, adding a touch of warmth and nostalgia. The blend of ingredients in this Pumpkin Cocktail is sure to please guests of all ages, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing option for any holiday menu. Treat your guests to a taste of seasonal indulgence with this delicious and imaginative beverage that is sure to be a hit on your menu.
INGREDIENTS:
Apple Cider
Canned Pumpkin puree
Cream Soda
Pumpkin Pie Spice
Apple slice for garnish
Whipped Cream
DIRECTIONS:
Stir together cider and pumpkin puree until fully incorporated. Stir in cream soda and pumpkin pie spice. Top with whipped cream, pumpkin pie spice, and apple slice.
Nostalgic Delights
In a world of constant change, customers will seek solace in family traditions and heirloom recipes in the 2024 holiday season. Restaurants can tap into this sentimentality by offering products that evoke nostalgia. Consider reviving classic recipes or collaborating with your employees to share their families beloved heirloom dishes.
prefer to stick to comfort foods and classics for the holiday this year, while 21% perfer a mix of traditional and modern dishes.
PFS ITEM# 158684
RIDGE CREST BEEF BASE
TRADITIONAL PRIME RIB
As the holiday season approaches, restaurants are gearing up to offer a tantalizing array of festive dishes to their customers. Alongside the traditional favorites like mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, and a variety of pies, why not offer another traditional offering - a glorious roast of prime rib dressed in garlic herb butter and served with rich, dripping gravy. This decadent dish combines the best of beef, butter, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and shallot to create a symphony of flavors that is sure to delight diners. The perfectly roasted exterior, browned and glistening, gives way to a tender, rosy interior that is as visually stunning as it is delicious. The aroma of this prime rib is enough to make mouths water, and heads turn, making it a must-have addition to any holiday menu offering.
INGREDIENTS:
Prime Rib, bone in or boneless
Salt and pepper
Unsalted Butter
Fresh Garlic, minced
Shallot, minced
Dried Thyme, minced
Fresh Rosemary, minced
Lemon juice
All purpose flour
Prime rib drippings
Beef stock
DIRECTIONS:
Rub the prime rib with salt and pepper, and set aside for 1 hour to come to room temperature. Mix butter, garlic, shallot, thyme, rosemary, pepper, salt, and lemon juice. Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven (500 degrees). Tie the prime rib to ensure an even shape while cooking. Rub the prime rib with the garlic butter. Take the pan out of the oven and place the prime rib fat side up. Cook for about 30 minutes, reduce the oven to 325 and cook until the desired internal temperature is obtained, typically 120 degrees. Remove the prime rib form the pan and allow to rest. Place the roasting pan on the stove over medium heat and sprinkle flour into the drippings. Whisk until the flour is incorporated and looks chunky. Increase the heat to medium high heat and whisk in the beef stock. Cook until thickened. When ready to serve slice against the grain and top with gravy.
Next Steps
Meghan Padgett Brands Manager
The 2024 holiday season promises to be a time of culinary delight, where tradition intertwines with innovation, and global influences merge with cherished family recipes. Restaurant Operators have a pivotal role in shaping the holiday dining experience for consumers. By embracing these food trends and tailoring product offerings to evolving consumer preferences, operators can create memorable and delicious experiences that resonate with their customers. This season, let’s use our mutual expertise and creativity to contribute to a season of holiday flavors, culinary joy, and togetherness for our customers.
Complete Order Guide
466505 1 10 LB CRAISIN CRANBERRIES DRIED SWTND 638690 6 5 OZ FRUIT BL APRICOT DRIED TURKISH 567385 1 10 LB WEST CREEK RAISIN GLDN SDLS 907545 4 2 LB PEAK ONION GRN W&T TFF 927241 1 5 LB PACKER ONION RED JULIENNE CUT 587291 4 1 GA PIANCONE OIL OLIVE EXTRA VIRGIN 273719 4 1 GA WEST CREEK VINEGAR APPLE CIDER 50 GRA
1 BN PACKER LEEKS FRSH 926775 1 10 LB PACKER GINGER ROOT
615818 6 18 OZ MAGELLAN PEPPER BLK GRND TABLE GRIN 104752 12 3 LB WEST CREEK SALT SEA KSHR
597335 24 13.66O ASIAN PRIDE MILK COCONUT 907130 4 2.5 LB PEAK FRS SPINACH W&T TFF 314029 12 32 OZ MAGELLAN JUICE LEMON
ANCIENT GRAIN SALAD
57313 6 36 OZ CHEF-WAY RICE LONG GRAIN & WILD TFF 553558 2 5 LB MAGELLAN QUINOA WHI 267693 4 3 LB ROLAND FARRO SEMI PEARLED ITALY 357197 3 2 LB MAGELLAN WALNUT HLVS & PCS TFF 357221 1 5 LB MAGELLAN PECAN PCS MED FCY TFF 715519 8 7 OZ WOODSTCK PISTACHIO UNSLTD & RSTD DR
TRADITIONAL PRIME RIB 158684 2 13-17L WEST CREEK BEEF PRIME RIB SEL RARE 615818 6 18 OZ MAGELLAN PEPPER BLK GRND TABLE GRIN 104752 12 3
WEST CREEK SALT SEA KSHR 157189 36 1
NATURES BEST BUTTER SOLIDS UNSLTD AA TF 283987 1
PEAK FRS GARLIC WHL PLD DOM 954752 4
PACKER SHALLOTS PLD 615850 6 6 OZ MAGELLAN THYME LEAVES 855531 1 1 LB PEAK FRS ROSEMARY FRSH 314029 12 32 OZ MAGELLAN JUICE LEMON 81983 1 25 LB ROMA FLOUR H&R AP ENRICHED BLCH 246657 6 1 LB RIDGE CREST BASE BEEF NO MSG JAR
