Good morning!

Breakfast like a king, they say, so take a fresh look at your offer. Here’s why operators should upsell breakfast

Whether it’s a family trip out for breakfast or grabbing a bite on the run, there’s no doubt a good breakfast is the ideal start to the day.

And you can’t go far wrong with creating the first meal of the day. Whether people are out for breakfast as a treat or special occasion, or grabbing a quick, convenient bite en route to somewhere, full flavours, simple ingredients, comfort and value are all that’s needed. And that’s great news for operators, whatever your type of venue is.

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

With different customer missions in mind, having a range of options covering quick bites that are easy to eat on the go and more indulgent options on your menu is important to make the most of sales opportunities.

If you offer dining in, one of the key things you can do to set up your sales for the day is extend your breakfast menu to midday. That way you capture not just the breakfast opportunity but brunch and early lunchers too. Could you even offer breakfast options all day long to catch even more sales?

The menu doesn’t need to be extensive, but it does need to cover breakfast classics, indulgent options and healthier choices. Think full English and a veggie alternative, pastries, eggs benedict, pancake stacks, yogurt pots and fresh fruit salads. And remember child-friendly options too, such as boiled egg and soldiers or simple beans on toast.

Enhance your menu with pancakes and crepes, poached eggs on sourdough toast, omelettes with a choice of fillings, waffles, sausage, bacon and egg rolls, wraps or muffins, and a grazing board of pastries with jam, cold deli meats, cheese and a selection of breads. Could you even offer breakfast cocktails and mocktails to send sales sky high?

Healthy breakfast and make it snappy suggestions

»A pot or jar of plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt topped with low-sugar granola and fresh berries.

»Three-egg omelette with light cheddar and mushrooms, rolled into a burrito.

»Chilled overnight chia pudding.

»Wholewheat English muffin spread with almond butter and mashed raspberries.

CONVENIENCE

Quick, easy and convenient are the watchwords for takeaways. Customers want to grab and go, so hearty but simple takeaway options, such as bacon, sausage and egg sandwiches or rolls, porridge pots and pastries are the way to go. Upsell by offering a deal with a hot drink or juice.

TASTY AND GOOD

One of the biggest trends in breakfast is the growing demand for healthier options, with the Kantar Usage Panel, April 2020, showing 44% of breakfasts are chosen for health reasons.

Eggs are one of the easiest and healthiest foods to offer, providing they’re not cooked in oil or butter. Unsweetened Greek yogurt topped with seeds and fresh berries, oatmeal, granola bars, fresh fruit and green tea help create a healthy start to the day.

Get your offer right and it won’t just be your sales that are set up well for the day but your customers’ spirits too, and that means return business.

TOP TIPS

»Whip up a breakfast salad using leftover vegetables, fresh greens and eggs. It's a healthy start to the day with a punch of fibre to keep stomachs full until lunchtime.

»Give diners the option to customise their breakfast. They get to create their meal exactly how they like it and you benefit from the upsell.

»Offer choice but don’t overwhelm.

»Keep menus clear and flexible, highlight healthier options and have choices for those with specific dietary requirements.

»Upsell your menu and customers will pay a premium for local, organic and seasonal ingredients, such as freshly squeezed juice, wholegrain breads and local or organic meat, eggs and dairy products.