The Menu
Chefs take into account many factors when they build a menu that
leads to a top recipe.
- Consider local ingredients. Top recipes usually are based on familiar
foods or
dishes that customers grew up with.
-
Apply a personal touch to classic favorites by changing the method of
preparation or some of the ingredients.
- Select quality products when incorporating popular ingredients, from
bacon and miso to cheese and chiles.
- Try nightly specials or a limited-time approach to introduce
a new item
that has
top-recipe potential. Such methods allow a favorite dish to
gracefully exit the menu should ingredients become unavailable or the
kitchen staff tire of making it.
- Take a seasonal tack to menu items by offering heartier dishes
during
colder months
and lighter fare when weather warms
-
Use seasonal garnishes to update a best-seller.
- Do not substitute for an ingredient that becomes unavailable. A dish is a
signature item because it is familiar and people know what to expect.
- Check best-selling recipes as
they come off the line to ensure
consistency.
- Keep the staff interested in
signature items through wagers and prizes,
such as rewarding employees for a set number of orders with beverages
at the end of the shift.
Check back every months for great new tips!
Check our Services page to purchase our "How To Sell" series.