Top 10 Seasonal Regional Non-Holiday Takeout Meals

 

As seasonal flavors captivate consumers, regional specialties offer unique opportunities for the foodservice industry to shine. Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® wants to remind everyone that there is an abundance of fresh, fast, flavorful, meals available in your area. 

Convenience stores, grocery delis, and restaurants are increasingly leveraging these trends to drive incremental sales. Here are the top 10 seasonal, regional, non-holiday takeout meals—packed with flavor, priced for families, and convenient for today’s on-the-go lifestyles.

1. Southern-Style Fried Catfish Dinner

Sector Focus: Grocery Deli

·         Flavor: Crispy cornmeal-coated catfish served with hush puppies, coleslaw, and tartar sauce.

·         Price: $14.99 family meal for 4.

·         Service: Ready-to-eat, with hot and cold side options available for curbside pickup.

2. New England Clam Chowder in a Sourdough Bowl

Sector Focus: Restaurant

·         Flavor: Creamy clam chowder with a hearty mix of potatoes, clams, and a touch of bacon, served in a locally-sourced sourdough bowl.

·         Price: $9.99 per serving.

·         Service: Takeout and third-party delivery with optional side salads.

3. Tex-Mex Fajita Family Pack

Sector Focus: Convenience Store

·         Flavor: Marinated beef and chicken strips with grilled onions and peppers, tortillas, salsa, and guacamole.

·         Price: $19.99 for 4 servings.

·         Service: Heat-and-eat package with grab-and-go shelf placement.

4. Pacific Northwest Cedar-Plank Salmon Meal

Sector Focus: Grocery Deli

·         Flavor: Smoky cedar-plank salmon with a lemon-dill glaze, paired with roasted seasonal vegetables and wild rice.

·         Price: $24.99 family meal for 4.

·         Service: Pre-packaged and oven-ready, with optional in-store pickup.

5. Midwest Meatloaf Dinner

Sector Focus: Restaurant

·         Flavor: Homestyle meatloaf served with buttery mashed potatoes, green beans, and gravy.

·         Price: $17.99 family meal for 4.

·         Service: Drive-thru and direct restaurant delivery options.

6. Southwest Green Chile Stew

Sector Focus: Convenience Store

·         Flavor: Slow-simmered pork, green chiles, and potatoes in a savory broth.

·         Price: $7.99 per quart.

·         Service: Ready-to-eat, with microwaveable containers available.

7. Hawaiian Poke Bowl

Sector Focus: Grocery Deli

·         Flavor: Fresh ahi tuna cubes with soy sauce, sesame oil, seaweed salad, and sushi rice.

·         Price: $12.99 per bowl.

·         Service: Build-your-own options in the deli section, with pickup available.

8. Deep South BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich Kit

Sector Focus: Restaurant

·         Flavor: Smoky pulled pork with house-made BBQ sauce, paired with soft brioche buns and coleslaw.

·         Price: $14.99 for a kit serving 4.

·         Service: Take-and-bake with contactless curbside pickup.

9. New Orleans Gumbo Meal

Sector Focus: Convenience Store

·         Flavor: A rich roux-based gumbo with shrimp, sausage, and okra served over rice.

·         Price: $8.99 per serving.

·         Service: Hot food section with portable packaging for easy transport.

10. California Fresh Avocado Toast Kit

Sector Focus: Grocery Deli

·         Flavor: Artisan bread with mashed avocado, lemon zest, chili flakes, and optional toppings like smoked salmon.

·         Price: $6.99 per kit.

·         Service: Ready-to-assemble kits available for in-store or online pickup.

Why Seasonal, Regional Takeout Works

Seasonal and regional takeout meals thrive by tapping into local flavors and traditions, aligning with consumer demand for authenticity and variety. Price points tailored for families ensure accessibility, while delivery and takeout services cater to busy lifestyles.

Think About these Insights for Success

·         Convenience Stores: Highlight portability and quick heating options.

·         Grocery Delis: Focus on fresh, pre-assembled meal components for ease of use.

·         Restaurants: Leverage delivery apps and kits for an elevated at-home dining experience.

By embracing seasonal regional dishes, the foodservice industry can foster customer loyalty, drive repeat business, and deliver memorable meals that resonate with local tastes.

Are you looking for a new partnership to drive sales? Are you ready for some fresh ideations? Do your food marketing tactics look more like yesterday than tomorrow?  Visit GrocerantGuru.com for more information or contact: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us Remember success does leave clues and we just may have the clue you need to propel your continued success.