10 Essential Guidelines for Winning in Foodservice Today

 

Manifesto for Visionary Brands

1. Be a Leader, Not Just a Manager

In today’s foodservice landscape—where technology, consumer preferences, and sustainability pressures are constantly shifting—leadership isn’t optional; it’s the engine that drives growth. Example: Brands like Sweetgreen and Chipotle thrive because leadership pushes bold concepts—digital-first ordering, supply chain transparency, sustainable sourcing—while empowering their teams to innovate.

2. Know What’s Under Your Umbrella

Clearly define the business you’re in—not just the food you serve, but the problems you solve. Example: Starbucks isn’t just in the “coffee” business; it’s in the “third place” business—offering comfort, connection, and consistency.

3. Get and Stay Close to Your Customer

Your guests’ expectations evolve fast. Use data, not guesswork, to understand them. Example: Domino’s “Pizza Tracker” created transparency and strengthened customer connection.

4. Know Your Playing Field

Understand market forces, from ingredient costs to tech trends. Example: Burger King’s early adoption of plant-based offerings gave it a competitive edge.

5. Know Your Real Rivals

Competition is everywhere—meal kits, grocery hot bars, delivery apps. Example: 7-Eleven’s fresh, chef-inspired meals challenge QSRs at lunch.

6. Use the Element of Surprise

Break out of the box and create buzz. Example: Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza comeback was a masterclass in hype and timing.

7. Focus, Focus, Focus

Avoid distractions that dilute your identity. Example: In-N-Out’s tight menu keeps quality high and loyalty fierce.

8. Concentrate Your Resources

Invest in initiatives with the biggest impact. Example: McDonald’s digital platform drove record engagement.

9. Stay Mobile and Agile

Adapt quickly to shifting habits. Example: Restaurants that pivoted to family meal kits in 2020 often survived or grew.

10. Advance and Secure

Play offense, not just defense. Example: Shake Shack’s deliberate drive-thru rollout ensured quality and brand integrity.

“Things do not change; we change.” – Henry David Thoreau

In foodservice, success is never an accident—it’s the product of foresight, disciplined execution, and a willingness to evolve.

Dirty Soda — Good Idea or Bad Idea?

 

According to Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®, if you’ve spent time on TikTok or walked past a “Swig-style” soda shop lately, you’ve probably seen it: a bright cup of soda, swirling with creamy add-ins, ribbons of syrup, maybe even a garnish of fruit or candy. It’s called a dirty soda — and depending on who you ask, it’s either the most exciting thing to happen to soda in decades or a sugar-laden curiosity destined to fizzle out.

So, is dirty soda a good idea or a bad idea? The answer might depend on how much you value customization.

 

The Power of Customization in Dirty Soda Culture

Dirty sodas are more than just sweet drinks — they’re personal statements in a cup. Whether you prefer a Diet Coke with coconut cream and lime or a Pepsi Zero with mango syrup and chili rim salt, the magic lies in making it your drink, your way.

Customization isn’t just about novelty. It’s a form of consumer empowerment:

·       It gives customers the freedom to control flavor, sweetness, and visual presentation.

·       It fosters creativity and a sense of “ownership” over the drink.

·       It increases repeat visits because people want to experiment with new combos.

In other words, the “good idea” behind dirty sodas is that they turn an everyday purchase into a playground of flavor possibilities.

 

7 Ways a Brand Can Help Consumers Choose Flavors They’ll Love

To keep customers coming back for their next “mix and match” masterpiece, brands can:

1.       Offer Flavor Profiles – Group syrups and add-ins into categories like tropical, creamy, spicy, or dessert-inspired to guide first-time customers.

2.       Feature a Flavor-of-the-Month – Introduce a limited-time combo to inspire adventurous ordering.

3.       Create a Digital Flavor Wheel – An interactive online tool that recommends flavor mixes based on taste preferences.

4.       Train Staff as Flavor Guides – Encourage team members to recommend tried-and-true combinations and personal favorites.

5.       Highlight Color Appeal – Promote bright, Instagram-ready drinks that photograph well for social sharing.

6.       Mix & Match Loyalty Rewards – Offer points for trying new combinations, encouraging exploration.

7.       Showcase Fan Creations – Display a “Customer Creations Board” in-store or online to inspire others.

The goal? Turn the drink-building process into a personal adventure, not just a transaction.

 

Insights from the Grocerant Guru® on Mix-and-Match Success

Renowned food industry strategist Steven Johnson — aka the Grocerant Guru® — has long emphasized the power of mix and match in meal bundling and brand loyalty. Here are five takeaways that apply directly to dirty sodas:

1.       Variety Drives Frequency – Customers return more often when they know the menu changes and they can try something new each time.

2.       Bundling Increases Ticket Size – Pairing a drink with a snack or meal component boosts both revenue and perceived value.

3.       Customization Builds Brand Attachment – When a customer feels they “designed” their purchase, they’re more emotionally invested in returning.

4.       Social Sharing Extends Marketing Reach – Photogenic, unique drink combinations become organic advertisements.

5.       Premiumization Justifies Higher Prices – The more personalized and exclusive a product feels, the more consumers are willing to pay.

 

Think About This

Coca-Cola and Pepsi may still be the sturdy backbone of fast-food beverage programs, but the rise of dirty sodas — with their mix-and-match possibilities — shows that the future belongs to brands that let customers play bartender. For restaurants, that means more than just pouring a drink; it’s about serving an experience.

And if you ask us? That sounds like a very good idea.

Outsourced Business Development—Tailored for You

At Foodservice Solutions®, we identify, quantify, and qualify new retail food segment opportunities—from menu innovation to brand integration strategies.

We help you stay ahead of industry shifts with fresh insights and consumer-driven solutions.

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Ready to Find Your Next Success Clue?

We specialize in outsourced food marketing and business development ideations—helping brands seize opportunities in food retail, technology, and menu innovation.

📩 Reach out today: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us
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Love’s Travel Stops Finds Success with Customer-Focused Interactive Participatory Marketing

 

Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® believes that in a world where consumer expectations are evolving faster than ever, Love’s Travel Stops has tapped into the pulse of modern food culture with a bold, interactive campaign that’s driving trial, elevating its brand, and deepening customer engagement. Their latest initiative, “Midweek Mix-ups,” is more than a beverage promotion—it’s a masterclass in participatory marketing that aligns perfectly with the growing grocerant niche.

 

Dirty Soda Meets Dirty Genius: The “Midweek Mix-ups” Campaign

Inspired by the viral dirty soda trend, Love’s launched a limited-time beverage mashup series that invites customers to mix and match bold flavors at a budget-friendly price. Each week in August and September, customers can grab two pre-selected drinks for just $5, plus a free large cup of ice to create their own fizzy masterpiece. The lineup includes:

·       Patriot Punch: Merica Pop + Cherry Limeade Ghost

·       Cherry Drift: Bai Cherry + Canada Drift

·       Turbo Tang: Squirt + Orange Cream Ghost

·       Caf & Cola: A&W + La Colombe Vanilla

This isn’t just a drink deal—it’s an invitation to play, personalize, and participate.

 

Fresh Food, Fresh Identity: Love’s Fresh Kitchen

Complementing the beverage innovation is Love’s Fresh Kitchen, a daily in-store prepared food concept that delivers regional produce and portable freshness. Summer 2025 offerings include:

·       Chipotle-flavored chicken tacos

·       Chicken salad wraps

·       Cheddar sausage on a bun

·       Strawberry and pineapple fruit cups

·       Fresh strawberry parfaits

With over 64% of consumers seeking snacks that “appear good for them,” Love’s is meeting demand with fresh, flavorful, and functional options.

 

Four Reasons This Strategy Drives Customer Adoption

1.       Interactive Customization: Customers become co-creators, mixing drinks to their taste—turning a transaction into an experience.

2.       Budget-Friendly Indulgence: At $5 for two drinks, the value proposition is irresistible, especially for families and road trippers.

3.       Weekly Novelty: Rotating flavors keep customers coming back, eager to try the next mashup.

4.       Cross-Category Engagement: Pairing beverage innovation with fresh food offerings encourages multi-item purchases and longer dwell time.

 

How It Plays Into the Grocerant Niche Trend

The grocerant niche—where grocery meets restaurant—thrives on portability, freshness, and personalization. Love’s Fresh Kitchen and Midweek Mix-ups embody this trend by:

·       Offering restaurant-quality food in a convenience setting

·       Emphasizing fresh, daily-prepared meals

·       Encouraging customer interaction and customization

·       Creating a destination experience rather than a pit stop

This strategy transforms Love’s from a travel center into a food-forward brand with grocerant credibility.

 

Elevating the Love’s Brand While Garnering Trial

By embracing participatory marketing, Love’s has:

·       Repositioned itself as a food and beverage innovator

·       Garnered trial from curious customers drawn to the novelty

·       Built emotional engagement through personalization

·       Created buzz around its brand with social media-worthy drink creations

·       Strengthened loyalty by offering consistent value and freshness

This isn’t just marketing—it’s brand building with a purpose.

 

Five Grocerant Guru® Insights on Customization & Brand Identity

1.       Customization is Currency: In today’s market, giving customers control over their experience is more valuable than discounts.

2.       Personalization Drives Loyalty: When customers feel seen and served, they return—not just for the product, but for the experience.

3.       A Personalized Brand Entity Builds Trust: Brands that reflect customer preferences feel more authentic and relevant.

4.       Interactive Platforms Create Emotional Connections: Participation turns customers into brand advocates.

5.       Vibrant Identity = Sustainable Growth: A brand that evolves with its customers remains top-of-mind and top-of-heart.

 

Love’s Travel Stops has proven that with the right blend of innovation, interaction, and identity, even a roadside stop can become a destination for flavor, freshness, and fun. The grocerant revolution is rolling—and Love’s is driving it forward.

Elevate Your Brand with Expert Insights

For corporate presentations, regional chain strategies, educational forums, or keynote speaking, Steven Johnson, the Grocerant Guru®, delivers actionable insights that fuel success.

With deep experience in restaurant operations, brand positioning, and strategic consulting, Steven provides valuable takeaways that inspire and drive results.

💡 Visit GrocerantGuru.com or FoodserviceSolutions.US
📞 Call 1-253-759-7869

Is Drone Food Delivery the Price of Customer Relevance?

 

In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven food landscape, GoTo Foods’ leap into drone delivery with DoorDash isn’t just a flashy headline, it’s a strategic move aimed at staying relevant to the modern consumer. Steven Johnson the Grocerant Guru®, at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® sees this as a bold signal that the intersection of technology, convenience, and consumer expectations is reshaping how, when, and where meals are consumed.

Let’s drill down into what this means for working parents, remote workers, and the ever-evolving dinner table.

 

Dinner Solutions for the Work-From-Home Generation

The rise of remote work has transformed the daily rhythm of family life. Parents juggling Zoom calls and school pickups are craving dinner solutions that are fast, fresh, and frictionless. Drone delivery offers:

• Speed without sacrifice: Meals arrive in minutes, preserving temperature and taste.
• Zero commute: No need to leave the house or sit in traffic—just tap and eat.
• Stress-free evenings: Working parents gain back precious time, turning dinner into a moment of ease rather than effort.

This isn’t just delivery—it’s a lifestyle upgrade.

 

Cost Savings Through Operational Efficiency

From a business perspective, drone delivery isn’t just about novelty—it’s about margins. Consider the cost-saving potential:

• Reduced labor dependency: Autonomous delivery cuts down on driver costs and scheduling headaches.
• Optimized logistics: Drones bypass traffic and reduce fuel expenses.
• Higher throughput: Faster delivery means more orders per hour, boosting revenue without expanding footprint.

For GoTo Foods, this is a scalable innovation that aligns with their digital-first strategy and multiplies ROI across multiple brands.

 

Meeting Consumer Expectations in the Age of Immediacy

Today’s consumers—especially Gen Z—don’t just want food; they want it now, personalized, and on their terms. Drone delivery checks all the boxes:

• Hyper-convenience: Meals delivered in under 20 minutes.
• Tech-forward appeal: Autonomous delivery resonates with digital natives.
• Expanded access: Suburban families can now enjoy mall favorites without the mall.

This isn’t just about food—it’s about fulfilling emotional and practical needs in real time.

 

Four Insights from the Grocerant Guru®: Tech + Relevance = Loyalty

1. Convenience is the new currency
   Consumers will pay for ease. Drone delivery turns convenience into a competitive advantage.
2. Technology drives trust
   When tech works seamlessly—like drones arriving with hot meals—it builds brand credibility and repeat business.
3. Relevance requires reinvention
   Legacy brands must evolve or risk irrelevance. GoTo Foods is showing how to modernize without losing identity.
4. Dinner is a decision point
   Every evening, families decide: cook, order, or compromise. Drone delivery makes ordering the easiest—and often smartest—choice.

 

GoTo Foods isn’t just delivering meals—they’re delivering on the promise of relevance in a world where time, tech, and taste converge. For grocerants and foodservice operators alike, the message is clear: innovate or evaporate.

Are you ready for some fresh ideations? Do your food marketing ideas look more like yesterday than tomorrow? Interested in learning how our Grocerant Guru® can edify your retail food brand while creating a platform for consumer convenient meal participation, differentiation and individualization?  Email us at: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us or visit: us on our social media sites by clicking one of the following links: Facebook,  LinkedIn, or Twitter