Monday, March 18, 2024

This Year Consider Catering options for your Easter Dinner

 


At the intersection of time starved consumers and family fun at our house Easter was alive with activity both inside and out and always included extended family members the help make that day special. Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® believes that the more time you have to spend with your family and friends both inside and out the richer your memories will be. Here are five reasons having your Easter Dinner catered just me be the best option for a family:

1.       Relax and Enjoy: Catered Easter dinner frees you from hours in the kitchen prepping, cooking, and cleaning. Spend quality time with family reminiscing and making memories.

2.       Variety and Expertise: Caterers offer a wider selection of dishes than you might typically make at home. They can handle dietary restrictions and ensure everything is perfectly cooked.

3.       Less Stress, More Fun: No worrying about burning the main course or forgetting an ingredient. Caterers take care of everything, so you can focus on setting the table and decorations.

4.       Leftovers Done Right: Catered portions are often pre-determined, reducing food waste. You'll have delicious leftovers to enjoy throughout the week.

5.       Cleanup is a Breeze: Catered meals usually come with disposable serving ware or minimal dishes. Relax after dinner and let someone else handle the cleanup!


Here are just a few ideas of what you can get catered for Easter:

Perry’s Steakhouse
This Easter, Perry’s Steakhouse is giving guests two options for celebration – either in restaurant or the comfort of your home!

§  Easter Sunday Ham Special (Individual) – $49: Available on Sunday, Mar. 31 from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. for dine-in or to-go. Includes your choice of starter (Perry’s Pear Salad or Carrot Ginger Soup), Entree (sliced, double-smoked, triple-glazed ham served with whipped potatoes and green bean almondine). Guests can add an additional serving of white chocolate cheesecake for $9.

§  Easter Family Meal for 4 – $149: Available Mar. 30 – 31 from 11 a.m. – close for to-go only. Includes your choice of starter (Perry’s Pear Salad or Carrot Ginger Soup), Entree (sliced, double-smoked, triple-glazed ham served with whipped potatoes and green bean almondine). Guests can add an additional serving of white chocolate cheesecake for $9. Pre-order only from Mar. 2 – 31. Heat & Eat Cold pickup available Saturday, Mar. 30 and Sunday, Mar. 31. Ready to Eat Hot pickup available on Sunday, Mar. 31.


Golden Corral
Just in time for Easter, Golden Corral is bringing back the beloved Butterfly Shrimp and 3 flavors of Chicken Tenders to its all you can eat buffet now through Apr. 7 for dinner on weekdays after 4 p.m. For those spending Easter with the family at home, Golden Corral is offering to-go family meals available for online ordering now for pickup from Mar. 25 – Apr. 7.

Polly’s Pies
Polly’s Pie is offering family catering for Easter dinner and beyond, including Breakfast Bundles available for order from Feb. 27 – May 12, PLUS bottomless mimosas on Easter Day for $13.99. Additionally, Polly’s Pie is offering a Breakfast in Bed Box, complete with quiche, cinnamon rolls, coffee, and bumbleberry jam, available for nationwide shipping starting Feb. 26.

Ruby Slipper
Guests can take advantage of Ruby Slipper’s off-premise catering options to enjoy breakfast and brunch in your home or anywhere they’d like! Ruby Slipper’s catering menu features a tempting array of signature dishes such as delicious biscuits, French toast, breakfast tacos and much more, available all Easter Weekend March 29 – 31.


SPECIALTY MENU ITEMS

Tim Hortons
Spring has sprung at Tim Hortons! To celebrate the season, Tim Hortons is bringing back its festive array of Spring Donuts – showcasing bright Easter eggs and flower designs using colorful sprinkles and icing. These sweet treats are available for a limited time only from Feb. 28 – Apr. 2 at participating restaurants. Get your pack of six today!

Bar Louie
Trying to hop out of the house on Easter Sunday? Come to Bar Louie on Sunday, March 31, to enjoy an array of amazing brunch specials. Indulge yourself with $3 mimosas and $15 pitchers while soaking in the Sunday fun and sun on one of our many spacious patios! Pricing and participation may vary.

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.



Sunday, March 17, 2024

From Rotisserie Riches to Rags: Learning from Boston Market's Decline

 


If success does leave clues, then failure leaves many as well.  Regular readers of this blog know that Boston Market, once a pioneer of rotisserie chicken and home-style meals, finds itself facing a slow fade. This isn't the first time a seemingly established brand has fallen from grace. The story of Boston Market's decline shares eerie similarities with the fall of the grocery giant A&P, offering valuable lessons for any business owner according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.

A Recipe for Decline

Both Boston Market and A&P were victims of failing to adapt. A&P, once a dominant supermarket chain, struggled to compete with the rise of discount grocers and more convenient options. Likewise, Boston Market's menu stagnation left it vulnerable to fresher, more health-conscious fast-casual chains.

Financial woes compounded the problem. A&P's expansion relied heavily on debt, while Boston Market cycled through ownership changes, leading to inconsistent strategies and cost-cutting measures that alienated customers. Lawsuits from unpaid vendors further tarnished Boston Market's reputation.


Avoiding a Similar Fate

So, how can businesses avoid this fate? Here are some key takeaways:

·         Evolve or Get Left Behind: Consumer preferences change rapidly. Regularly assess your offerings and adjust your menus or service models to stay relevant.

·         Prioritize Customer Satisfaction: A loyal customer base is your best defense. Invest in quality ingredients, friendly service, and a clean environment.

·         Manage Finances Wisely: Debt can be a burden, especially during downturns. Maintain a healthy financial buffer and avoid overextending yourself.

·         Invest in Your People: Happy employees translate to happy customers. Foster a positive work environment and prioritize fair wages and benefits.


Learning from the Past, Securing the Future

By understanding the missteps of brands like Boston Market and A&P, businesses can course-correct and ensure long-term success. Remember, the key is adaptability, customer focus, financial responsibility, and a commitment to your workforce. By staying ahead of the curve and keeping your customers at the heart of your strategy, you can carve out a sustainable path for your brand.

Success does leave clues. One clue that time and time again continues to resurface is “the consumer is dynamic not static”.  Regular readers of this blog know that is the common refrain of Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.  Our Grocerant Guru® can help your company edify your brand with relevance.  Call 253-759-7869 for more information. 



Saturday, March 16, 2024

Foodservice Solutions® Top Six Reasons Consumer Buy Prepared Meals


 

Consumers are dynamic not static according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®. So, the question becomes just why are consumers in 2024 time-starved? Ok, let’s see a few reasons:

·         Busy Lives: The juggle of work, family, and personal commitments continue to be a major time drain.

·         Economic Factors: With lingering economic effects from past events, some may need to work longer hours or take on extra jobs to make ends meet.

·         Technology Overload: The constant barrage of information and notifications can make it hard to focus and can fragment free time.


Now, we have to ask are they more time-starved than in 2020?

It's hard to say definitively, but some factors suggest they might be:

·         Post-Pandemic Effects: The pandemic might have caused long-term shifts in work culture, with more remote work leading to "always-on" mentalities.

·         Evolving Technology: As AI and automation become more integrated into daily life, new demands on attention and new ways to fill time gaps could emerge.

However, there are also trends that could be mitigating time pressures:

·         Focus on Convenience: Businesses are increasingly catering to time-starved consumers with faster services, delivery options, and streamlined experiences.

·         Time Management Tools: Technology can be a double-edged sword, but there's also a rise in time management apps and productivity hacks that could help people be more efficient.


Overall, time scarcity remains a significant issue for consumers, though the specific challenges might have evolved since 2020. The demand for grocerant niche Ready-2-Eat and Heat-N-Eat fresh prepared food continues to drive customer adoption of meal solutions including fresh prepared meals, meal components, and beverages that cam be mixed and matched into a perfect family meal.

Here are Foodservice Solutions® six top reasons consumers buy fresh prepared food at grocery stores:

1.       Convenience: This is the biggest driver. People are busy and don't have a lot of time to cook elaborate meals from scratch Prepared food offers a quick and easy solution for lunch, dinner, or even a snack.

2.       Variety: Grocery stores offer a wide variety of prepared foods, from ethnic cuisines to healthy options to classic comfort food. This allows consumers to try new things without having to buy all the ingredients themselves.


3.       Quality and Taste: Grocery stores have gotten better at offering fresh, high-quality prepared foods that taste good. This is especially appealing to consumers who may not be confident in their own cooking skills.

4.       Price: Prepared food can be a relatively affordable option, especially compared to eating out at a restaurant.

5.       Portion Control: Prepared meals can help with portion control, which is important for people who are watching their weight.

6.       Dietary Needs: Many grocery stores offer prepared foods that cater to specific dietary needs, such as gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan options.

Don’t over reach. Are you ready for some fresh ideations? Do your food marketing ideations look more like yesterday than tomorrow? Interested in learning how Foodservice Solutions® can edify your retail food brand while creating a platform for consumer convenient meal participationdifferentiation and individualization?  Email us at: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us or visit us on our social media sites by clicking the following links: Facebook,  LinkedIn, or Twitter



Friday, March 15, 2024

Five Iron Golf’s Beverage Partnership is Branding Coup

 


Five Iron Golf, the nation’s leading indoor golf and entertainment space that is consumer focused, interactive, participatory and selling both food and beverage recently announced a partnership with Rehab Monster proving you don’t have to have 100 plus locations to garner marketing partnerships that drive new electricity.

Now according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® the following 5 attributes might well be relevant to FIVE IRON Golf ability to garner the partnership:

1.       Golf Simulators: This is the core offering, allowing guests to play golf on a virtual course in a climate-controlled environment.

2.       Social Atmosphere: The venues aim to provide a fun and inviting space for socializing with friends and family, often featuring comfortable seating areas, bars, and game areas.

3.       Food and Beverage Service: FIVE IRON Golf offers a menu of food and beverages, including items like appetizers, entrees, and drinks, catering to guests who want to enjoy a meal or drinks while playing or socializing.

4.       Event Space: Some locations might offer dedicated event spaces for hosting private parties, corporate outings, or other gatherings.

5.       Technology Integration: The use of technology is likely evident throughout the experience, from the golf simulators themselves to features like online reservations or interactive menus.


So, the new deal sees Rehab Monster become the official energy drink sponsor, adding to the energy and excitement of Five Iron’s expansive network of over 500 league teams nationwide — now the United States’ largest indoor golf league.

Monster Energy’s ‘Refresh, Recover and Revive’ beverage line will now be available across all Five Iron locations, allowing golfers to keep the party going, whether they are socializing with friends, refining their swings, or going hard at competitive league play.

Dan McHugh, CMO at Monster Energy, stated, “We are thrilled to unveil our plans for this exciting partnership with Five Iron Golf,” ... “This collaboration is not just about energy drinks and golf; it’s about enhancing the overall experience for every patron stepping into Five Iron locations.”

Five Iron Golf CEO and Co-Founder Jared Solomon, stated, “Teaming up with Rehab Monster captures the synergy between vibrant energy and distinctive golf experiences in our spaces,” he said. “The Rehab Monster motto of ‘refresh, recover, revive’ mirrors our commitment to delivering an exceptional encounter of playing and socializing around the sport.”


This is not all, stay tuned for special announcements and events featuring the dynamic partnership between Rehab Monster and Five Iron Golf. Both brands are committed to the idea that golf and social activities are for everyone, be it late after work, early in the morning, or anytime in between.

Are you looking for new customers? Do you want to keep your current customers while building new electricity? According to Johnson, “Brand relevance is in part driven with innovation in new food products in combination with new avenues of distribution all of which are the platform for the new electricity.” 

Johnson stated “that in my minds-eye the new electricity must be very efficient for the supply and includes such things as fresh foods, developing brands, unique urban clothing, grocerant positioning, fresh food messaging, autonomous delivery, cashier-less retail, plates, glasses, cash-less payments, digital hand-held marketing.

All retailers to survive the next generation of retail must embrace the artificial intelligence revolution while simultaneously embracing fresh food that is portable, fresh, with differentiation that is familiar not different. 

For more information about Monster Energy, visit MonsterEnergy.com and follow Monster Energy on TwitchYouTubeFacebookInstagram and Twitter.


In case you did not know, Five Iron Golf, a leader in indoor golf and entertainment, boasts a global presence with 24 locations spanning 13 states and 4 countries. Recognized for its cutting-edge simulators, premium amenities, top-tier instruction, and a lively community feel, Five Iron Golf provides a dynamic atmosphere for playing, practicing, and partying. By seamlessly integrating technology, social engagement, and competitive spirit, Five Iron Golf is reshaping the indoor golf experience, with something for everyone. Beyond golf, Five Iron serves as the ideal space for hosting private celebrations and corporate gatherings alike. Tee up good times at FiveIronGolf.com.

For international corporate presentations, regional chain presentations, educational forums, or keynotes contact: Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions.  His extensive experience as a multi-unit restaurant operator, consultant, brand / product positioning expert, and public speaking will leave success clues for all. For more information visit GrocerantGuru.com, FoodserviceSolutions.US or call 1-253-759-7869



Thursday, March 14, 2024

7 Reasons Consumers want more than one Cookie from Potbelly

 


If success leaves clues and it does, Potbelly, the iconic neighborhood sandwich shop, is bundling joy in a new 6-Pack Cookie Box is a clue that they correctly picked-up on according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.  Let’s get into it, the reasons are:

1.       Variety: Potbelly offers a wide variety of tempting cookie flavors, making it difficult to choose just one. From classics like Chocolate Chip and Oatmeal Raisin to more unique options like Snickerdoodle and Double Chocolate Chunk, customers might crave trying multiple flavors to satisfy their diverse preferences.

2.       Sharing: Potbelly cookies are known for their generous size, making them perfect for sharing with friends, family, or colleagues. Purchasing multiple cookies allows customers to enjoy their own treat while offering some to others, fostering a sense of social connection and enjoyment.


3.       Value: While the price of a single cookie might seem reasonable, buying multiples can sometimes be more cost-effective. Potbelly may offer deals or discounts on bulk cookie purchases, incentivizing customers to buy more than one.

4.       Indulgence: Potbelly cookies are known for being delicious and satisfying. Customers seeking a full sweet treat experience might find that one cookie isn't enough to fulfill their craving, leading them to purchase multiple cookies for a more decadent experience.

5.       Planning ahead: Some customers might be purchasing cookies not just for immediate consumption, but also for later enjoyment. Buying multiple cookies allows them to stock up and satisfy their sweet tooth throughout the day or even share them with others at different times.

6.       Fear of missing out: With such a diverse and enticing selection of cookies available, customers might fear missing out on trying other flavors if they only buy one. This can lead them to purchase multiple cookies to ensure they get to experience a wider variety of tastes and textures.

Potbelly’s collection of cookies are now available for fans to choose as a 6-pack in their favorite cookie flavor or as an assortment. Launching Monday, March 4, the 6-Pack Boxes will be available for purchase through the Potbelly App, potbelly.com, third-party delivery apps and in-shop. 


The branded 6-Pack boxes will be available at shops nationwide. All Potbelly cookies are baked fresh in-shop daily, offering a range of options including classics like the Oatmeal Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Brownie, and Sugar Cookies.

David Daniels, Chief Marketing Officer of Potbelly, stated, “Our fans have an insatiable love for our cookies and now we’re making it easier for them to enjoy together with others, share as a gift or save for later, as we package them up in a convenient new 6-Pack Cookie Box,” … “It promises to serve up smiles and turn an ordinary meal together into a memorable experience.”

For exclusive offers and rewards, Potbelly encourages fans to join the Potbelly Perks program, where they can unlock special offers on the entire menu. To sign up for the Potbelly Perks reward program, visit www.potbelly.com/perks, and, for more information on Potbelly, please visit www.potbelly.com.  

Success does leave clues. One clue that time and time again continues to resurface is “the consumer is dynamic not static”.  Regular readers of this blog know that is the common refrain of Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.  Our Grocerant Guru® can help your company edify your brand with relevance.  Call 253-759-7869 for more information.