Weekend Sport Viewing: The Ultimate Game Day Food Guide

 

As sports seasons overlap—football kicking into high gear, basketball getting underway, and hockey energizing its fans—weekend sports viewing turns into a marathon of excitement. Steven Johnson the Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®, knows that to make the most of this viewing experience, fans want a range of options that blend favorite flavors and convenience with game-day energy. Here’s a breakdown of the winning foods, snacks, and flavors, plus tips on mix-and-match strategies to score big with fans on game day or for a full sports-viewing weekend.

Winning Game Day Foods and Snacks

1. Sliders: The MVP of Flexibility and Flavor

·         What fans love: Sliders are universally beloved for their customizable nature, portability, and variety. Whether it’s classic beef with cheddar, BBQ pulled pork, or crispy chicken with a kick of spicy mayo, sliders appeal to fans across sports.

·         Marketing insight: Sliders cater to the “mini-meal” trend, giving consumers the ability to try multiple flavors and easily share with friends. Their small size also taps into the “snackification” movement, which has seen a 20% rise in consumer preference for bite-sized indulgences in the last few years.

2. Chicken Wings: A Flavor Playground

·         What fans love: Whether buffalo-style, sweet-and-spicy, or Korean BBQ, wings are a game-day staple that allows fans to mix flavors and adjust heat levels.

·         Marketing insight: The demand for bold flavors is clear, with over 60% of sports fans preferring sauces with a spicy twist. Offering a variety of flavors, from classic buffalo to unique international sauces, keeps fans coming back for more, letting them craft their flavor journey.

3. Nachos: The Layered King of Comfort Foods

·         What fans love: Nachos satisfy cravings for something crunchy, cheesy, and shareable. They’re infinitely adaptable, whether loaded with traditional queso and jalapeños or with toppings like pulled pork and pico de gallo for a twist.

·         Marketing insight: Shareable dishes like nachos tap into the social aspect of sports viewing. Studies show that 72% of fans prefer foods that can be easily shared in a group, making nachos a perfect go-to option.

4. Pizza: The Ultimate Game-Day Essential

·         What fans love: Pizza remains a staple, with flavors that are easy to customize. From classic pepperoni to veggie-loaded or even gourmet toppings, pizza offers something for every taste.

·         Marketing insight: Pizza’s popularity has surged, especially with the rise of premium and artisanal toppings, as fans seek options that feel indulgent yet customizable. Fast-casual and take-and-bake options have both soared, with pizza sales increasing by 15% on major game days over the past few years.

5. Dips and Chips: From Classic to Creative

·         What fans love: Whether it’s guacamole, queso, or a buffalo chicken dip, fans love to dip and munch. Chips and dips are versatile, satisfying the cravings for salty and creamy textures.

·         Marketing insight: Dips allow for cross-promotional marketing, where grocery stores and restaurants can create bundle deals, positioning dips as “add-ons” that encourage incremental sales. The trend toward “snack plates” has driven a 25% increase in dip variety sales.

Crafting the Ultimate Game-Day Spread: Mix-and-Match Strategies

1. Flavor Profiles that Excite and Satisfy

·         Balance Heat with Coolness: Pair spicy items like buffalo wings with cooling sides like ranch or creamy dips. For instance, sliders with spicy toppings work well alongside mild options like guacamole or classic salsa for chips.

·         Add a Sweet Element: Sweet BBQ sliders or teriyaki wings are crowd-pleasers and offer a change of pace from the heavy savory flavors. Throw in a dessert dip—think a caramel or chocolate spread for pretzels—as a surprising finish.

2. Portion Control and Easy Customization

·         Mini-Meals on Repeat: Sliders, wings, and nachos can be served in smaller portions, allowing fans to build a plate based on their flavor cravings without overindulging. This approach encourages a balance of variety, as consumers can try more while managing intake, an increasingly popular choice among younger consumers.

·         Personalized Pizzas: Offering a mix of toppings, fans can create their own pizza lineup or indulge in smaller, individual pizzas. Combine fan-favorite pizza toppings with exclusive “sports-themed” combos that appeal to hardcore fans, like “Buffalo Bills Blue Cheese” or “Blackhawks BBQ.”

3. Drinks that Complement and Elevate

·         Pair for Impact: Fans love pairing wings with beer, but mix in lighter choices like seltzers for variety. Classic beers for the heavier, salty flavors and refreshing cocktails for milder bites create a rounded-out beverage experience.

·         Non-Alcoholic Options: Mocktails and creative non-alcoholic beverages like flavored lemonades or iced teas appeal to a wide audience, tapping into the sober-curious movement. Adding these choices alongside traditional drinks makes for an inclusive setup.

Proven Marketing Strategies for Game Day Foods

1. Bundle Deals and Custom Packages

·         What works: Pre-bundled meal deals including sliders, wings, dips, and drinks simplify the ordering process and boost the check average. For sports fans, time is of the essence, so the “grab-and-go” or “game-day bundle” model has become a winner for grocery stores and restaurants alike.

2. Limited-Time Game Day Flavors

·         What works: Sports-themed flavors, such as “Touchdown Taco” wings or “Hat Trick Habanero” sliders, drive urgency and brand engagement. By positioning these as “limited-time” flavors, restaurants and stores can capitalize on the limited availability factor to drive sales.

3. Pre-Game and Halftime Promotions

·         What works: Many consumers snack more in anticipation of the game or at halftime. Offering a discount on popular items an hour before the game and halftime encourages fans to purchase more at peak times.

In the end, game-day food and snack offerings play a pivotal role in enhancing the sports-watching experience. By aligning popular flavors with mix-and-match options, brands and stores can satisfy fans’ cravings while capitalizing on the social, shared nature of sports viewing. And with smart marketing and bundle deals, they’re set to score big—whether on game day or across a whole sports-packed weekend.

Foodservice Solutions® specializes in outsourced business development. We can help you identify, quantify and qualify additional food retail segment opportunities or a new menu product segment and brand and menu integration strategy.  Foodservice Solutions® of Tacoma WA is the global leader in the Grocerant niche.

Handheld Food and Wings: A Powerful Combo for Tailgating Success

 

Steven Johnson the Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®, has watched tailgating evolve from a simple pre-game ritual into a full-fledged culinary experience. Today’s consumers demand convenience, flavor, and variety, all of which have led to the rise of handheld food as a go-to option. Whether it's for a tailgate, watch party, or just casual snacking, handheld food is dominating the scene—and chicken wings are leading the charge.

Bojangles’ recent launch of all-new Chicken Wings with House-made Ranch, timed perfectly for football season, is a prime example of how the combination of handheld food and wings can become a powerful trend in the tailgating niche. Here’s why this combo is a game-changer for both consumers and restaurants.

1. Convenience is King

Tailgating is all about simplicity—easy setup, easy cleanup, and, most importantly, easy eating. Handheld food fits the bill perfectly. With wings, you’ve got a dish that doesn’t require utensils, is easy to share, and is incredibly versatile. Bojangles’ new wings, available in packs of 20, 40, or 60, cater directly to this demand, making it easier than ever for fans to fuel up before the big game without the hassle.

2. Flavor That Packs a Punch

Bold flavors are a must for any successful tailgate spread, and Bojangles’ wings don’t disappoint. Their tender, juicy chicken wings are marinated in a secret blend of spices and cooked to perfection. With three distinct flavor options—Creamy Buffalo, BBQ, and Classic—the wings offer something for every palate. Add to that the new creamy House-made Ranch, and you’ve got a match made in tailgate heaven. This diversity of flavors ensures that whether you’re feeding a crowd or indulging solo, everyone gets to savor their favorite taste.

3. The Social Aspect

Tailgating is about more than just food; it’s about community. Handheld food like wings makes sharing and socializing effortless. Bojangles, already known as “Tailgate HQ” with a history of supporting college and professional sports teams, understands this. Their new chicken wings are designed to bring fans together, whether at the stadium, at home, or on the go. The packs of 20, 40, or 60 wings encourage group participation, turning any gathering into a Bo Time celebration.

4. The Limited-Time Appeal

Scarcity drives demand, and limited-time offers (LTOs) are a proven way to create excitement. Bojangles’ Chicken Wings are available only for a limited time, which adds an element of urgency for fans. The added bonus of 20% off a five-piece wings combo when ordering through the app is a smart move, encouraging digital engagement and app usage. This kind of strategic LTO not only drives immediate sales but also builds anticipation and loyalty.

5. Brand Loyalty and Cultural Relevance

Tailgating is steeped in tradition, and brands that align themselves with these cultural moments gain a significant advantage. Bojangles has a long-standing relationship with the Carolina Panthers, celebrating 30 years of partnership, and its reputation as a tailgating staple is well-earned. By introducing these new wings, Bojangles reinforces its position as the go-to destination for football fans. It’s not just about selling food; it’s about being part of the experience that fans look forward to every season.

6. Versatility and Customization

One of the key reasons handheld food and wings are so powerful is their adaptability. Bojangles’ wings can be enjoyed as part of a combo meal, an add-on, or a standalone snack. This flexibility allows consumers to customize their order to fit their needs, whether they’re grabbing a quick bite or feeding a crowd. With wings being a universally loved food, their inclusion in tailgate menus ensures that there’s something for everyone.

Final Thoughts

The combination of handheld food and wings as a tailgating limited-time offer is more than just a trend—it’s a winning strategy that meets the evolving demands of today’s consumers. Bojangles’ new Chicken Wings with House-made Ranch are poised to elevate tailgates and watch parties alike, making it easier than ever for fans to enjoy bold, flavorful food while cheering on their favorite teams. In a world where convenience, flavor, and community are paramount, this powerful combo is a touchdown for both the brand and its customers.

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. 

Dickey's Barbecue Complete Super Bowl Game Day Food Bundle

 

Family, friends, school mates, it does not matter who you have asked to come over to watch the Super Bowl with you this year.  This year Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is making it easy to impress your group of hungry football fans watching the game at your house according to Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.  Johnson, stated “Dickey’s mix & match bundled gameday special make it easy on the host and enjoyable for guest with all the gameday favorites.”

Dickey’s is the world’s largest barbecue concept, and they are offering big deals for the Big Game that are conveniently available for same-day delivery, pickup and to-go. Gameday specials include:

·         Dickey’s Big Yellow Box Ribs & Wings Party Pack (Starting at $120) – A combination of 18 Ribs and 24 Wings, Mac and Cheese, Cole Slaw, Rolls, barbecue sauce and ranch dressing. Pricing and participation may vary by location.

·         Pit-Smoked Wings – Available in six, nine, 12, 18 and 24 pieces.

·         Fall-Off-The-Bone Ribs – Available in six, nine, 12, 18 and 24 pieces.

·         $5 Off $25 – Get $5 off online and app orders of $25 or more with code: 5OFF25.

·         Kids Eat Free Sunday – Receive a free Kid’s Meal with an order of $10 or more using the code KEFOLO. One Kid’s Meal per check with a minimum $10 purchase. Available at participating Dickey’s locations only. Kids 12 and under. Not valid with any other coupons, offers, discounts or promotions.

Why spending all day cooking from scratch, looking up recipes, hoping the food is any good?  This year instead of the same old game day food, “get fall-off-the-bone ribs and pit-smoked wings. Dickey’s offers endless saucabilities to choose from, including fan favorites like Rib Rub and Classic Barbecue Sauce or bold flavors such as Sweet Barbecue, Carolina Barbecue, Buffalo, Hot Buffalo, Texas Hot and Lemon Pepper – perfect for hosting a group of people with a variety of flavor preferences” according to Dickey’s

Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, stated, “Dickey’s will help keep everyone quiet during the Big Game, halftime show and commercials as they’re preoccupied with delicious Texas barbecue,” says “Dickey’s Fall-Off-The-Bone Ribs and Pit-Smoked Wings are the perfect pairing for Championship Sunday, and you’ll get all the praise as the MVP host. We have plenty of options to choose from, so call or go online today and end the football season the right way!”

In addition, Dickey’s is offering guests free doorstep delivery! Let Dickey’s deliver fresh pit-smoked barbecue directly to your door. Simply select the “Delivery” option at checkout. Valid for orders of $10 or more placed through dickeys.com or the Dickey’s App.

You can call Dickey’s catering experts at 1-866-BARBECUE (866-227-2328) or request a quote on www.dickeys.com  to discover the variety of catering options available for watch parties of any size.

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 participation, differentiation 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

Bojangles’ Big Bo Boxes of Fans Football Food

It’s that time of the year when football fans start to gather and root for the ‘home team’.  College and NFL teams are the talk of the sports world and the kitchen table and Bojangles wants that table filled with food from Bojangles and why not.

This year Bojangles is expanding their tailgating Big Bo Box offering to include a commemorative 25th season-themed box with its home team, plus nine additional teams across the South. Yes, a collectable which adds incremental value while edifying personalization and customization according to Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.

So, after a successful, first-ever redesign of the iconic Bojangles’ Big Bo Box with the Carolina Panthers last season, the company is expanding this year’s tailgating Big Bo Box offering to include a commemorative 25th season-themed box with its home team, plus nine additional teams across the South. The 10 newly designed Big Bo Boxes, which are available in stores now, give fans a new way to showcase their team pride and feed their crews with real deal Southern flavor ahead of all their games—home and away.

Jackie Woodward, chief marketing officer for Bojangles stated “Kicking off with our hometown team was a great test last year,”.. “It’s even more exciting to expand to a new NFL market for the 2019-2020 season and feature some of the top college football programs in the nation, such as the Alabama Crimson Tide, Clemson Tigers, and Georgia Bulldogs. These new boxes allow fans to not just throw a tailgate but own the tailgate with Bojangles.”

In addition to the Carolina Panthers, a Tennessee Titans box will also be available for NFL fans throughout that state. Featured college teams include the University of Alabama, Clemson University, East Tennessee State University, University of Georgia, James Madison University, University of South Carolina, University of Virginia, and Western Carolina University. Each college Big Bo Box will only be available at restaurants in the team’s primary market(s).

To receive one of the new Big Bo Boxes, guests will need to purchase and enjoy one of the Southern chain’s 8, 12 or 20-piece tailgate specials with their choice of home-style fixin’s, biscuits, Legendary Iced Tea, plus all the cups, plates and utensils to own your tailgate.

Continuing with consumer focused interaction fans are encouraged to share a picture of themselves and their favorite tailgating moments with the Bojangles’ boxes by using #LongLiveTheTailgate and tagging @Bojangles1977 on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for a chance to be featured on Bojangles’ social media pages.

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 that tomorrow?  Visit www.FoodserviceSolutions.us 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.