10 Reasons to Buy Restaurant Gift Cards This Year

 

Restaurant gift cards are a holiday favorite for good reason. They blend thoughtfulness with practicality, offering recipients the chance to enjoy delicious meals at their favorite eateries. According to the National Restaurant Association, 3 in 5 adults plan to give restaurant gift cards this season, with the trend particularly strong among younger generations. Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® suggest we explore why restaurant gift cards are the perfect choice for your holiday shopping list.

1. Convenience for Busy Shoppers

Buying restaurant gift cards is quick and hassle-free. Whether you purchase them online, at a restaurant, or through major retailers like Walmart and Amazon, you can easily check multiple names off your list with minimal effort.

2. Flexibility for Recipients

Restaurant gift cards offer unparalleled flexibility. Recipients can use them for dine-in meals, takeout, or delivery—making them ideal for a wide range of preferences and schedules. In fact, 76% of adults value the option to use gift cards for delivery or takeout, and this number jumps to 82% among Millennials.

3. Full Meal Coverage

A thoughtful gift should eliminate stress, and 81% of adults say it’s important that a restaurant gift card covers the full cost of a meal. By selecting cards with higher values, you ensure your gift provides a complete dining experience.

4. Support for Local Favorites

Nearly half of all adults (48%) prefer to buy gift cards directly from restaurants, allowing them to support their favorite local spots. This is especially meaningful in the post-pandemic era, as many restaurants continue to rebuild.

5. Perfect for Food Lovers

Everyone loves good food. Whether it’s a burger enthusiast, a sushi aficionado, or a brunch devotee, there’s a restaurant gift card for every palate. Cards from popular chains like Olive Garden, Chipotle, or Starbucks cater to diverse tastes.

6. Gifting Across Generations

While 74% of Gen Z and 70% of Millennials plan to give restaurant gift cards, older generations are also joining in. Baby Boomers, for instance, love gifting these cards because they know recipients enjoy dining out, making them an ageless gift option.

7. Memorable Dining Experiences

A restaurant gift card is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. It brings people together to create lasting memories, whether it’s a family dinner, a romantic date night, or a casual outing with friends.

8. Tailored to Familiarity

Recipients overwhelmingly prefer cards for restaurants they already know and love. Seventy-seven percent favor familiar spots over new ones, making cards from recognizable brands a safe and appreciated choice.

9. Budget-Friendly Options

With a range of denominations available, restaurant gift cards fit any budget. You can give a small token for casual outings or a generous amount for fine dining. Options like Cheesecake Factory or Outback Steakhouse often include bonus deals during the holiday season, providing extra value.

10. Practical and Thoughtful

Restaurant gift cards strike the perfect balance between practicality and thoughtfulness. They’re ideal for hard-to-shop-for individuals, allowing them to enjoy a meal when it’s most convenient for them.

Recommended Gift Cards for Different Types of Consumers

·         For Families: Cards for family-friendly spots like McDonald’s, Red Robin or Cracker Barrel are great choices, ensuring everyone from kids to grandparents enjoys the meal.

·         For Coffee Lovers: Starbucks and Dunkin' gift cards cater to caffeine aficionados and casual coffee drinkers alike.

·         For Foodies: Upscale options like Ruth’s Chris Steak House or The Capital Grille provide a luxurious dining experience.

·         For Busy Professionals: Fast-casual favorites like Panera Bread or Chipotle offer quick and satisfying meals.

·         For Adventurous Eaters: Cards for ethnic cuisine restaurants or regional chains introduce recipients to bold new flavors.

Think About This

Restaurant gift cards are the ultimate holiday gift for friends, family, and colleagues. They’re easy to buy, thoughtful to give, and delightful to receive. This season, follow the trend set by 59% of adults and make restaurant gift cards the centerpiece of your holiday gifting strategy.

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.

White Castle Selling Relevance

 

If you were ever wondering what brand relevance looked like after over a hundred Yes, (102) years of messaging looked like just keep reading.  White Castle after over 102 years has brand electricity once again this year.  How can that be?  Simple branded gift giving! 

According to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® “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 continued “that in my minds-eye the new electricity must be very efficient for the supply and includes such things as fresh foods, meal kits, beer, developing brands, unique urban clothing, grocerant positioning, Fresh food messaging, autonomous delivery, cashier-less retail, plates, glasses, cash-less payments, digital hand-held marketing.

I’m sure most of you know that White Castle fans wear their Cravings on their sleeves — figuratively and, sometimes, quite literally. We know who they are, our friends and family members who seek out — morning, noon and night — those one-of-a-kind, steam-grilled, 100% beef patties served on a bakery fresh bun with a single pickle. They are Cravers, and they have holiday gift wish lists like everyone else. Now, shopping for the Craver in your life just got a whole lot easier!

White Castle, fast-food pioneer and home of The Original Slider, has just unveiled its 2023 Ultimate Craver’s Gift Guide. This year’s guide features exclusive and limited-edition items, each tailor made to put a smile on the face of all Cravers, even those who have every Castle collectible ever created. Many of the items are conveniently available on White Castle’s House of Crave shoppable website.

“As a family-owned business for 102 years, we cherish creating memorable moments year-round, and especially during the holiday season,” said Jamie Richardson, vice president at White Castle and fourth-generation family member. “This year’s Ultimate Craver’s Gift Guide is ready to bring the wonder, the fun and the warmth to your holiday gift giving.”  

Introducing the 2023 Ultimate Craver’s Gift Guide.

1. Limited-Edition Snow Globe 

Create a memorable moment for yourself or a loved one with this new, one-of-a-kind keepsake. White Castle is offering a classic holiday snow globe featuring a miniature, vintage White Castle scene. Shake it and watch the snow fall over the Castle.

2. Limited-Edition Collectible Mugs 

Buy one or collect all four of this year’s limited-edition seasonal mugs. There’s a mug for spring, summer, fall and winter, each featuring an image of White Castle on one side, a seasonal image on the other side and a color scheme reflective of the season. These stackable ceramic mugs can be purchased online at the House of Crave or at Castle locations.

3. White Castle Knit Scarf and Winter Hat Set 

This super soft, woven knit hat and scarf combo is guaranteed to put a smile on any Craver’s face this holiday season — and to keep them warm throughout the winter. Both items are a lovely cream color and feature a faux leather patch with White Castle’s logo. A cream-color pom adorns the top of the hat.

4. Slider Ornament 

When your holiday guests see this Cheese Slider ornament hanging from your tree, they’ll know you’re a White Castle fan! Made of zinc alloy, the ornament measures about 2 inches wide and comes with a metal hanging cord.

5. White Castle Stocking 

Every White Castle Craver needs to hang this charming felt stocking by the chimney with care. The White Castle logo is the focal point of the royal blue stocking, which also features images of Sliders, Cheese Sliders, French fries and snowflakes in repeating rows. It’s perfect for stuffing with White Castle gift cards.

6. White Castle Crewneck Sweatshirt 

Keep warm this winter while showing off your love for White Castle. This royal blue sweatshirt, made from a 50-50 cotton-polyester blend, sports the name White Castle with a subtle yet stylish flair. It’s available in sizes S-2XL.

7. Fat Joe-Designed “Night Castle” Clothing Set 

White Castle and legendary hip-hop artist Fat Joe recently teamed up to launch a line of co-branded “Night Castle” merchandise. The merch includes a T-shirt, shorts and a trucker snapback hat, all featuring a specially designed logo that takes inspiration from the graffiti art style at the heart of hip-hop’s roots. One hundred percent of the net proceeds will benefit Renaissance Youth Center, a nonprofit organization serving young people in the Bronx, Fat Joe’s hometown.

8. White Castle Glass and Bamboo Bottle 

This reusable water bottle is made with extra thick borosilicate glass, making it very durable, easy to clean, and perfect for both hot and cold beverages. The spill-proof lid is made of sustainable bamboo wood. Proudly sporting the name White Castle, the water bottle is a must-have for serious Cravers.

9. Chicken Ring Key Ring 

The Chicken Ring keychain looks so much like the real thing that someone’s bound to take a bite out of it, so be careful where you leave it! Designed by Etsy artist Mo of mousemarket using polymer clay, this whimsical keychain makes a fun and inexpensive gift.  

10. White Castle Gift Card with Free Bonus Card (available in Castles only)  

For every $25 worth of White Castle gift cards purchased between Nov. 12 and Dec. 31, get a $5 bonus card that can be used between Jan. 1 and Feb. 28, 2024.

BONUS: White Castle Wrapping Paper 

Gift givers can complete the perfect package with White Castle wrapping paper! The elegant white paper with the White Castle logo pattern is perfect for holiday gift-giving and every other gift-giving occasion.

Craver’s visiting their nearby White Castle restaurants can add a little holiday magic to their meals with three limited-edition Coca-Cola Freestyle Holiday Mixes: Coca-Cola Vanilla Swirl, Sprite Vanilla Frost and Coca-Cola Cream Soda. Beginning yesterday and available while supplies last, Cravers will also receive an exclusive White Castle Holiday Coupon Book with $45 of savings on purchases at a Castle, through White Castle’s mobile app and in grocery stores.

“Whether dining in the Castle or preparing Sliders purchased in your nearby grocery aisle, there is something extra special about the holiday Crave!” adds Richardson.

Looking for success clues of your own? Foodservice Solutions® specializes in outsourced food marketing and business development ideations. We can help you identify, quantify and qualify additional food retail segment opportunities, technology, or a new menu product segment.  Foodservice Solutions® of Tacoma WA is the global leader in the Grocerant niche visit us on our social media sites by clicking one of the following links: Facebook,  LinkedIn, or Twitter

The Grocerant niche finds Peet’s Coffee Customized Success

Built on a foundation customization, personalization, and mix & match bunding the grocerant niche continues to drive top-line sales and bottom-line profits in every sector of retail foodservice today according to Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.

In an effort to elevate brand awareness in the growing coffee sector, Peet’s Coffee is making its roasted-to-order coffees available for personalized digital gifting with the gift experience management platform GiftNow, a Synchrony solution.

Get this, Peet’s Coffee has created a highly customizable coffee experience on www.peets.com  that allows coffee lovers to choose their preferred blend and grind type before the coffee is roasted. With GiftNow,

So, Peet’s enables customers to digitally gift personalized experiences to friends and loved ones, who will then receive a unique unboxing experience and have the opportunity to modify their gift to their taste and preferences and update delivery information before their gift ships. Peet’s customers can use GiftNow for special occasions, holidays and “just because” celebrations. 

Pari Raccah, general manager for GiftNow at Synchrony, stated, “Brands of the future must deliver customized and differentiated experiences that directly map to consumers’ needs in the moment,”... “Leading merchants like Peet’s are seeing the value of a holistic, integrated gifting solution as a way to build loyalty and serve customers in new ways. GiftNow provides Peet’s the chance to reach more customers by simplifying the gifting process and delivering the gift of fresh roasted coffee in a more meaningful and personalized way.” 

Justin Brennan, vice president digital marketing and e-commerce, Peet’s Coffee, went on to say, “Creating an unparalleled customer experience has always been Peet’s mission,” …. “We’re excited about the ability to gift the perfect coffee for each palette and hope that giving our customers the ability to personalize the Peet’s Coffee gifting experience will make their holiday shopping easier and more fun. And ensure that everyone unwraps a gift they’ll love.” 

Consumers looking for gifts can choose a coffee or gift item from peets.com and select the GiftNow button for digital gift wrapping and the option to include a personalized greeting or video. The gift notification will be sent to the recipient by email, text, FB messenger or can be printed out to be delivered in-person. The recipient will then be notified with a personal digital unboxing experience and recipients can exchange or modify their gifts before they are roasted or shipped, including customizing the grind or changing the pre-selected blend to deliver the best gifting experience possible. Coffee gifts will be shipped within 24 hours of roasting, or shoppers can choose from tea, coffee gear or other Peet’s gifts to make the holidays brighter. GiftNow orders can be digitally delivered instantly – ideal for last-minute gifters – or scheduled for a later time.

It’s not planned to be a one-time event, as Peet’s looking a customer ahead, expects a popular seasonal gift will be the annual fan-favorite Holiday Blend. The Holiday Blend, also available in decaf and K-Cup pods, is an ode to the festive season and is crafted from Peet’s most spectacular beans.

The ‘halo’ of better for you a staple within successful grocerant niche players, this is the gift that gives back. For every pound of Peet’s Holiday Blend purchased at a coffee bar or online Peet’s will donate $1 (up to $40,000) to La Cocina, a San Francisco based non-profit committed to increasing inclusivity in the food industry and to solving inequity in business ownership for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) and immigrant food entrepreneurs. 

Step up and give it a try.  GiftNow is available on purchases of $10 or more on Peets.com. A full selection of gifts can be found at peets.com/gifts. Now let us know what you think.

Invite Foodservice Solutions® to complete a Grocerant ScoreCard, or for product positioning or placement assistance, or call our Grocerant Guru®.  Since 1991 Foodservice Solutions® of Tacoma, WA has been the global leader in the Grocerant niche. Contact: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us or 253-759-7869 

Edible’s Mix & Match Grocerant Niche Success

 

Success does leave clues and Edible continues finding success expanding within the grocerant niche.  Branded food mix & matched with products, services, or other brands edifies both the relationships with the consumers and all brands when done right according to Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.  

Flowers are a wonderful gift anytime of the year.  So, when Edible announced two new initiatives as part of the brand’s continued evolution as a leading eCommerce provider of deliverable gifts and treats: the introduction of Edible Bakeshop cupcakes and a special Mother’s Day digital experience with America’s Test Kitchen (ATK) you know incremental value was being created according to Johnson.

With the nationwide rollout of cupcakes which follows a successful first year for Edible Bakeshop and brings the product category’s total sales to $55 million since the category’s official launch in September of 2020.

Get this, within three weeks of introducing Madagascar Vanilla Bean and Chocolate Truffle Cupcakes, Edible depleted its entire inventory and outperformed even its highest expectations by selling out of what was supposed to be a three-month supply.

Is there a blog reader out there that does not understand the power of mix & match meal bunding yet? As Edible continues to work with its manufacturer to meet the consumer demand and carry on with the selling of this new, exciting product. We ask just how long are you going to watch success before you give the team at Foodservice Solutions® a try?

Edible president and COO Cheikh Mboup, stated, “Given the overwhelmingly positive reception of cupcakes and the continued growth of Edible Bakeshop as a whole, we expect baked goods to quickly become one of our top product categories moving forward and anticipate it to be a leader over Mother’s Day weekend this year,”.

So, Edible’s partnership with America’s Test Kitchen adds an experiential option to the brand’s wide range of Mother’s Day gifts. From April 1 through May 23, a one-month online cooking school membership with ATK – which offers more than 320 courses from simple skills to advanced recipes – will be available for purchase as part of special Mother’s Day bundles or as add-ons to other gifts from edible.com.

Regular readers of this blog know interactive and participatory branded marketing is a key drive of the success within the grocerant niche.

Jack Bishop, ATK’s Chief Creative Officer, stated, "Food is the perfect way to express appreciation for all that moms do, and America's Test Kitchen is excited to partner with Edible Arrangements to help celebrate Mother's Day,”... “Our joint offering ensures that on top of a wonderful arrangement, Moms will have the opportunity to build their cooking skills with our renowned cooking instructors.

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. 

White Castle Give a Gift that Keeps Giving

 

No one knows who their customers are better than the team at White Castle. Regular readers of this blog know that and that the team at White Castle also knows who your customers are as well. That according to Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.  

Yes, the season to give gifts to friends and family is here and if you want to know how well the team at White Castle knows their customers just look at the branded way they are reaching out to their customers. White Castle’s is targeting key customer groups with unique gift ideas that will surprise and delight your favorite Craver.  Most of the customers targeted grew up with or on White Castle ‘sliders. They still love the brand and this is White Castle’s way of giving back in a consumer inviting branded interactive participatory way.

So, White Castle’s online store, the House of Crave, offers a cool collection of White Castle-branded products, from totes, ties and t-shirts to golf balls, ball caps and campfire mugs. This year, the site also features White Castle’s limited edition 100th birthday mug, created to commemorate the fast-food restaurant’s 100th birthday in 2021. The ceramic mug, which changes colors based on the temperature of the drink inside, is just $5.99 plus tax (while supplies last).

Jamie Richardson, vice president at White Castle stated “We exist to create memorable moments, and the holidays are among our favorite times to celebrate the crave and share gifts with family and friends,”  “Whether you’re near or far, this lineup is sure to surprise and delight.”

Yes, The House of Crave also includes a festive new apparel item sure to become a fashion favorite – the 2020 version of White Castle’s holiday sweater. Featuring the headline “Slider Season,” the royal blue sweater features the White Castle logo encompassed in a light-up snow globe, making it particularly striking when worn at night. Available in sizes XS to 5XL, it’s perfect for outdoor fun and household gatherings, not to mention for festive (and beautiful) sweater contests. And it pairs perfectly with White Castle’s branded face mask and royal blue beanie! Festive has never looked so good.

Check out the other fun and unique items that round out the top 10 items – all adorned with the iconic White Castle logo – in White Castle’s Holiday Gift Guide:

·         Limited edition 100th birthday mug

·         Holiday light-up sweater

·         Holiday socks

·         Reusable cotton face mask

·         Light-up glass ornament

·         Night Castle T-shirt

·         Autism Speaks hamburger scented candle

·         “By The Sackful” cookbook

·         Golf balls

·         Beanie

Free shipping from the House of Crave is available for all orders placed on Cyber Monday, November 30.

If serving convenient, craveable food is the holiday goal, then White Castle has customers covered there, too. White Castle is giving away $5 holiday promo cards for every $25 worth of gift cards purchased at participating Castles, now through the end of the year. That’s $30 worth of food for just $25! Gift cards can be used to purchase any menu item, including the new Crave Clutch, which holds 20 Sliders of any variety. Customers who sign up for White Castle’s new member loyalty program, Craver Nation, get a coupon for an original slider combo meal as well as other exclusive offers, including $2 off the Crave Clutch.

“And if you aren’t sure which items suits your giftee best, our White Castle gift cards are sure to satisfy their holiday Cravings,” adds Richardson. So, go after it. Order your git today.  As your me I asked Santa for two dozen White Castle golf Balls.  What do you want?

How well do you know your customer? Foodservice Solutions® team is here to help you drive top line sales and bottom-line profits. Are you looking a customer ahead? Visit GrocerantGuru.com for more information or contact: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us Remember success does leave clues and we just may the clue you need to propel your continued success.