Convenience Stores Lenten Fish Copycat Marketing Challenges Restaurants

 

Chain restaurants have catered to consumers Lenten increase in fish consumption for years with “limited time offers” (LTO’s).  According to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® chain restaurants have set a standard for Lenten LTO’s by offering fish options while eating out. This year convenience store retailers are offering a variety of flavorful food items for consumers to enjoy during the Lenten season in a copycat like marketing positioning with fish items.

For example, Texas Born (TXB) rolled out a new line of savory limited-time offers (LTOs) that are available through the end of March. Customers looking to avoid meat on Fridays during Lent can try TXB's new fish taco for $4.40. It features baked white fish with a hint of chipotle spices, cilantro, onion and shredded lettuce on a flour tortilla, plus a drizzle of serrano aioli thanks to a partnership between TXB and Austin, Texas-based hot sauce maker Yellow Bird

The new, locally sourced menu items also include:

·         Brisket Quesabirria — Available for $5.99 each, this quesadilla is stuffed with savory brisket, a little cilantro and onion, and topped with gooey cheese.

·         Brisket Egg & Cheese Quesadilla — Available for $5.99 each, this brisket breakfast quesadilla is stuffed with savory brisket and fluffy eggs, and has a gooey cheese topping.

The hearty, on-the-go LTO meals fit with TXB's everyday goal of providing guests with fresh meals that are convenient and directly compete with restaurant-quality menu items, according to the company. This is part of the convenience store operator's larger initiative to "Leave 'em Better" by sourcing delicious, locally sourced ingredients from around Texas.

The largest global food franchiser, 7-Eleven Inc. announced that it is offering a "fin-tastic" deal for the Lenten season that has "o-fish-ally" arrived. For a limited time only, 7Rewards and Speedy Rewards loyalty program members who are looking for a meat alternative can coast to the nearest 7-Eleven, Speedway or Stripes convenience store to enjoy $2 Fish Sandwich Fridays.

In partnership with the Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers, 7-Eleven offers a garlic herb wild Alaska pollock filet that is topped with American cheese and tangy tartar sauce, all served on a warm brioche bun.

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

 

Is Eating Fake Meat for Lent OK

There is no doubt that ‘fake’ meat, aka the Impossible Foods, Burger and or Beyond Meat, products are hot products and top of mind with consumer this year. Driven in large part Millennials quest for food discovery. It is also true that ‘fake meat’ products in the minds-eye of the consumer have the ‘Halo’ of better for you.

Close to 25 percent of Americans will be observing Lent this year.  Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® stated “given that Pope Francis’s Encyclical on the Environment  “pulls no punches” lamenting pollution, climate change, a lack of clean water, and biodiversity.  Then ‘fake’ meat should be and OK replacement for meat during Lent.

However, not being as close to the Pope as others, he decided to check in with his own parish priest. His priest said that yes, making a conscious choice to forgo meat and select a meat replacement would be inline with the directive to not eat meat. Johnson, then went on to say clearly this elevates the ‘halo’ around fake meat.  

That means Wayback Burgers new Impossible Melt (coming Feb 26) that starts with the Impossible plant-based patty, and features spicy garlic aioli sauce, topped with swiss cheese and sautéed onions, all sandwiched between two toasted, inverted buttered buns is OK to eat during Lent. 

Demand for plant-based meat options continue to grow and a nearly 80 percent increase in plant-based burgers consumed at restaurants last year, according to the NPD Group.  Then again there will be lots of other options including fist for those of you that are more traditional: Including  

Arby’s Fish ‘N Cheddar Sandwich: A crispy fish filet with cheddar cheese sauce, lettuce, and tartar sauce all on a sesame bun, $2 for $6.

A&W Restaurants Cod Sliders: Premium pub-style battered cod topped with tartar sauce and pickles, served on a soft potato bun. Served two-sliders to a basket with fries and coleslaw at the suggested price of $8.99.

Bojangles BojAngler Fish Sandwich:  Wild-caught Alaskan Pollock filet dusted with Bojangles’ Cajun-inspired seasoning blend, served with a slice of American cheese and a dollop of creamy tartar sauce on a toasted, buttered bun, $5 for two sandwiches or a combo meal.

Mission Taco Joint Jamaican Jerk Salmon Taco:  Salmon filet rubbed with Jamaican jerk spices and grilled in a banana leaf, served in a house-made flour tortilla with grilled pineapple pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, Scorpion Chile aioli and fried pickled onions, $3.75.

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 visit Facebook.com/Steven Johnson, Linkedin.com/in/grocerant/ or twitter.com/grocerant

In the Battle for Share of Stomach

Does your menu have a 'Halo' of better for you?