Memorial Day Travel Food Favorites: A Grocerant Guru’s Guide to Snacking Across America

 

Memorial Day weekend is about to set new records — not just for travel, but for tasty road trip bites, hotel-room feasts, and foodie-favorite restaurants across the country. According to AAA, over 45 million Americans will hit the roads, rails, and runways from May 22 to May 26. That's a whole lot of mouths to feed!

Whether you're road-tripping to the beach or cruising toward cooler destinations, this Grocerant Guru® has your travel food favorites mapped out for the top ten Memorial Day destinations. Let’s pack those coolers, fill those minibars, and make reservations—because great food isn’t just part of the journey. It is the journey.

 

1. Orlando, FL – The Land of Magic and Munchies

·       Car Snack: Cubano Wraps – Easy to handle, hearty with ham, roast pork, and pickles. Magic Kingdom approved!

·       Room Food: Publix Sub (aka “Pub Sub”) – Grab one on the way to the hotel and thank us later.

·       Foodie Favorite: The Ravenous Pig – Elevated Southern cuisine with a gastropub twist.

 

2. Seattle, WA – Sip, Snack & Set Sail

·       Car Snack: Smoked Salmon Jerky – Portable Pacific Northwest goodness.

·       Room Food: Teriyaki Bento Box – A Seattle staple that travels well from curbside to comfort.

·       Foodie Favorite: Canlis – Iconic fine dining with sweeping views and next-level bites.

 

3. New York, NY – The City That Never Skips a Snack

·       Car Snack: Everything Bagel Chips & Lox Dip – Big Apple flavor in every bite.

·       Room Food: Pastrami Sandwich from Katz’s Delicatessen – Order ahead, eat like a local legend.

·       Foodie Favorite: Via Carota – Italian that feels like a vacation in every course.

 

4. Las Vegas, NV – Viva Las Viddles!

·       Car Snack: Buffet-Inspired Snack Mix – Think spicy nuts, dried fruit, and wasabi peas.

·       Room Food: Gourmet Pizza Slice – Snag a slice from Secret Pizza at The Cosmopolitan.

·       Foodie Favorite: é by José Andrés – A hidden gem for the ultimate food show.

 

5. Miami, FL – Sun, Sand & Sandwiches

·       Car Snack: Plantain Chips & Guac To-Go – Tropical crunch on the run.

·       Room Food: Ceviche Bowl from a Local Latin Market – Fresh and fiery.

·       Foodie Favorite: Mandolin Aegean Bistro – A Mediterranean escape tucked in the Design District.

 

6. San Francisco, CA – Bay Area Bites

·       Car Snack: Sourdough Pretzel Nuggets – A nod to the city's bread legacy.

·       Room Food: Mission-Style Burrito – Stuffed, wrapped, and room-ready.

·       Foodie Favorite: Zuni Café – The roast chicken dreams are made of.

 

7. Anchorage, AK – Chill Vibes, Hot Eats

·       Car Snack: Reindeer Sausage Bites – A local classic with a wild twist.

·       Room Food: Smoked Halibut Spread & Crackers – Flavor that keeps well.

·       Foodie Favorite: Snow City Café – Known for breakfast, but worth eating all day.

 

8. Chicago, IL – Deep Dish and Deeper Flavor

·       Car Snack: Garrett Popcorn Mix (CaramelCrisp + CheeseCorn) – Chicago’s snack royalty.

·       Room Food: Italian Beef Sandwich, dipped and wrapped – Wet, wild, and wonderful.

·       Foodie Favorite: Girl & The Goat – A carnivore’s dream with veggie brilliance.

 

9. Denver, CO – Mile High Munchies

·       Car Snack: Trail Mix with Local Roasted Nuts & Chocolate Chunks – Elevate your energy.

·       Room Food: Green Chile Enchiladas – Spicy, cheesy, cozy.

·       Foodie Favorite: Mercantile Dining & Provision – Seasonal, sensational, and seriously smart.

 

10. Boston, MA – Chowdah & Cheers

·       Car Snack: Lobster Roll Chips – Yes, they exist. Yes, they’re wicked good.

·       Room Food: Fenway Frank with a Local Beer – Ballpark spirit, room service ease.

·       Foodie Favorite: Neptune Oyster – Tiny place, giant flavors. The lobster roll is a must.

 

🧳 Final Bite from the Grocerant Guru:
Whether you’re navigating traffic or taking off from the tarmac, don’t just eat to fill the tank — eat to fuel the fun. Memorial Day isn’t just the unofficial start of summer. It’s your passport to portable flavor and grocerant greatness.

Pack smart, snack often, and remember: in the world of food-forward travel, the next bite is always the best one. 🍴

The Grocerant Guru's Guide to Navigating the Memorial Day Meal Maze: How Restaurants and Grocerants Can Save the Day

As the Grocerant Guru®, I've seen how the lines between grocery stores and restaurants have blurred, creating a new dining paradigm that's perfectly suited to solve the Memorial Day meal dilemma. As we approach this long weekend, families across the United States are preparing for celebrations and gatherings. Yet, the perennial question looms: what to serve at these festivities? According to recent survey data from Numerator, 57% of Americans are planning to celebrate Memorial Day, with food and alcohol topping their shopping lists.

For those wrestling with meal plans, the answer may lie not just in restaurants, but also in the burgeoning world of grocerants. These establishments can alleviate the holiday meal stress, offering convenience, variety, and a welcome departure from the traditional cooking routine. Here's how grocerants and restaurants can become the superheroes of Memorial Day weekend:

Convenience: With packed schedules and the desire to maximize leisure time, convenience is paramount for many families during holidays. Grocerants and restaurants can offer ready-to-eat meals, catering services, and meal kits that simplify the cooking process and eliminate the stress of planning and preparation.

Variety: Memorial Day celebrations range from backyard barbecues to intimate dinners. Grocerants and restaurants can cater to diverse tastes and preferences by offering a broad range of menu options, including classic American fare, international cuisines, and dietary-specific dishes to accommodate everyone at the table.

Community Gathering: Memorial Day is a time for uniting with family and friends, and grocerants and restaurants provide the ideal setting for communal dining experiences. Whether it's a casual brunch, a festive lunch, or a lively dinner, these establishments offer a welcoming atmosphere where loved ones can relax, connect, and create lasting memories.

Supporting Local Businesses: By choosing to dine out or order from local grocerants and restaurants, consumers can also contribute to the vitality of their communities. Supporting local businesses not only fosters economic growth but also celebrates the unique flavors and culinary talents that make each neighborhood special.

Flexibility: For those who prefer to enjoy the holiday festivities at home, many grocerants and restaurants now offer delivery and takeout options, allowing customers to enjoy restaurant-quality meals in the comfort of their own surroundings. This flexibility ensures that everyone can partake in the celebration, whether they're hosting a backyard barbecue or enjoying a cozy night in.

As consumers gear up for Memorial Day weekend, the pressure to plan and prepare meals can be daunting. However, by turning to grocerants and restaurants for assistance, families can reclaim their time and focus on what truly matters: spending quality time with loved ones and honoring the spirit of the holiday.

With their convenient services, diverse menus, and welcoming environments, grocerants and restaurants have the power to transform Memorial Day weekend from a culinary challenge into a delicious and memorable celebration for all.

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