Do you know how to create Menu Magic

 

Just what is menu magic?  Simply put the balance of consumer valued menu items and the intersection of how much time, talent, and treasure it takes to put the meal on the plate according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.

In case you did not know, King-Casey is a restaurant and foodservice business improvement firm that provides strategic menu optimization advice and a range of services to help clients manage overall food and beverage offerings, affecting their positioning, reputation and business growth. Below are some of their valued insights for driving menu magic.

“Knowing your menu complexity scores can have a huge impact on your convenience store’s bottom line.

If you're not familiar with menu complexity scores, they represent a rating for each item on your menu in terms of its complexity. Each product's rating is based on key factors that play an important role in how profitable your business is.

The Seven Key Factors

A menu item complexity score is an overall rating assigned to an individual menu item.

The individual item's complexity score is determined by rating the product on seven key factors required to create that menu item. Those seven factors are: 

1.       Assembly Average. The amount of time it takes, in either seconds or minutes, to assemble the product and package it.

2.       Cook Average. The amount of time in minutes it takes to cook or heat the product.

3.       Cook Assembly Rating. A rating scale from 1-7 (1 being easy and 7 being difficult) is assigned to the product.

4.       Total Number of Prep Recipes Used. For instance, noodle soup requires broth plus noodles to be prepped, resulting in two prep recipes.

5.       Number of Unique Prep Recipes Used. For instance, teriyaki chicken and edamame are only used in the Teriyaki Chicken Bowl. Hence, this menu item would have two unique prep recipes.

6.       Number of Unique Ingredients. This factor applies to ingredients only used in one item that doesn't require any prep. An example would be mozzarella cheese used only in lasagna.

7.       Number of Stations Needed to Produce the Item. This could include a sandwich station, panini grill, soup warmer, microwave, etc.

Once these seven key factor ratings have been completed for a menu item, the rating numbers should be added up to form an overall complexity score for that individual item.

This exercise should be conducted for every item on your menu. Once menu complexity scores have been determined for each of your menu items, it's the time to put these scores to use.

How Menu Complexity Scores Can Be Used

High selling and/or high profitability items with low to medium complexity scores should be given high priority. They should be proactively marketed and merchandised to customers in all your menu communications (i.e., mobile app, website, menuboard and P2P messaging).

Low selling and/or low profitability items with medium to high scores should be downplayed with customers. In addition, they should be analyzed for simplification opportunities. For example, explore more efficient preparation techniques or cooking equipment.

If simplification is not feasible, they should be considered for elimination from your menu. Note that a menu TURF Analysis (Total Unduplicated Reach and Frequency) can determine the risk associated with deleting items from your menu. In simple terms, TURF is a research instrument that determines the shortest list of menu items to satisfy the vast majority of customers.

The Benefits

Multiple benefits can be gained from knowing your menu complexity scores. These include:

·         The ability to manage your staff and make sure you're not over or understaffing the kitchen. Keep in mind, labor efficiencies have an immediate impact on your bottom line.

·         Reducing cost of goods by optimizing ingredient usage and avoiding waste.

·         Identifying problems with menu execution and helping ensure that customers receive consistently high-quality meals every time they come to your store.

·         Increasing customer frequency and repeat business to help you stay competitive in the marketplace.

By having menu complexity information at your fingertips, you can be sure that you're always making the best decisions possible to increase your profitability and bottom line.”  Thank you King-Casey.

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

Can Technology Save Albertsons

 

Talk about a legacy brand in search of an identity, Albertsons is, that is for sure.  Why Kroger wants another set of legacy banners and is pursuit of Albertsons is an industry oddity reminiscent of something the old A&P might consider doing.  We all know how that worked out.

So when Albertsons Companies, announced a collaboration with Apple to bring activity data from Apple Watch and iPhone to the Sincerely Health digital health and wellness platform. Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® shrugged his shoulders and that will not help drive brand relevance to many who shop Albertsons or Kroger. Johnson wondered aloud why would Apple even want to do that deal? The answer was clear consumers interactive and participatory marketing.

So, customers who wear Apple Watch Series 3 or later can now choose to share their activity data with their Sincerely Health account and earn up to 75 points daily for closing all three Activity rings: Move, Exercise and Stand. Customers who do not have an Apple Watch can connect their iPhone with iOS 16 through the Fitness app and earn up to 25 points each day for closing their Move ring. That should help drive some new electricity into the Albertsons brand.

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. 

Once again there is more, all Sincerely Health users can improve their overall health score and earn points toward grocery coupons and discounts by setting up one or multiple goals related to physical activity, nutrition, lifestyle and sleep. Users can manage their personal data by choosing what information to share.

In case you did not know, Sincerely Health is designed to measure a customer’s Health Score based on seven dimensions of well-being: activity, mindfulness, sleep, mental well-being, physical health, nutrition and healthy habits. Therefore, customers can access health-related resources and receive personalized guidance and recommendations for selecting the right foods and establishing goals for mental and general well-being. Sincerely Health also offers an online pharmacy experience where customers can manage pharmacy prescriptions and schedule vaccine appointments.

Sincerely Health is a free digital health and wellness tool available on 16 Albertsons Cos. grocery banners and websites, including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Shaw’s, Jewel-Osco, Acme, Tom Thumb and more.

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.

Long John Silver’s Sweat Partnership Drives New Brand Electricity

 

How do you edify your brand messaging.  According to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® retail food companies, restaurants, convenience stores, grocery stores, and bodegas all new to find ways to drive new electricity into their brands too elevate customer interest and loyalty.

So, this month when Long John Silver’s announced mouthwatering offers that customers will find that they treasure every bite, Johnson said that sound like a great partnership in the making. Now starting April 24, Long John Silver’s will offer its famous Chicken Planks in a $6 Basket, and they will also launch two delicious dessert options from The Cheesecake Factory Bakery. The perfect complement to any treasured moments this season, these sweet and savory menu items offer something for everyone.

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. 

This spring, customers can enjoy Long John Silver’s $6 Chicken Plank Basket, featuring two of our classic tender chicken strips, each made with 100% white meat chicken raised and produced on U.S. farms and then batter-dipped in restaurant by our cooks. Each basket also includes two of Long John Silver’s signature hushpuppies and your choice of a mouthwatering side. 

Heck yes, there’s more. Long John Silver’s is partnering with The Cheesecake Factory Bakery to serve up not one, but two delectable cheesecake offerings. Try the creamy, Classic Cheesecake baked to golden perfection in a graham cracker crumb crust. Or, if your tastebuds are hunting for something more decadent, the Triple Chocolate Cheesecake features a smooth chocolate flavor baked in a rich chocolate cookie crust, topped with a semisweet chocolate ganache and sprinkled with semisweet chocolate chips. 

Christopher Caudill, Long John Silver’s senior vice president of marketing and innovation, stated, “Spring is full of celebrations, from Mother’s Day and Father’s Day to graduation season. As our customers plan for events with friends and family, we want to offer options that pair well with life’s treasured moments,”…. “We are always looking for exciting options that pair well with our fan-favorite items and deliver the quality and value our customers crave. This season’s additions, like The Cheesecake Factory Bakery desserts, are sure to delight as customers connect with loved ones this spring.”

Any consumer can catch these great offerings by coasting down to their local Long John Silver’s or by ordering online at LJSilvers.com. Please visit the Long John Silver’s website to learn more about the latest menu offerings and store locations.

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.

In a Battle for Share of Stomach

Partnerships Matter 

Get Good Coffee at The Human Bean while Doing Good

 

Earth Day reminds us that a sustainable world is good for everyone. Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® reminds us that Gen Z and Millennials place considerable value on sustainable actions by companies. 

The Human Bean is finding plenty of ways to celebrate farmers and flavors from around the globe. This spring specialty drink specials are returning to The Human Bean drive-thru locations across the U.S., and later in the month beverage lovers will have a chance to plant a tree just by enjoying any drink on Earth Day. 

So, this year The Human Bean is hosting its annual Earth Day Giveback at all locations on Saturday, April 22^nd (today). On this special day, every drink sold will result in one tree planted through Trees for the Future, an international nonprofit with 30+ years of history planting trees and teaching sustainable farming practices in impoverished communities.

In case you did not know, The Human Bean is an official Planting Partner with Trees for the Future, having donated the equivalent of over 93,000 trees to date with the help of customers’ drink purchases. All of The Human Bean locations participate annually, moving the nonprofit closer to its goal of over 1 billion trees planted by 2030.

Scott Anderson, COO of The Human Bean, stated, “We hold our annual Earth Day fundraising event each year because it’s really a win-win,”... “Thanks to our customers and franchise partners, we get to support the farmers who grow our quality coffee beans, and ensure they can continue to do so for many years while helping their own communities thrive.”

You will like this,The Human Bean is also releasing two limited-time drinks starting April 19th with themes of global wanderlust and new flavor experiences.

Sweet and Salty Granita

Take a trip to Italy where the Granita was born with a Sea Salt Caramel Granita. Ghirardelli’s Sea Salt Caramel is sweet, slightly salty, luscious and creamy. The caramel laces around the cup filled with signature granita, and then topped with whipped cream, Sea Salt Caramel drizzle, and Java Chips for garnish. Yum!

Mangonada Smoothie

Next stop... Latin America! The Mangonada is a frozen mango treat with an infusion of bold flavors – it’s sweet, tangy, spicy and delicious. Mango Smoothie is mixed with Tajín Fruity Chamoy Sauce and topped with the popular spicy Tajín Clásico Seasoning to create this unique drink. It’s a favorite treat in Latin America, and drive-thru customers will love it, too.

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

Vegans Rejoice Plant Based Carmel Candy O’ YES

If you are one of the millions of consumers searching for both vegan and or dairy free new food products, today is your day.  Do we have something sweet for you!  Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®, stated, technology and years of trial an effort have combined to create both an organic and Fair-Trade caramel candy. 

Yes, a Fair-Trade, organic, candy product line.  If you love chocolate candy and care about responsible sourcing OCHO Candy's new product line is just right for you.  

In case you did not know, In January of 2020, OCHO Candy - an Organic and Fair-Trade chocolate candy company based in Oakland, CA - started work on their Plant-Based Caramel formula. 3 years and dozens of recipes later, OCHO Candy’s new line of plant-based caramels is finally hitting shelves.

This new line which contains Classic, Cinnamon, Coffee, and Double Chocolate flavors, fills a snappy dark chocolate shell with gooey caramel to create an indulgent bite-sized treat. While traditional caramel uses both butter and cream to get its richness and gooey texture, OCHO Candy uses Miyoko's Creamery's European-style cultured vegan butter.

Pat Rebro, OCHO Candy's head of R&D, stated, “We went through almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, coconut cream… you name it, we tried it. It all came together when we tried the Miyoko’s. Their vegan butter uses cultured cashew milk, which gets you this great tang that’s usually missing from a vegan caramel. Then there’s coconut oil, which gives you richness and helps with the caramel’s pull. It needed to be rich without being too sweet, and it needed to have pull without being watery. It’s an amazing product."

Scott Kucirek, CEO of OCHO Candy, stated, "I'm incredibly excited to announce this partnership between OCHO Candy and Miyoko's Creamery," ... "Vegan and dairy-free consumers deserve dessert options with great textures and bold flavors, and we believe our plant-based caramel line delivers on both fronts. We're also proud to provide a certified Organic and Fair-Trade option for caramel lovers."

After 3 years of trial and error, OCHO Candy has landed on a remarkable product perfect for vegan and dairy-free consumers. The combination of smooth caramel and rich dark chocolate creates an irresistible balance. Do you want to avoid the veto vote?  Add a line of Vegan Carmel Candy from OCHO Candy.

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.