Whether people have plenty or are strapped for cash, one thing remains the same. Snack foods are something that people enjoy and are willing to spend their money on. Snack foods usually don’t cost as much as a full meal, so it’s great for those who don’t have a lot of money and they are also good for in-between meals. Today’s generation does not stick too closely to the three meals a day rule, but rather enjoys smaller meals with snacks in between.
Sonic is a great example for snack foods and offers a wide variety, from pretzels and wings, to cheese sticks, tater tots and chili cheese fries. Whataburger also recently released their Whatawings which can be a meal or a snack depending on how you order. So why offer snack foods at your restaurant?
- Low cost, high profit – Many snack foods do not cost much to purchase and can be stored in a freezer, lasting longer with less waste.
- Boost profits during slower times- Snack foods are great to add to your menu because they can be ordered anytime between lunch and closing.
- Speed up service- snack foods are typically easier to prepare, cutting down on prep time which can increase your service speed.
So how can your restaurant add snacks to the menu? We’re glad you asked! It is actually not as complicated as one might think. You can sometimes use items you already have and begin promoting them as a snack. For example, wings, nachos, tater tots, or some other side dish you include with meals can be offered as a snack. You can also take something you have and add a little something else to it like we talked about with french fries a few weeks ago. Widen your lens about what constitutes a snack, and you will begin to see endless possibilities.
Snack foods are also a great way to try out new trends. When you promote snack food items, customers tend to try those faster than they would a full meal, so it is a great way to test new menu items and get feedback from customers.
If your restaurant already offers snack food items, but is not promoting them as such, this is your sign. Show your customers how they can come to your restaurant at any time and find something they love! Whether they have a lot or little to spend, your restaurant has something for everyone.
