Surveying operators about what’s on the menu and what menu items have the greatest promise for sales growth provides an overview of what’s in and what’s on the way up. Sandwiches, wraps, panini and subs are the most common menu item across all business types. Dispensed coffee is the most common beverage at retail and non-commercial, while iced tea is most prevalent at restaurants.
Opportunity
- “Increase drop-off catering and delivery sales. Add online and mobile ordering.”—Fast-casual operator, one unit
Insight
- Retail and restaurants are significantly more likely to offer dispensed soft drinks than non-commercial. However, this is being driven by NH/LTC/SL locations, where significantly fewer (24%) offer dispensed soft drinks than colleges (97%) and hospitals (76%).
- Only about one-quarter of all respondents offer made-to-order specialty coffee or smoothies, yet the two hold the top spots for growth potential.
CONTINUED: Day-Part Opportunities
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