Warm weather means sunshine, water, and adventure, and consumers are looking for quick and easy meals that reenergize without adding fuss and time waiting in line. Perfect for trips to the beach or a day at the pool, deli-style sandwiches, combos, and specials are a great way to feed everyone from hungry travelers to workers on their lunch break, looking for a fresh meal.

Bundle Up

A balanced to-go box should include a mix of proteins, carbs, and vegetables. Consider options like sandwiches, cold prepared salads, green salads, bagged chips, cookies or bars, and heat & serve soups from Delancey Street Deli®. With an order of a single sandwich or salad, consider offering upgrades as a combo meal, like a housemade-style side at a small discount.

Create themed boxes with a twist by incorporating international flavors or unique pairings. For instance, a Mediterranean-inspired box with falafel, tabbouleh, Zebec® Hummus, and pita bread can provide an adventurous yet accessible option. For a fresh summer box, pair a hearty Mexican torta with chicken tortilla soup and a simple salad.

A Fresh Start

Juicy summer fruits, sun-ripened vegetables, bright green herbs, and seafood options are great ways to update the deli menu for the summer season. Delancey Street’s prepared seafood salads are a tasty way to serve seafood with little added labor. Offer a scoop as a green salad topping or tucked into a sandwich for a fresh, summery dish that reminds people of a vacation to the shore. For seasonal flavor, think heirloom tomatoes, sweet corn, basil, and peaches. These ingredients not only add vibrant colors to your dishes but also offer peak flavors.

One of my favorites is sweet peaches with fresh mozzarella for a sweet twist on Caprese salads or sandwiches. Fresh basil brightens salads and sandwiches in addition to adding a summery twist to vinaigrettes and aiolis. Summer staples like zucchini and corn are budget-friendly ways to add seasonal flavor to the specials menu.

Food Holidays

For playful marketing opportunities, check out the extensive list of National Food Holidays. With multiple holidays for almost every day of the month, it’s easy to find one that would work for your menu.

For example, August 4th is National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day and August 11th is National Panini Day. Why not throw in a free cookie with any deli combo purchased on cookie day and run specials on both. Make sure to promote any specials or promos on your social channels, along with the hashtags for each holiday. Encourage people to share pics of their meals and tag your restaurant for even more exposure.

Sweeten the Deal

Sometimes it’s the little extras that get people to come back over and over. Adding little extras to a takeout meal can significantly enhance the overall dining experience and leave a lasting impression. Similar to the way Chinese restaurants include fortune cookies, these small, thoughtful additions show that the business values its patrons and goes the extra mile to provide a delightful experience. My favorite local lunch spot includes little frosted cookies in every takeout order. Not only do they add an element of surprise and joy, but they also foster loyalty and encourage repeat business. And of course, don’t forget the pickles with every order. No sandwich or deli meal is complete without a tangy crunch!