Modifying menus is one strategy that restaurant operators are using to navigate this “new normal” and rebuild their business

Operators are focused on keeping menus simple with dishes that are profitable, transport well, and use limited ingredients. Now more than ever, there’s a real need to draw in patrons with your chef’s flavorful creations to drive traffic in your door. One of the easiest ways to differentiate your menu offerings from the restaurant next door is adding a signature sauce, seasoning, or dip to your menu.

Creating a signature flavor can be as easy as mixing two staple ingredients together that are already in your kitchen. This means no additional cost or inventory. Pick out any condiment such as ketchup, mayonnaise, or BBQ sauce, and mix it with any seasoning from your pantry to add a unique flavor to a variety of applications. Consider adding a twist to more popular menus such as burgers, fries, pizza, and appetizers for a more unique offering. Get creative by adding a homemade aioli to a gourmet burger or serve a trio of sauces with chicken tenders. The options are endless. While some consumers are still longing for that familiar taste of your best-selling dish, new flavors keep patrons excited to come back.

Here are some fun and flavorful pairings that can add inspiration to menus:

• Mix Frank’s RedHot® Original Cayenne Pepper with Alfredo sauce for a spicy Buffalo kick
• Add Old Bay® Seasoning to sweet potato fries for an easy upgraded side
• Mix sour cream and McCormick® Culinary® Cajun Seasoning for a signature crema on fish tacos
• Combine Cattlemen’s® Carolina Tangy Gold BBQ Sauce and a steak seasoning for a signature wings sauce
• Pair French’s Ketchup and McCormick® Culinary® Smoked Paprika for a sweet and smoky ketchup for burgers
• Add a seasoning of your choice to hummus for a unique dip or spread for sandwiches and wraps

These signature flavors are quick and easy and help menus stand out. To save on labor and drive efficiencies in the back of house, prepare these pairings in advance so they’re ready to be added to the dish or served on the side. For delivery and carryout orders, pour the sauce in a ramekin to ensure the dish maintains its quality during the transportation time. You can even sell your signature sauces in bulk sizes for additional revenue. These tips will help your staff execute in the kitchen, manage costs, and keep your customers happy.

Welcome back your regular customers and bring in new ones with fresh twists on familiar favorite sauces.