Foodservice Updates

Foodservice Updates is designed to help foodservice operators keep on top of all the industry news and provides tips for keeping business running smooth. We endeavor to provide the latest tips and solutions to keep you in the know.

Amid high gas prices, think local

In recent weeks, gas prices have hit all-time highs in the U.S., with the average price of regular, unleaded gas reaching $4.25 per gallon in March, according to AAA. The high prices, along with record-high inflation in general, have started to impact consumers’ buying decisions. A recent Restaurant Dive report said that consumers have been driving shorter distances to go to quick-service and full-service restaurants alike – opting for those within a five-mile drive as opposed to venturing to those over 30 miles away. Gas prices aren’t likely to come down soon, so it’s worth zeroing in on hyper-local guests as you plan promotions. Are there upcoming events in your neighborhood that could generate traffic for you if you offered a related promotion? Does your customer relationship management system have the capability to send offers to people who happen to be within a small radius of your restaurant? If your best guests aren’t located right in your neighborhood, could you explore offering your food at festivals or other venues that feature a wide mix of food options and are more apt to draw people from a distance? It’s also a good time to dial into your neighborhood a bit more and partnering with local businesses and other organizations to demonstrate your commitment to your community – being front-of-mind with the consumers closest to your door could help you stabilize business during uncertain times.

Responsive crisis control

It’s easy to get canceled these days. For a restaurant, a critical online review going viral, a negative story about a key supplier appearing in the news, or a food safety crisis can do it. Even the public’s perception of a restaurant’s connection to the war happening on the other side of the world (whether that connection actually exists or not) can have consequences that temporarily derail a restaurant business. While you can’t control how people react to your business, you can take steps to manage a crisis in a way that turns down the heat instead of making the problem worse. Make it a priority to monitor and manage your online profile. When you receive a positive written review, thank the reviewer for the post. When the inevitable negative review happens, respond promptly and stay professional about finding a solution. If you feel you can do something to make the situation right, encourage the person to call you directly or invite them back – showing everyone how you handle an upset guest constructively may even win you some fans. If a larger crisis comes about, use your Google Business Profile and prominent space on your website to pose and answer commonly asked questions in an open, transparent way. While no restaurant is looking for crises, they can generate some opportunities to elevate your reputation with the public if managed thoughtfully and promptly.

How to Maximize Your Menu with Less

If you feel like you need another set of hands in your kitchen, not only are you not alone, but Tyson Foodservice has a variety of ways to give them to you. With a full portfolio of ready-made products that exist to help streamline your menu and make back-of-house life a little easier, you can consider us your own personal prep squad.

From fully customizable to ready to heat and serve, our ingredient chicken and steak products deliver labor and time savings, better yield, and less waste. Additionally, these products are incredibly versatile for usage in applications across the board—from popular favorites to trendy flavor profiles. Click to see how easily these come to life in simple, and incredibly tasty, recipes.

How to Maximize Your Menu with Less