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Following the Path to Sandwich Success
Written by Nation’s Restaurant News
Published: February 18, 2025
Help Drive Sales and Traffic With On-Trend, Innovative Sandwich Offerings
Defining “sandwich” is no easy task. The term covers any number of carriers, proteins, condiments and garnishes assembled into myriad builds. It can mean anything from a classic Philly cheesesteak to a fiery Nashville hot chicken sandwich to a novel BLT on a steamed bao bun. Also in the mix are individually wrapped, prepared sandwiches that put a premium on convenience and operational ease along with flavor.
However they are made, the sandwiches of greatest interest to restaurant and non-commercial operators have the star power to drive traffic and sales. Exciting, innovative and on-trend signature sandwiches and sandwich-based limited-time offers (LTOs) come in many flavor profiles and builds, but they all capture the imagination of consumers and draw them into a memorable eating experience.
The Case for Sandwich Strategy
The key to a successful sandwich LTO is a well-defined strategy for attracting new customers and encouraging those who have already visited to return. In addition to bumping up sales, it keeps the operator’s brand fresh and relevant to consumers and competitive in the marketplace.
LTOs cater to the appetite for the new and buzzworthy. Research shows 77% of consumers are excited about new food and beverage trends this year, according to the Datassential 2024 Trends Event webinar.
Original Approaches
With their versatility, easy prep and all-day appeal, sandwiches invite operators to explore original approaches. The culinary traditions of Korea, Latin-America and the Middle East, as well as the cooking styles of the American Southwest, Gulf Coast and New England are fertile grounds for inspiration.
Although sandwich builders have a world of recipes and ingredients to choose from, a certain restraint is advisable. They may have greater success by offering consumers sandwiches with tweaks that are innovative but approachable, rather than pushing too far with the unfamiliar.
For example, to riff on a Philly cheesesteak, try using grilled thick Texas toast in lieu of the customary hoagie roll. Presenting a pork sausage patty or bacon and eggs between pancakes or slices of French toast is sure to attract attention.
To add a layer of lively flavor, spike mayonnaise with a dab of hot honey, sriracha or gochujang. Interestingly, research predicts the growing use of zesty, vibrant flavors on chicken sandwiches. For instance, Calabrian chilies have 139% predicted growth with chicken sandwiches through 2027, per the Datassential Spring Trends 2024 webinar. Also predicted to grow over that time on chicken sandwiches are vodka sauce (109%) and white BBQ sauce (84%).
Furthermore, bear in mind the excitement that crispy bacon strips or a toss of sausage crumbles can add to a sandwich build.
The Tyson Foodservice Advantage
Whether operators seek protein solutions to build into signature sandwiches, or convenient, individually wrapped, prepared sandwiches for on-the-go eaters, they can rely on the high-quality brands of the Tyson Foodservice portfolio. Included are:
- The Tyson Red Label® brand of high-quality, value-added products—including breaded and unbreaded and fully cooked and uncooked chicken—helps operators raise kitchen productivity and manage costs.
- The Jimmy Dean® brand, synonymous with quality for generations, offers a wealth of premium sausage and bacon solutions for menu makers as well as prepared breakfast sandwiches.
- The Steak-EZE® brand is known for versatility and operational ease. Its ready-to-cook and fully cooked steak products are the efficient way to serve everything from Philly cheesesteaks to steak-and-egg breakfast sandwiches.
- The Wright® Brand has captivated consumers since 1922 with premium bacon in crowd-pleasing varieties such as hickory smoked, applewood smoked and peppered.
- Prepared sandwiches, ready to heat and serve or ready to eat, are ideal for grab-and-go and off-premise programs with high standards of food quality, customer convenience and operational ease. Examples include the Jimmy Dean® Butcher Wrapped Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit and the Hillshire Farm® Stuffed Croissants portfolio.
Take a Fresh Look
No less useful are the solutions that let operators present established consumer favorites in fresh, new ways.
An example is the Fried Green Tomato B.L.T., a new angle on the classic bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich. This build features Wright® Brand Hickory Smoked Thick Sliced Steak Cut Bacon with iconic Southern-style fried green tomatoes.
Another beloved sandwich, the Philly cheesesteak, is recast as the Philly French Dip. It features Original Philly® Fully Cooked Seasoned Sliced Beef and melted Swiss cheese on a garlic-toasted hoagie roll, served with a savory cup of au jus gravy on the side.
Learn more about sandwich solutions that help drive traffic and sales from Tyson Foodservice here.
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