Food Trends

Tastes change per season and per year. Friday fish frys and bloody marys are probably the only exception to this rule, at least in Wisconsin. However, all of the other, ever-changing food trends give you the opportunity to present customers something new to try each time they return.

For our region, Summer unofficially ends once Labor Day weekend has come and gone. After that, restaurant and commercial kitchen owners can get back to “normal”. Less competition from festivals, weekend getaways, and other outdoor events that occur in the summer make sure of that. As people are readying their homes for fall and winter and have less time to cook, your business becomes perfectly situated to handle your customers’ changing palates.

Give your patrons something new to try this season with food and drink choices that are trending this year. Therefore, it is good practice to be aware of yearly food trends. Here are some national options to consider:

Vegan Choices

Many people are choosing meatless options or dishes with less amounts of meat. It is good for the body and good for the earth. The US is the largest consumer of meat in the world, followed by Australia and Argentina. “Moo-ving” over to plant-based items, like the Impossible Burger and Beyond Meat brands, help our environment. Here is a list of Vegan restaurants that might interest you that we found on Thrillist

Gluten-Free

Even if your customers are not Celiac or gluten-intolerant, gluten-free food is another great and often preferred offering. Many people have allergies and will appreciate these great additions to your menu. Some restaurants have even gone completely gluten-free so all customers can benefit from these health-conscious prepared meals. It’s easier than you think and customers will seek you out for it. One restaurant we came across that is 100% Gluten-Free located in paradise is Wauwatiki.

Seltzers, Spritzers and Paper Straws

A focus on less sugar and less plastic is becoming higher and higher on the priority lists of many. Leave behind the single-use plastics and ask your vendor for paper or eco-friendly versions of your supplies. Your customers are implementing these items at home and now expect restaurants to do the same.  Being proactive will go a long way to show patrons that you care about them, and mother nature too.

Seltzer waters are also trending high this year. Every distributor has them, and they come in a variety of flavors. Seltzers are usually packaged in artfully designed aluminum cans, so they can delight the consumer and be recycled over and over again. These flavored, carbonated waters can be added to wines and cocktails for a less sweet drink that offers a bit of bubbly.

By adding a few trending items to your menu, your customers and kitchen staff get to experience a bit of variety – all while knowing that you’ve made an honest effort to keep current in your industry and satisfy their individual needs.

Make sure your kitchen is ready for these potential changes with a seasonal inspection. Elite Hood Cleaning Wisconsin wants to ensure your kitchen is in top working condition. Additionally, we want to ensure that you stay compliant with all state and federal codes during all seasons. At Elite Hood Cleaning Wisconsin, your safety, success, and overall satisfaction are our highest priority.

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