MIX IT UP 1 - Sysco Boston

M x It Up
Fresh New Flavors for Your Menu
The New Flavor Advantage In this highly competitive economic environment, staying up to date
with current food and flavor trends will help keep your customers
interested and coming back for more.
• What is your local competition offering?
• What are the chains offering?
• Are you giving your customers the variety they want?
Here’s a flavor survey of what’s being offered on menus
right now and some additional tips to stay on top of trends.
What is your menu missing? Do you see something here
that would be a great fit for your restaurant?
Your next best-seller is waiting to be discovered!
FLAVOR TIP
Ask your Sysco sales representative for these two great fliers that will bring you up to speed
on current food trends and award-winning food blogs! It’s the info you need, ready to read!
APPETIZERS
Appetizer sales were hit by the recession, but they should still be
a profit center for your restaurant. It’s more important than ever
to find the right mix of offerings to satisfy your customer base.
Experiment with nightly appetizer specials, offering something
different than your standard menu fare. If they’re priced lower than
your entrées, they won’t be seen as a huge investment. Diners may
feel more comfortable trying something unfamiliar or more
exotic, even while they lean on comfort foods for entrées.
• Seafood Dip
Creamy fondue filled with shrimp, crawfish, spinach and sautéed
mushrooms topped with bread crumbs. Served with garlic
bread for dipping, this fondue is fun to do!
From www.joescrabshack.com
• Crab Nachos
Tortilla chips piled high and topped with loads of crab dip,
pico de gallo, cheese and black bean corn relish.
From www.joescrabshack.com
Shared desserts may be on the way out, but appetizers are still
perfect for groups of 2, 3 or more!
If you have a big, shareable appetizer, make sure it LOOKS FUN.
Ideally, your plating should look so cool when it passes a table that
other customers’ heads spin. Soon, the whole room will want one!
And never underestimate the power of your staff. Make sure they
understand how quickly apps can increase a check average and
their tips. Train them in selling and suggesting appetizers.
• Chips n Dip Classique
All natural rosemary-romano potato chips with chunky roasted
garlic, onion and bacon dip.
From www.lunchboxlaboratory.com
• Buff Chips
Crispy house-fried chips sprinkled with blue cheese crumbles
and southwest ranch for dipping.
From www.wildwingcafe.com
• Shrimp “Fondue”
• Pancake Puppies
Puppies are cute. Pancake Puppies are irresistable! Six bite-sized
round pancakes rolled in a delicious blend of cinnamon and
sugar, served with warm syrup.
From www.dennys.com
• Catfish Fingers
Farm raised Mississippi catfish served with fries and our home
made tartar sauce.
From www.poboys.com
• Triple Dipper
Sample three of our famous dips with plenty of warm tortilla
chips. Choose from: Super Spinach Dip, Hot Spinach Dip,
Queso, Guacamole, Salsa, or our chilled Shrimply Delicious Dip.
From www.wildwingcafe.com
• Seafood Hush Pups
Not quite Hush Puppies – we make ’em better! Tasty Shrimp and
Fish with golden Corn, deep fried and served with a Remoulade
Dippin’ Sauce.
From www.bubbagump.com
• Just-In-Quesadilla
Flour tortillas filled with sliced chicken breast, mushrooms,
applewood smoked bacon, Pepper-Jack and Cheddar cheeses,
fresh cilantro and tomatoes, chipotle black beans, our freshly
prepared guacamole and salsa and sour cream on the side.
From www.redrobin.com
A blend of spicy shrimp, creamy cheese, and fresh pico de gallo.
Served with unlimited tortilla chips.
From www.rubytuesday.com
• Mexican Tortizza
Six inch tortilla crust with ranchero sauce, taco beef, mixed
cheese and pico de gallo.
From www.wildwingcafe.com
• Chicken Chili Nachos
Crisp tortilla chips piled high and smothered in chile con queso
and topped with cheddar-jack cheese, jalapeños, tomatoes, red
and green onions, shredded lettuce, sour cream, salsa and hot
beef and chicken chili. Deliciousness on every chip.
From www.smokeybones.com
• Spinach Florentine Flatbread
Oven-baked crispy flatbread topped with our creamy spinach &
artichoke heart spread and bruschetta mix of diced tomatoes,
garlic and freshly chopped basil.
From www.tgifridays.com
• Angry Lobster Rolls
Fresh vegetables and succulent Maine lobster wrapped and
lightly fried, served with our Sriracha aioli.
From www.warrenchophouse.com
• Crab, Shrimp and Artichoke Dip
Served with fried pita chips.
From www.mccormickandschmicks.com
• Shrimp, Cannellini Bean & Avocado Crostini
From our new “Italian Tapas” menu.
From www.macaronigrill.com
• Mediterranean Chicken Flatbread
Crispy flatbread topped with grilled chicken, creamy goat
cheese, red and yellow peppers and flavorful roasted garlic.
From www.outbacksteakhouse.com
SALADS
America wants to eat healthier. But “healthy” doesn’t have
to mean “boring.”
Salads can be prepared low-calorie, vegetarian, vegan,
or even gluten-free, and STILL taste great! Fill them with fresh and
flavorful seasonal produce or top them with signature proteins or
house-made dressings. They’re a blank canvas, so get creative!
• Crab Cake Chipotle Caesar
Romaine lettuce topped with one of our made-from-scratch
lump meat crab cakes, black bean corn relish, tortilla strips and
chipotle Caesar dressing.
From www.joescrabshack.com
• Baja Cobb
A mix of fresh greens, applewood smoked bacon, cheddar
cheese, tomatoes, onions, guacamole and fresh jalapeños
topped with spicy chipotle dressing.
From www.smashburger.com
• Pear & Berry Salad
Fresh Greens with charbroiled Chicken, Strawberries, Pears, and
glazed Pecans. We toss it all together with Raspberry Vinaigrette,
and top it with Feta Cheese.
From www.bubbagump.com
• Southern Fried Rock Shrimp Salad
Corn & okra slaw, rémoulade, mache, bacon vinaigrette
From www.umamiburger.com
• Ultimate Buffalo Chicken Salad
Crispy or grilled buffalo chicken, field greens, bleu cheese,
carrots, tomatoes, celery and pico de gallo tossed in ranch
dressing. Served inside a spicy, crispy tortilla shell.
From www.bennigans.com
• Southern Fried Seafood Salad
Crawfish, shrimp, fish, oysters or catfish lightly fried and served
over a garden salad with your choice of dressing.
From www.poboys.com
• Apple Harvest Chicken Salad
A juicy grilled chicken breast on top of fresh mixed greens,
candied walnuts and crumbled blue cheese. Finished with sliced
apples and dijon vinaigrette. Served with warm garlic focaccia.
From www.redrobin.com
Consider a Salad Toppers section, where guests can customize
any salad with a protein topping of their choice.
• blackened, grilled or jerked chicken or shrimp
• crab cake or lump crab meat
• piece of fresh fish
• kabob skewer
• filet medallions
• portobello mushroom
• Apple Pecan Grilled Chicken Salad
Our crispy lettuce blend topped with gala apples, dried
cranberries, mandarin oranges, candied pecans, and a warm
grilled chicken breast. Served with Reduced Fat Berry Balsamic
Vinaigrette.
From www.steaknshake.com
• Caribbean Passion Tossed Salad
Mixed greens and a colorful splash of fresh pineapple pico,
mango, avocado, red pepper, cucumber, cilantro and crispy
wontons. Served with your choice of ginger-lime marinated
chicken or blackened ahi tuna and tossed with tangy Passion
Fruit Vinaigrette.
From www.tgifridays.com
• Gazpacho Spinach Salad
Fresh spinach with cucumbers, avocado, roma tomatoes &
roasted red onions. Served with our Lime Chipotle Vinaigrette
& Jalapeño Cornbread.
From www.thebeehivegrill.com
• Pesto Shrimp Salad2
Double salad = double delicious! A generous scoop of our
house made pesto/jumbo shrimp salad served bold and
cold atop a bed of mixed field greens.
• Strawberry Poppyseed & Chicken Salad
With fresh strawberries, ripe blueberries and fresh pineapple.
From www.panerabread.com
• Asian Edamame Salad
Edamame, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red bell peppers, carrots,
green onions, fresh basil, and cilantro in a ginger citrus dressing.
From www.cornerbakery.com
FREE FLAVOR INFO
Visit http://www.technomic.com/Resources/ to sign up for their excellent
complimentary newsletters and e-mail updates on restaurant industry trends.
All are excellent sources of information boiled down to just what you need.
PIZZA
America LOVES pizza – breakfast pizza, dessert pizza, bagel pizza,
flatbread pizza, crazy gourmet pizza... Pick a pizza and jump in!
You don’t have to own an Italian restaurant to serve a good pizza,
and the toppings and flavor combinations are only limited by
your imagination.
• Jamaican Jerk Chicken Pizza
• California Club Pizza
Jerk chicken, spicy sweet Caribbean sauce, Mozzarella,
applewood smoked bacon, onions, bell peppers and scallions.
From www.californiapizzakitchen.com
Applewood smoked bacon, chicken and Mozzarella, hearthbaked then topped with tomatoes, avocado and chilled lettuce
tossed in mayonnaise.
From www.californiapizzakitchen.com
• Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Chicken, Two Cheese, Hot Sauce, Ranch Dressing
From www.pizzaranch.com
• Pesto Chicken Pizza
Grilled chicken breast marinated in a basil pesto sauce with mild
onions, Mozzarella cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, more pesto sauce
and toasted pine nuts.
From www.californiapizzakitchen.com
• Pescatore Pizza
White pizza, lobster, scallops, shrimps, broccoli di rabe shredded
mozzarella
From www.pescatoreseafood.com
• BBQ Chicken Pizza
Smoked gouda, red onion & cilantro
From www.cheesecakefactory.com
• Habaneros Carnitas Pizza
Slow-roasted pulled pork, red onions, cilantro pesto, Mozzarella
and Quesadilla cheese with SPICY habanero salsa.
From www.californiapizzakitchen.com
• Stampede
Canadian Bacon, Pepperoni, Italian Sausage, Beef, Mushrooms,
Green & Black Olives, Onions, Green Peppers
From www.pizzaranch.com
• Scampi Pizza
White pizza, scampi sauce, shrimp, basil goat cheese & shredded
mozzarella
From www.pescatoreseafood.com
• Crab Flatbread Pizza
What would happen if your favorite crab house met your favorite
pizza parlor? You’d get a load of creamy, crabby goodness, with
melted mozzarella and a shot of Old Bay.
From www.greeneturtle.com
• John’s Favorite
Papa John’s founder John Schnatter’s favorite pizza, loaded
with pepperoni, sausage and a six-cheese blend of mozzarella,
parmesan, romano, asiago, provolone and fontina.
Sprinkled with our special blend of Italian herb seasonings.
From www.papajohns.com
• White Pizza
Mozzarella, Fontina, Parmesan and Ricotta Cheeses with Spinach
and Garlic.
From www.cheesecakefactory.com
• Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pizza
Chicken, Broccoli, Two Cheeses, Zesty Alfredo Sauce
From www.pizzaranch.com
• Fiery Hawaiian Pizza
Sliced ham, bacon, pineapple, roasted red peppers, hot sauce,
and jalapeños with provolone cheese on a parmesan asiago crust.
From www.dominos.com
• Spinoccoli TM
Spinach, broccoli, chunky tomatoes, feta, Cheddar, mozzarella &
grated Romano.
From www.unos.com
• Smoky Shrimp Flatbread
Seared shrimp, smoked mozzarella, pancetta, saporita.
From www.macaronigrill.com
NAME CALLING
Choose your item names carefully. They should be clear, but appetizing. Don’t bore your customer with
the same item name they’ve seen on so many other menus: Grilled Chicken, Surf and Turf... BORING.
Combine interesting item names with colorful descriptions and your dishes are as good as sold!
MAC & CHEESE
Several Mac & Cheese restaurant concepts have sprung up over
the past few years. Their menus show how one of America’s
favorite comfort foods can be enhanced with a wide variety
of add-ins.
Mac & Cheese has HUGE flavor potential, pasta is profitable, and you
don’t have to work to sell the concept - people already love Mac and
Cheese! It’s very easy to make this menu addition work for you!
Popularly served in individual skillets or bread bowls.
• FROM CHEESE-OLOGY
http://www.cheese-ology.com
• FROM JB MACK
http://www.jbmack.com
• 4-Cheese Mac and Cheese
• Chicken & Broccoli
Four cheeses, Provolone, Gruyere, Muenster, and Goat, blended
to create this tangy mac
• Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Mozzarella and Blue Cheese, Chicken and Buffalo Hot Sauce
• Black and Bleu
A Cajun nod with American and Bleu cheese, Steak and a little
heat from Cajun Spices
• Bacon! Bacon! Mac and Cheese
For Bacon lovers!! Mozzarella and Gruyere cheese, and a
generous amount of thick cut Bacon
• Chicken or Shrimp Scampi Mac and Cheese
Mozzarella, Provolone and Parmesan cheese, Chicken or
Shrimp, Lemon and Garlic
• Santa Fe Mac and Cheese
Chihuahua and Monterey Jack cheese, Chicken, Corn and
Black Bean Salsa, and Southwest Spices
• The Hill
Provel cheese and Salsiccia (sausage) with a top layer of Marinara
• Philly Cheese
East Coast style with American and Provolone cheese,
Steak, Onions, and Peppers
• Creamy Pesto
Mozzarella and Provolone cheese with loads of Basil Pesto
Grilled chicken & fresh broccoli
• Steak n Cheese Mac
Shaved steak, mushrooms, peppers & American cheese
• Very Veggie
Roasted red peppers, mushrooms & broccoli
• Meat Trio
Sausage, pepperoni, & bacon
• Bacon Burger Mac
Hamburger, bacon & American cheese with a side of ketchup
• Kickin’ Chicken
Grilled chicken, bacon & hot peppers
• Chicken Buffalo Mac
Buffalo cheddar sauce tossed w/ chicken & peppers
• Build-A-Mac
Pick & choose your fillings and cheese sauce
Veggies: Broccoli - Mushrooms - Peppers - Tomatoes - Hot Peppers - Peas
Meats: Ham - Hot Dog - Hamburger - Sausage - Pepperoni
Specialty: Chicken - Bacon - Sun Dried Tomatoes - Steak
Cheese Sauces: Golden Classic - Spicy Jalapeño - White Cheddar
Buffalo Cheddar - Marinara
• FROM MACBAR
http://www.macbar.net
• The Classic
Elbow macaroni, American, Cheddar
• 4-Cheese
Queso blanco, fontina, emmental, gouda
• Mayan Chipotle Mac
Chicken diablo, chihuahua cheese, green onions
• Primavera Mac
Spinach, artichoke, feta, parmigiano, fresh tomato & herbs
• Carbonara
• OTHER MAC & CHEESE IDEAS
• Bacon Blue Crab Mac and Cheese
Applewood Bacon, Parmigiano, Provolone & Mozzarella Cheeses,
Herbed Panko Crust
From anastasiseafood.com
• Chili Mac
Chili piled on hot steaming spaghetti topped with cheese,
onions and beans and even jalapenos or sour cream!
From www.hardtimes.com
• Pork Belly Mac and Cheese
With caramelized onions and pulled pork with chipotle lime BBQ
sauce, served on grilled Texas toast with fries.
From www.whiskeycreek.com
Pancetta, green peas, parmigiano
• Margarita Mac
Fresh tomatoes, parmigiano, mozzarella, fresh basil
• Mac Stroganoff
Braised beef, stewed mushrooms, sour cream sauce
• Mac Reuben
Braised corned beef, pickled sauerkraut, Swiss cheese,
rye bread crumbs
• Cheeseburger Mac
Ground angus beef, Cheddar, American
• Mac Lobsta
Tender chunks of fresh lobster, cognac, tarragon, mascarpone
• Classic Creamy Mac and Cheese
Swirly cavatappi pasta tossed in a creamy four-cheese sauce,
topped with more gooey cheese and baked to golden brown.
Served with focaccia bread and a side salad.
From www.redrobin.com
PASTA
Looking beyond Mac & Cheese, there’s still great profit in pasta
entrées. A huge variety of pasta shapes are available to be topped
with an even wider variety of sauces, signature meats and veggies.
Tired of plain old spaghetti? Pasta has extensive international flavor
possibilities: Thai Curry, Vietnamese Pad Thai, Russian Stroganoff
and all the traditional Italian favorites!
• Pasta Jambalaya
Shrimp and andouille sausage cooked in a garlic butter sauce
full of mushrooms, bell peppers and onions served over penne
pasta. It’s like a pasta jambalaya!
From www.joescrabshack.com
• Lobster Carbonara
Spaghetti, lobster, smoked bacon, snap peas, garlic cream sauce
From www.maggianos.com
• Pasta Weesie
Fettuccine alfredo with shrimp sautéed in a garlic, lemon butter,
white wine sauce with sautéed mushrooms and scallions
From www.carrabbas.com
• Eggplant Quadratini
Roasted eggplant, basil, tomato, ricotta salata, red chile
From www.macaronigrill.com
• Shrimp Alfredo
Shrimp tossed with penne pasta in our own creamy
Alfredo sauce.
From www.joescrabshack.com
• Shrimp Oreganata
Spaghettini with a Cream Sauce and Lemon, Fresh Oregano
Leaves, Roasted Red Peppers and Grana Padano
From www.timpanochophouse.net
• Pad Thai
Rice noodle stir-fry with scrambled egg, carrots, cabbage,
sweet chile, citrus, peanuts, Asian sprouts and cilantro
From www.noodles.com
• Taylor Street Baked Ziti
Italian sausage, pomodoro sauce and ziti topped with a layer
of melted Provolone and Parmesan
From www.maggianos.com
The most common mistake with pasta is overcooking it.
It’s easy to overlook this critical step, so work with your kitchen staff
to make sure you’re serving al dente, perfect pasta, not a bunch
of limp, wet noodles.
• Shrimp Portofino
Jumbo shrimp, capellini, spinach, mushrooms, pine nuts, lemon butter
From www.macaronigrill.com
• Shrimp Fra Diablo
Fettuccini, Asparagus, Goat Cheese, Pine Nuts and Spinach
Tossed in Spicy Rosa Sauce.
From www.timpanochophouse.net
• Cajun Shrimp & Chicken Pasta
Al dente fettuccine ribbons in our creamy Alfredo sauce under
delicious chicken and shrimp sautéed with red bell peppers in a
special Cajun butter. All topped with Parmesan shavings.
From www.tgifridays.com
• Chicken & Truffle Tortellacci
Tortellacci stuffed with chicken, baked in a garlic and white wine
cream sauce with smoked ham, Asiago cheese and fresh spinach
From www.maggianos.com
• Blackened Chicken Linguine
Mushrooms, Peppers, Cajun Cream
From www.mccormickandschmicks.com
• Blackened Chicken Alfredo
Dirty bird on penne pasta swimmin’ in our delicious Alfredo sauce
From www.poboys.com
• Pesto Spaghetti
Rosemary ham, pesto, peas, ricotta salata, crispy prosciutto
From www.macaronigrill.com
• Pesto Cavatappi
Curly pasta, basil pesto, garlic, mushrooms, tomato, wine, cream,
parmesan and Italian parsley
From www.noodles.com
FRES H FLAVORS
Find a good food magazine that covers the style of items your restaurant offers.
Subscribe for the longest term available. Have it sent to the place you’re most likely
to have 20 minutes to browse through it: home, restaurant or office.
Bonus Tip: Amazon.com offers many magazine subscriptions with an auto-renewal
feature, so you’ll never have to deal with all that renewal notice junk mail again!
SANDWICH
Nearly anything can be made into a winning sandwich, wrap,
press or panini. There’s even been a few instances of PASTA
SANDWICHES popping up on chain menus and in food
mags lately.
This category needs a little creativity to help your offerings
stand out from the rest, but you can feature local flavors and
• Grilled Mac N Cheese Pulled Pork Panini
Or substitute any slow-simmered meat, short ribs, or meatloaf.
Recipe from www.foodnetwork.com - great photos at
http://paninihappy.com/grilled-mac-cheese-with-bbq-pulled-pork
• Meatloaf Sandwich
Thick sliced meatloaf, melted Monterey Jack, grilled onions.
From www.tedsmontanagrill.com
• Tuscan Savory Flatbread
Italian Sausage, Mozzarella, Caramelized Onions, Tomato-Garlic
Sauce, Parmesan, Chili Flakes and Sage
From www.timpanoschophouse.net
• Seafood Trio Roll
Freshly shucked lobster, crabmeat, shrimp cocktail,
celery and mayonnaise on a toasted roll
From www.legalseafoods.com
• Capt. John’s Flyin’ Hawaiian
Quarter pound lamb patty, honey-cured bacon, fried onions,
colby jack cheese and polynesian pineapple mayo.
From www.lunchboxlaboratory.com
• Oyster Po’Boy
Freshly ground tuna, chili paste, crumbs and spices
From www.legalseafoods.com
• Slow Simmered Beef Sandwich
Taste the tenderness of beef that has been slow simmered for
hours and piled high on a buttery bun from Applebee's
collection of bakery breads. Layered with jalapeño coleslaw,
crispy onion strings and our sweet and hot signature sauce.
From www.applebees.com
• Portabella
A Portabella Mushroom 7” to 8” across marinated in balsamic
vinegar, olive oil and Comfort Zone Spice Rub then grilled and
topped with fire roasted red bell peppers, smoked gouda
cheese and served on a bun.
From www.comfortzonebbq.com
• The Plantation
Sliced rotisserie chicken, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, spicy mayo
From www.louisianabethesda.com
• Strip Cheese Sandwich
Chicken strips shaken in wing sauce topped with provolone and
cheddar cheese, served on a toasted ciabatta roll.
From www.hooters.com
ingredients to make your menu more memorable.
House-made spreads and flavored mayos are an easy way
to create interest around signature sandwiches and burgers.
Basil Pesto Mayo, jalapeño ranch, smoked pepper mayo,
pineapple mayo, truffle mayo, roasted garlic aioli, etc.
• Utopia Chicken
Perfection? Pretty close. All natural chicken infused with
aromatic flavors of Thailand. A burst of mint and lime and the
adventure begins. Follow it up with just enough heat for an
explosion of flavor. Your ticket to paradise.
From www.builtburger.com
• Magnificent Chorizo
Because it's so tasty. House made Mexican chorizo, roasted
poblano peppers, crumbled cotija cheese and fresh cilantro.
Add all natural beef to create a perfect balance of cool and
a kick. Score this one a 10. 6 oz.
From www.builtburger.com
• Avocado Chicken Club
Fresh avocado, applewood smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato,
ranch dressing and mayo on a multi-grain bun.
From www.smashburger.com
• The Ultimate Sicilian Chicken Sandwich
It has a flavor you can't refuse. Tender chicken breast, pepperoni
and ham piled high and smothered in melted Provolone. Served
open-faced with fresh lettuce, Bruschetta mix, shaved Parmesan
and drizzled with Caesar Vinaigrette.
From www.tgifridays.com
• Fried Bologna Sandwich
Fried bologna, Russian dressing, American cheese, hot peppers,
and fried egg.
From www.warrenchophouse.com
• Grilled Fish Ciabatta
Wood-grilled tilapia topped with tomato basil vinaigrette and
arugula, served open-faced on grilled ciabatta, with
housemade chips.
From www.carrabbas.com
_____________________________________________________
• Grilled Cheese Sandwiches for Grown Ups
It’s easy to jump on this hot trend! Just take a bunch
of high-quality ingredients and grill them up!
• The Meltdown
Grilled cheese on steroids. Freshly baked bread with your choice
of Fresh Mozzarella, Aged White Cheddar, Havarti, Brie, Smoked
Gouda, Provolone, Pepper Jack, or Swiss.
From www.www.meltdowngrilleandbar.com
• Grilled Crab & Cheese Melt
• Grilled Black Forest Ham, Gruyere Cheese & Egg
• 4-Cheese Blend Grilled Cheese
• Brie, Smoked Ham, Dijon Mustard, Red Peppers
BURGERS
In recent years, the upscale burger boom has been one of the few
bright spots in the restaurant industry. Americans can’t get
enough, and we don’t mind paying $11, $12 or $13 for a burger
experience we can’t get at home. Are you getting your share
of that burger business?
If you’re tired of beef, consider turkey, tuna, black bean, chickpea,
or the exotic options on the menu at Fuddruckers: Buffalo Burger,
Elk Burger, and Wild Boar Burger.
• Chili Cheddar Burger
• Brilliant Prosciutto
Topped with chili, shredded cheddar and onions.
Jalapeños optional.
From www.hardtimes.com
• Montana Breakfast
American cheese, grilled ham, spicy tomato jam and a fried egg
over easy.
From www.tedsmontanagrill.com
• The Avalon Burger
Smothered in melted Gruyere, just a hint of blue cheese, smokey
bacon, sweet caramelized onions, roasted garlic aioli and fresh
baby arugula, all on a toasted onion bun.
From www.tedsmontanagrill.com
• The Canyon Creek Burger
Piled high with melted cheddar cheese, smokey bacon,
diced fresh jalapeños, blackberry jam and a fried egg over easy,
served on a corn-dusted kaiser roll, this hearty burger is truly
one-of-a-kind.
From www.tedsmontanagrill.com
• The Peppercorn Burger
Seasoned and seared with peppercorns and topped with
melted Gruyere cheese, herb Dijon mustard and fresh baby
arugula, on a toasted onion bun.
From www.tedsmontanagrill.com
• Chesapeake
Flavored with Old Bay and topped with crab dip, bacon and
American cheese.
From www.greeneturtle.com
• Santa Fe Slammer
Kobe beef patty, honey cured bacon, green chilis, colby jack
cheese, fried onions and housemade bbq sauce.
From www.lunchboxlaboratory.com
• Quesadilla Burger
Take your taste buds for a Southwest joyride. A juicy burger with
our signature Mexi-ranch sauce with pico de gallo and shredded
lettuce. Served in a mouth-watering pepper-Jack and cheddar
quesadilla (contains bacon).
From www.applebees.com
• Burger of the Gods
Kobe beef patty, bleu cheese crumbles, balsamic onions and
creamy gorgonzola sauce.
From www.lunchboxlaboratory.com
Undeniably excellent. Begin with all natural beef and be amazed
by Italian prosciutto, onions reduced in balsamic, roasted red
peppers and freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano. An excellent
balance of salty and sweet. Trust us, you'll be the leader of the
grill. 6 oz.
From www.builtburger.com
• Blazin BBQ Loaded Burger
It's a heat stroke of genius. A 100% pure beef patty topped with
crispy jalapeño strips plus sliced jalapenos, bacon, Pepper Jack
cheese, sweet and spicy habanero and hickory BBQ sauces,
lettuce, and ripe tomato on a toasty bakery bun. That ought to
melt heartstrings.
From www.sonicdrivein.com
• Hatch Chile Cheeseburger
Our signature Big Mouth® Burger with mild roasted Hatch green
chile sauce, jalapeño Jack cheese, cilantro-lime mayo and housemade pico de gallo.
From www.chilis.com
• Colorado
Grilled, fresh mild green chilies, melted cheddar cheese, pepper
jack cheese, lettuce, tomato and mayo on a spicy chipotle bun.
From www.smashburger.com
• Spicy Baja
Pepper jack cheese, guacamole, lettuce, tomato, onion, spicy
chipotle mayo and fresh jalapeños on a spicy chipotle bun.
From www.smashburger.com
• Grilled Portobello & Swiss
A Double Steakburger with fresh Portobello mushrooms,
seasoned on our fiery hot grill and topped with melted Swiss
cheese, caramelized onions and garlic mayo. Served with fries.
From www.steaknshake.com
• Buffalo Burger
A tender and flavorful classic burger served on our wheat bun. Leaner
than most traditional beef burgers, it has 0 g. of artificial trans fats
and is just as juicy when grilled to medium. Try it with cheddar
cheese and your fair share of our free market fresh produce.
From www.fuddruckers.com
• Philly Burger
This burger is piled high with grilled onions, sautéed peppers &
mushrooms, and smothered in creamy cheese sauce and aged white
cheddar. Served on a toasted hoagie roll.
From www.applebees.com
• Tuna Burger
• Guinness Glazed Bacon Cheeseburger
Freshly ground tuna, chili paste, crumbs and spices
From www.legalseafoods.com
Guinness stout glaze, bacon, cheddar, crispy fried onions
From www.bennigans.com
• Triple Pork Burger
• Farmhouse Cheeseburger
fresh ground pork, chorizo and bacon with manchego cheese &
pimento aioli
From www.umamiburger.com
• Jalapeno Turkey Burger
Turkey jalapeño blend, pepperjack, cranberry sauce, arugula
From www.burgerkitchenla.com
• Jamaican Jerk Burger
Angus beef jerk seasoned and served with all the trimmings.
From www.myjamaicahouse.com
Topped with Grilled Smoked Pork Belly, Cheddar Cheese,
Onions, Lettuce, Tomato, Mayo and a Fried Egg.
From www.cheesecakefactory.com
• Jack Daniels Burger
Our signature Jack Daniel's® sauce, crispy bacon and melted
Provolone cheese. Served with extra Jack Daniel's® sauce
on the side.
From www.tgifridays.com
• Ultimate BBQ Burger
• Umami Burger
House ground beef, oven roasted tomatoes, carmelized
onions, parmesan frico, sautéed shiitake mushrooms and house
made ketchup.
From www.umamiburger.com
• Californication
Beef patty, blue cheese, special sauce, crispy shallots, avocado
From www.burgerkitchenla.com
• Monterey Cheeseburger
Avocado, melted Jack cheese, arugula, and red onion with
Honey-Mustard Mayo.
From www.cheesecakefactory.com
A juicy ground beef patty beneath a pile of Georgia Chopped
Pork with two strips of jalapeño bacon, melted sharp American
cheese and our signature Beam & Cola BBQ sauce.
From www.famousdaves.com
• Avocado Turkey Burger
Lightly seasoned all-white-meat turkey patty, fire-grilled
to perfection. Served on a fresh toasted bun topped with garlic
mayonnaise, crisp lettuce, fresh Haas avocado slices and
sliced tomato.
From www.smokeybones.com
• Boston Blue Burger
• The Vermonter
Melted Vermont White Cheddar cheese, maple pepper bacon,
lettuce, tomato and mayo on a toasted Ciabatta roll.
From www.friendlys.com
Topped with blue cheese crumbles, crisp onion rings,
and our house-made Boston barbecue sauce.
From www.rubytuesday.com
a selection of Gourmet Burgers from Ted’s Montana Grill
SEAFOOD
Today, there are smart phone apps (like Monterey Bay Aquarium’s
popular Seafood Watch) advising diners about healthy and
sustainable seafood options. Make sure your servers can answer
questions if they come up.
• Shrimp & Grits
A whole mess o’ Shrimp, Ham, Onions, Andouille Sausage,
Garlic and Cajun Spices served over Carolina Grits.
From www.bubbagump.com
• Dragonfire Salmon
A hearty Norwegian salmon fillet grilled to perfection and
glazed in a Kung Pao sauce. Served with pineapple Pico de Gallo,
Mandarin oranges, ginger-lime slaw and fresh steamed broccoli.
From www.tgifridays.com
• Sizzle Salmon
Mushroom Truffle or Asian Black Pepper Sauce
From www.mccormickandschmicks.com
• Potato Crusted Flounder
A mild whitefish fillet grilled to perfection in a delicious potato
crust. Served with a baked Russet potato, fresh steamed broccoli
and your choice of freshly baked rolls or buttermilk biscuits.
From www.bobevans.com
• Tuscan Crab Tilapia
A mild filet of tilapia is broiled, then topped with our Tuscan
inspired sauce made with jumbo lump crab meat, Parmesan
cream sauce, roasted peppers, spinach, and a hint of bacon.
Served with your choice of two sides.
From www.rubytuesday.com
• Shrimp Key West
Two skewers of shrimp are dusted with Cajun spices, grilled over
an open fire and splashed with a tangy ginger-lime dressing.
Served with fresh steamed broccoli.
From www.tgifridays.com
• Jamaican Black Pepper Shrimp
Sautéed Shrimp with a Very Spicy Jamaican Black Pepper Sauce.
Served with Rice, Black Beans, Plantains and Cool Mango Salsa.
Available with Chicken or Chicken and Shrimp.
From www.thecheesecakefactory.com
• Branzino con pesto Trapanese
Roasted Mediterranean sea bass, tomato and almond pesto
From www.pizzeriaortica.com
• Rainbow Trout New Orleans
Fresh rainbow trout blackened with Cajun spices and topped
with shrimp and a spicy Tabasco beurre blanc. Side of pico.
From www.redlobster.com
• Cedar Plank Salmon
Oven roasted on a cedar plank with garlic mashed potatoes,
country style green beans and fresh horseradish sauce.
From www.tedsmontanagrill.com
• Mahi Mahi
Pan Seared with Crab Potato Hash Sweet Corn Bisque
& Balsamic Glaze
From www.mccormickandschmicks.com
• Louisiana Catfish Matrimony
Sautéed with shrimp and andouille sausage, jasmine rice and
seasonal vegetables
From www.legalseafoods.com
• Shrimp Pot Pie
When it’s cold outside, this one’s warm inside. Creamy, spicy
Seafood Newburg baked with a flaky crust.
• Langostino Lobster Bites
From www.ljsilvers.com
• Crab Stuffed Shrimp
Plump shrimp stuffed with Joe’s famous crabmeat recipe!
Served with dirty rice and seasonal vegetables.
From www.joescrabshack.com
• Swordfish
Served with Sweet Potato Crab Hash, a Jumbo Grilled Shrimp,
and Savory BBQ Butter Sauce.
From www.mccormickandschmicks.com
• Roasted Salmon
Marinated with Dill and Shallots, Served on Sauteed Artichokes
and Spinach with a Mustard Cream Sauce
From www.timpanochophouse.net
KNOW THE NEWS
Nation’s Restaurant News is an invaluable source of up-to-the-minute industry
information, including features on hot flavor trends. Visit http://www.nrn.com
to read the news every day, subscribe to their twice-monthly print edition
or their free (and frequent) e-mail newsletters.
SOUP+ SIDES
Winter is coming, and warm, wholesome, hearty soups will
be in demand once again. Pair the perennial favorite with
a half sandwich or salad for an unbeatable lunch combo.
• King Crawfish Soup
Louisiana crawfish, creole seasonings and tomatoes simmered
together in a rich cream sauce. Served with buckwheat bread
(jalapeno corn bread) or a half loaf of pressed French bread.
From www.poboys.com
• Chicken & Green Chile Soup
With rice, green chiles and tomatoes. Topped with cilantro,
avocado and a lime wedge.
From www.chilis.com
• Seafood Stew
Cod, Shrimp, Clams, Mussels, Snow Crab, Squid, in a Hearty
Tomato Sauce, served with Grilled Rustic Italian Bread
From www.mccormickandschmicks.com
• Zuppa Toscana
Spicy sausage, russet potatoes and cavolo greens in a creamy broth.
From www.olivegarden.com
• Chicken Enchilada Soup
Topped with tortilla strips, cheese and house-made pico de gallo.
From www.chilis.com
• Three Lentil Vegetable Soup
From www.cornerbakery.com
• Shrimp & Lobster Chowder
Creamy corn chowder simmered with shrimp, lobster, potatoes
and red bell peppers.
From www.longhornsteakhouse.com
• Sausage Chili
Soups are an easy way to feature fresh seasonal produce like
squash, pumpkins, carrots, collard greens and corn.
• Low-Fat Lemon Chicken Orzo
A Mediterranean-inspired soup with chicken, orzo, spinach,
carrots, oregano and basil simmered in a lemon infused chicken
broth and topped with a lemon wheel.
From www.panerabread.com
• Garden Vegetable Soup with Pesto
A low-fat vegetarian soup with diced tomatoes, sliced zucchini,
yellow beans, fresh Swiss chard, cauliflower, bell peppers and
pearled barley in a tomato broth. Garnished with a dollop of
nut-free basil pesto.
From www.panerabread.com
• Loaded Potato & Bacon Soup
Creamy potato and bacon soup topped with Cheddar cheese
and sour cream.
From www.ihop.com
• Shrimp & Crab Bisque
An Alabama twist to a low-country favorite.
From www.bubbagump.com
• Bayou Gumbo
Chicken and andouille sausage simmered for hours with the
flavors of the Cajun “trinity” (onions, peppers, and celery).
Duh-licious! Served with buckwheat bread (jalapeno corn
bread) or a half loaf of pressed French bread.
From www.poboys.com
• Tuscan Sausage & Orzo
Italian sausage, fennel, white beans and fresh tomatoes
From www.maggianos.com
Our signature sausage and plump kidney beans
in a hearty tomato base
From www.bobevans.com
• Roasted Spaghetti Squash
• White Cheddar Mashed Potatoes
From www.rubytuesday.com
• Cheese Tots
Pop some of these crispy little potato pieces in your mouth
and you'll never think of a spud the same way again.
Top them with chili and cheese, or get them plain.
From www.sonicdrivein.com
• Chili Cheese Fries
Crispy, golden brown sticks of potato goodness. Get 'em with your
combo, or on their own smothered with warm, chili and cheese.
From www.sonicdrivein.com
• Creamy Langostino Lobster Mashed Potatoes
From www.redlobster.com
• Steakhouse Mac & Cheese
Corkscrew pasta, four cheeses & hickory smoked bacon
From www.longhornsteakhouse.com
• Seafood Smashed Potatoes
Smashed potatoes with garlic, butter, lump crab meat, Old Bay
seasoning and melted Cheddar cheese.
• Crispy Red Potatoes
Potatoes roasted with herbs then fried, served with garlic butter,
rosemary, parsley and basil.
From www.maggianos.com
• Cheesy Andouille Fries
From www.louisianabethesda.com
• Green Beans with Bacon & Crispy Onions
Fresh green beans served with bacon and crispy onions
From www.maggianos.com
• Legendary Loaded Sweet Potato
Topped with marshmallow and caramel sauce.
From www.texasroadhouse.com
• Pumpkin Bread
Order as a side, with your meal or a loaf to go!
From www.bobevans.com
ENTREES
You know your kitchen’s capabilities, strengths and weaknesses.
When selecting new entrées and specials, choose items they can
make well and that taste so good, people will post about them
on Facebook!
• Pork Chop Adobada
With your choice of sauces: Spicy Ancho, smoked corn pico de
gallo, or green papaya vinegar. Served with drunken black
beans, pickled watermelon salad, crème fraiche.
From vestagrill.com
• Bison Meatloaf
Two hearty slices with brown gravy, garlic mashed potatoes and
Aunt Fannie’s squash casserole.
From www.tedsmontanagrill.com
• Bison Pot Roast
Braised and slow-roasted, served with brown gravy, garlic
mashed potatoes and country style green beans
From www.tedsmontanagrill.com
• Fiesta Lime Chicken
A little zest, a little Southwest. Grilled chicken done fiesta-style with
a zesty lime sauce. Then we top it with Jack-cheddar and Mexi-ranch,
and serve it up with crisp tortilla strips, seasoned rice and fresh pico
de gallo.
From www.applebees.com
• Dragonfire Chicken
A juicy fire-grilled chicken breast glazed in Kung Pao sauce and
served over jasmine rice pilaf with pineapple pico de gallo,
Mandarin oranges and fresh steamed broccoli.
From www.tgifridays.com
• 16 oz. Organic Grain Fed Veal Chop
From www.timpanochophouse.net
• Mediterranean Skewers
Marinated and fire-grilled with a lemon-garlic sauce. Served with
a tasty tzatziki cucumber yogurt sauce, jasmine rice pilaf,
vegetable medley and grilled pita. Served with your choice
of Grilled Chicken or Black Angus Sirloin.
From www.tgifridays.com
• Sicilian Skirt Steak
Wood-grilled skirt steak served with sautéed tomatoes and spinach
over grilled bruschetta bread with our balsamic glaze
From www.carrabbas.com
• Asian Sesame Glazed Baby Back Ribs
A half-rack slow-cooked then covered with our peanut-barbecue
sauce to give it a sweet and tangy kick. Garnished with sesame seeds.
From www.rubytuesday.com
• Apple Cider-Glazed Chicken
Limited Time Only! Two bone-in chicken breasts are flash-fried to seal
in the flavor, then topped with an apple cider glaze. Served with a
baked sweet potato, fresh steamed broccoli and freshly baked bread.
From www.bobevans.com
Plating is important! It’s something you can do for FREE that adds
perceived value to your customer’s order! And these days, they
might be snapping pictures with their cell phones to post online.
So make sure your food is always looking its best!
• Honey Mustard Pork Loin
Whole Grain Mustard and Local Honey Rubbed Coleman Natural
Pork Loin, Grilled and Served with Sautéed Sugar Peas,
All Natural Local Bacon and Yukon Gold Mashed Potato
From www.111chophouse.com
• Fire & Spice Pork Tenderloin
Soy and garlic marinated pork tenderloin charbroiled to perfection,
sliced and served drizzled with our chipotle BBQ sauce.
From www.smokeybones.com
• Ginger Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin
Soy and garlic marinated pork tenderloin charbroiled to perfection,
then sliced and served brushed with a ginger teriyaki glaze.
From www.smokeybones.com
• Pork Chops Marsala
Thick cut pork chop, topped with Marsala wine sauce and served
with rosemary roasted potatoes and steamed asparagus
From www.perrysitaliangrille.com
• Vegetarian Box
Asian flavored stir-fried vegetables, Thai red coconut curry sauce,
cashews, tofu and brown rice with Shrimp or Scallops
From www.legalseafoods.com
• Maui Glazed Pork Chop
A center cut chop lightly seasoned and glazed in a sweet and tangy
sauce, grilled and served with oven-roasted red potatoes, steamed green
beans and grilled sweet red onions.
From www.bjsbrewhouse.com
• Bruschetta Chicken
Grilled chicken breast seasoned with bruschetta, parsley and a blend of
Italian cheeses stacked on top of crispy red potatoes and fried onion and
red & green peppers. Topped with a duo of scampi sauce and
Bolognese sauce.
From www.applebees.com
• Drunken Pot Roast
Tender pot roast in a red ale gravy with roasted carrots and red onions.
Served with garlic mashed potatoes and choice of Caesar or Garden salad.
From bennigans.com
• Grilled “Bricked” Rocket Steak
A brick-flattened fire-grilled 4 oz. Choice sirloin steak on top of a rocket
arugula salad with tomatoes, garlic and crispy bacon pieces. Drizzled
with a balsamic glaze.
From bennigans.com
• Blue Cheese Crusted Sirloin Filet
Topped with melted gorgonzola
From www.warrenchophouse.com
DESSERTS
Multiples and minis are still a hot dessert trend and
apples are coming into season for fall.
Classic comfort items and old reliables cannot be denied,
but who would have predicted the recent rise in savory
desserts like bacon ice cream?
• Cinnamon Bread Pudding
www.bubbagump.com
• Pecan Praline Bread Pudding
www.famousdaves.com
• Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce
Are your desserts good To-Go? Often, your customers are too
full to eat dessert at the restaurant, but WISH they could fit it.
Focus on offering desserts that package, travel and reheat well.
Packaging is important, because a dessert to-go extends the
restaurant experience to your customer’s home or office.
You don’t want to disappoint them at the finish line!
• Signature Desserts with alcohol component
• Kahlua / Bailey’s Irish Cream Brownies
• Whiskey Caramel Sauce
• Malibu Rum Cake
• Grilled Pineapple with Malibu Rum Sauce
www.ruthschris.com
• White Chocolate & Macadamia Nut Bread Pudding
www.chopsbistroandmartinibar.com
• Nonna’s Toasted Poundcake
Toasted poundcake with caramelized bananas, hot fudge and
vanilla bean ice cream
From www.maggianos.com
• S’Mores Sundae
S’Mores brownies on top of a scoop of vanilla ice cream,
topped with a toasted marshmallow skewer and drizzled with
chocolate sauce.
From www.bennigans.com
• Sweet Adventure Sampler Trio
Sample three fabulous desserts, Chocolate Thunder from Down
Under® with pecan brownie, Carrot Cake with coconut and
pecans and Classic Cheesecake.
From www.outbacksteakhouse.com
• Signature Desserts with Peanut Butter
• Peanut Butter Creme Brulee
• Peanut Butter Brownies / Sundae
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake/Pie
• Peanut Butter Pudding Parfait
• Peanut Butter Brownie Black Sundae
What could be better than peanut butter brownies and ice
cream topped with peanut butter, chocolate and peanut butter
chips, whipped cream & chocolate sauce.
From www.peanutbutterandco.com
• Sogno Di Cioccolata "Chocolate Dream"
A rich fudge brownie brushed with Kahlua, with chocolate
mousse, fresh whipped cream and homemade chocolate sauce.
From www.carrabbas.com
• Mixed Berry Crostata
• Chocolate Chip Paradise Pie
Chewy bar of chocolate chips, walnuts and coconut. Topped
with vanilla ice cream, hot fudge and caramel.
From www.chilis.com
• Apple Crostada with Caramel Sauce
Granny Smith apples baked in a pastry crust dipped in cream and
crystallized sugar. Served with caramel sauce and a scoop of
vanilla bean ice cream.
From www.maggianos.com
A light and crispy open-faced berry tart freshly baked in our
woodfired oven and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
From www.carrabbas.com
• Apple Dumpling Pie
Our Apple Dumpling Pie is a first place Winner of the 2009
National Pie Championship* and features whole, perfect ripe
apples combined with a diced-apple filling, nestled in a flaky
crust. Drizzled with caramel sauce and served warm.
From www.bobevans.com
NO SUBSTITUTE
You REALLY want to know what the competition is up to? Just pick a place and dine there!
It’s the best way to get real insight into the service, food quality and overall experience of the competition.
Go with an open mind. Take notes. Learn from them and use the knowledge to improve your own offerings!
Sysco Online Resources
www.syscotabletop.com
Start your tour at SyscoTabletop.com, packed
with food trends, exciting recipes and business
building tips to keep you ahead of the competition.
Exclusive to Sysco customers!
www.sysco.com
At Sysco.com, you can learn all about our company
and products, stay up to date with recent market
reports and even find specialty suppliers.
Special Sysco Edition of
Restaurant Growth Digital Magazine
For page after page of industry insider news and tips, don’t
forget your FREE subscription to Restaurant Growth’s digital
magazine. Exclusive to Sysco customers!
To subscribe, visit http://www.nxtbook.com/splash/sysco/