Plan Ahead
We may have only just stepped into a new year, but in this fast-paced industry it is vital you plan ahead for driving uptake and sales.
So, with Mother’s Day on the 6 March and Easter Sunday on the 27 March, you should be thinking about your menus now. After the success of last year’s Menu Solutions Guide by Premier Foods for the two events, it has been launched again.
“We are delighted to be revisiting our Menu Solutions Guide as it was so well received by our customers last year,” says Sarah Robb, channel marketing manager. “With 81% of caterers citing Mother’s Day and Easter as a key opportunity to attract new customers, it is vital that we support our customers from product purchase to the final meal.”
What does the guide do?
• Highlights the significant sales opportunity presented by both Mother’s Day and Easter
• Delivers nine costed recipes specifically for Mother’s Day and Easter, categorised by course
• Offers tips on how to make the most of the events, drive sales and increase footfall among both new and existing customers
Think about your customers
Both events are family orientated, so from children to grandparents all appetites should be catered for. The guide features recipes categorised by course and developed by Mark Rigby, executive chef at Premier Foods. From roast dinner inspiration to lighter fish dishes and salads, the recipes are ideal for both occasions and use Premier Foods’ trustworthy brands, such as Bisto, Sharwood’s, Ambrosia, Homepride and McDougalls. With no artificial colours or added preservatives, Bisto Gluten Free is suitable for vegetarian and vegan dishes, while also meeting the 2017 salt content guidelines. As the free- from market continues to grow, with consumers seeking out gluten-free options whether they have an intolerance or not, the new product enables chefs to serve the traditional dishes consumers know and love while adhering to allergen regulations.
Advertise
It may seem a long way away, but before you know it March will be upon us, so once you have got Valentine’s out of the way, start advertising Mother’s Day and Easter. Start by highlighting the menus on your website. This Easter has the potential to be a three-day event, so highlight any extra activities you are holding for the children from easter egg hunts to a bouncy castle!
Word of mouth
In coming weeks, when customers pay, brief staff to ask them if they’ve thought about booking for Mother’s Day and Easter. This will give them an opportunity to tell them what the menu is and if there are any regulars at the bar who always attend get their opinion on it too. A customer is more likely to believe another customer’s review than a member of staff!
Mother’s Day menu ideas
Starters – Chicken, leek & bacon soup, Garlic & tomato pizza bread and Sweet & sour chicken salad
Mains – Black bean glazed salmon, Roast beef with gravy & Yorkshire pudding and BBQ chicken
Desserts – Dunking doughnuts with chocolate custard, Lemon tart and Rhubarb & pears flapjack crumble with hazelnuts & custard
