Pandemic Fuels Snack-Menu Opportunities
Operators expand variety and experiment with new items to fill all-day demand for off-premise noshing.
The pandemic has accelerated the opportunities for operators to showcase snacks on their menus, building on a trend that has already been gaining traction in the industry.
Consumers have increasingly shifted away from traditional meals and opted instead to nosh throughout the day, or to combine multiple snacks, tapas-style, to create their own meals. Operators are responding with more snacking options, such as an expanded assortment of French fry options and loaded dishes, pretzel bites, sliders and other portable finger foods that can easily be eaten on the go.
“Overall, we’ve seen increased demand for our sides during the pandemic—a trend that was occurring pre-pandemic as well”
Quinn Adkins, director of menu development at Culver Franchising System. The chain is known for its Butter burgers, Wisconsin Cheese Curds and Frozen Custard, among other items.
“We’ve always believed more menu options mean more ways to brighten your day”
A TV ad promoting Culver’s wide range of offerings, including its fried Chicken Tenders, Onion Rings and Cheese Curds.
The most popular sides at Culver’s are its Crinkle Cut Fries, Wisconsin Cheese Curds and Onion Rings, he says. During the pandemic, Culver added promotional materials around the chain’s variety of menu items, including its sides.
The chain revived one of its most popular snack items, Pretzel Bites, in 2020 with a limited time offer. The Pretzel Bites, which are served with Culver’s Wisconsin Cheddar Cheese Sauce for dipping, “are a perfect savory treat,” says Adkins, noting that sales of the item were up 40% year-over-year in 2020. The item first appeared as an LTO in 2018.