Would a Secret Menu Work for Your Food Business?
Ready for a sizzling food trend tip for 2022? The secret to success might be keeping secrets about your menu! Yes, really! With the evolving food industry creating more competition, it’s more important than ever to stand out from the crowd. Adding a dash of exclusivity to your menu might be just the ingredient you need.
The idea of secret menus
A secret menu is one with dishes that you don’t advertise or put on your general menu. It sounds counterintuitive, but venues from fast-food outlets like KFC to fancy restaurants have used them for years.
It’s thought that the idea stemmed from loyal customers asking for special side dishes or different ingredients to go along with normal menu items. These can spread like wildfire once customers get the word out among family and friends, because people love becoming those in the know!
The best thing is, there are plenty of ways you can take advantage of the idea to make it work for you.
How to make secret menus work for you
First up, how do you know what should be on a secret menu? Make sure you jot down any ideas or requests you get from regular customers. Let your customers' preferences lead the way, and start with tweaking your most popular dishes with something special.
A great idea is to do a poll on social media or offer diners a questionnaire to find out if they’re looking for something a bit different, and what it is. Many people love to be in on creating new concepts at their favourite venues, just as much as they like to feel like they’re enjoying something that’s unique and exciting.
As the main appeal is the ‘secret and exclusive’ factor, your target audience comprises people who love to be in the know. Therefore, rely on word of mouth and social media. Encourage social media sharing with eye-popping food presentation for photos. Post hints about upcoming ‘secret’ dishes or ingredients that might just sway people your way to find out what they are.
Send in the secret ingredients
To ensure your secret dishes don’t cost extra money, only use ingredients you already have on hand for your regular menu. If your budget stretches to it, you can try adding seasonal dishes or ingredients that can be ordered for a week or two as a secret special.
If you're keen on just adding a bit of spice, wholesale relish products in Sydney might offer the extra ‘wow’ factor you need!
Imagine a bright red, chunky and zingy burger relish smothered over hamburgers and hot dogs. How about corn relish for takeaways with a difference, or hot pepper rings to add the bite to a BLT? With a tasty toolkit of relishes on hand, almost any dish becomes a new sensation. Relish48 products run rings around ordinary condiments and tend to get the response of, “what was that delicious topping on my burger? I’ve never tasted it before!”
And that’s exactly how secret and highly sought-after menus are made!