Brought to you by McCain Foodservice Solutions

While the traditional three-course experience still has its place in restaurants, the way we eat out is changing. Dining at a restaurant is a social occasion – one that is often best accompanied by drinks and a range of bites to nibble on. This is why appetisers are becoming core to many restaurant menus. Here’s why you need to consider offering appetisers at your restaurant.

1. The way people dine out is changing

McCain Foodservice Solutions says that “informal, shared social snacking experiences seem to be taking priority”. After more than two years of being shut off from the world, diners now more than ever want to relax and tuck into a range of snacks and starters while enjoying time with family and friends.

And it seems that this is a global trend, with the US-based Tampa Maid Foods also stating that 39% of customers order appetisers and 30% order small plates on all or most of their restaurant visits. A report by Technomic adds that diners would like more restaurants to offer small plates.

2. Customers expect constant innovation

Technomic also says consumers are looking for more variety and innovation. Research by McCain Foodservice Solutions supports this, saying that 73% of South Africans are now actively looking for new experiences and sensations that will liven up their everyday experience. And appetisers are a great way to showcase creativity and variety.

But experts are also quick to point out that this needs to go hand in hand with value – not only in terms of price but also what diners are receiving for that price. McCain Foodservice Solutions agrees with this sentiment, which is why their new P!ckers range focuses on versatile appetisers with an exclusive taste profile.

3. Appetisers can be a major value-add for your restaurant

McCain’s new P!ckers range doesn’t only offer value to customers – it also offers affordable quality that is guaranteed to bring in a profit for your business. Appetisers are often quick to prepare, which means that a restaurant can accommodate more diners in one seating than when preparing multi-course meals.

But appetisers aren’t only made for those groups who are looking for something to nibble on while they catch up with loved ones. Their quick turnaround time is also ideal when serving many tables expecting a two- or three-course meal. The appetites of these hungry customers can be sated while they wait for their main meals to be prepared. Take McCain P!ckers’ Tomato Mozza Melters, for example, which take only four minutes to prepare. The Camembert Bites take even less time – only three minutes – while the ever-popular Cream Cheese Jalapeno Poppers take a maximum of 3.5 minutes.

About McCain Foodservice Solutions’ new P!ckers range

The all-new P!ckers range offers three appetisers that offer versatility and profitability. Whether you choose to serve them as a starter, a side dish or as part of a sharing board, the Tomato Mozza Melters, Camembert Bites and Cream Cheese Jalapeno Poppers offer endless flexibility with McCain’s quality stamp. All three are cooked from frozen, saving time and guaranteeing freshness with every bite.