Cut Costs with Turkey
Restaurant sales have declined by 2% in the past few months, for a loss of $1 billion since November’s record of $47.3 billion. It is reported that cold weather was a major factor in the slower customer traffic. While brighter, warmer days are on the way with spring approaching, operators may still need to cut costs to make up for their losses.
Instead of sacrificing quality, it’s important to find products that allow you to stretch your investment. Turkey is a versatile protein that is well worth the cost. It can be used in all dayparts and in nearly any type of cuisine. Even better, it’s very easy to replace more expensive items with turkey.
Turkey usage has increased by 6% from 2012 to 2013, and more than 60% of operators who menu turkey agree that it can be used as an alternative for other proteins. See how easy it is to make one type of turkey product work all over your menu:
- Breakfast: Jerk Turkey Omelet. Sautéed turkey medallions with jerk seasoning and peppers, served atop a Swiss cheese omelet with a side of sautéed apples.
- Brunch: Creamed Turkey Medallion-Stuffed Crêpes. Light, fluffy crêpes filled with a mixture of turkey medallions, turkey velouté and Parmesan cheese, topped with melted Swiss.
- Lunch: Curry-Chutney Turkey Salad. Sliced turkey medallions mixed with curry powder, white raisins, celery, almonds, orange marmalade, mango chutney, sour cream and mayo. Serve as a sandwich or atop a bed of greens.
- Appetizer/Snack: Grilled Sesame Turkey Kebab. Skewered turkey medallions, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red peppers and artichoke hearts, grilled and served with a cool tzatziki sauce.
- Dinner: Spicy Turkey Rigatoni with Pomodoro Crudo. A sauce made with turkey medallions, capers, anchovies, crushed red peppers, tomatoes and more served atop hot rigatoni noodles.
Please your customers with tasty new menu options while you save money with a healthy, versatile protein. There are so many ways to use turkey in your operation—view our Innovative Recipes for more ideas.
SOURCES
http://www.restaurant.org/News-Research/News/Economist-s-Notebook-Restaurant-sales-cooled-in-Ja
Butterball Brand Tracker, Datassential, 2013
