Creative, Quality Sandwiches are the Key to Boosting Sales

Sandwich consumption is on the rise, with today’s consumers eating more than three sandwiches per week. The problem with sandwiches, however, is that many people simply make them at home. A study by the research firm Technomic showed that 54 percent of consumers, up from 51 percent two years ago, are preparing sandwiches themselves.
More
 

Darrenheader.png

Welcome to the newest post in our blog series, Darren’s Great Ideas! for Independent Operators

Creative, Quality Sandwiches are the Key to Boosting Sales

Sandwich consumption is on the rise, with today’s consumers eating more than three sandwiches per week. The problem with sandwiches, however, is that many people simply make them at home. A study by the research firm Technomic showed that 54 percent of consumers, up from 51 percent two years ago, are preparing sandwiches themselves.

This means operators and suppliers will need to focus on hard-to-duplicate menu items to entice consumers to purchase more sandwiches away from home.

Zeroing in on the quality of the sandwich ingredients is also essential. Compared to two years ago, today's consumers place higher importance on quality and quantity, as well as the appetizing appearance of sandwich ingredients.

I noticed during NATSO's International Study Tour companies executing this strategy flawlessly. The pictures below shows their product that appeared to be of the utmost quality and freshness regardless of the fact that it may or may not have come directly from a box of frozen sandwiches. A fresh bib of lettuce, tomato and pickle can make all the difference in presentation. 

Sandwiches650.jpg

Sandwiches-2650.jpg

Sandwiches-3650.jpg

Darren Tristano, executive vice president of Technomic, said, "In order for sandwich operators to drive traffic and steal share, they have to strengthen the quality perception by promoting freshness and customization opportunities, while giving guests a more interesting range of toppings, breads and proteins that emphasize variety."

Understanding the current trends in sandwiches can help operators shape their menus and better meet consumers’ needs. Technomic recently published its Sandwich Consumer Trend Report. According to the report:

  • 61 percent of sandwiches that consumers order are taken to go
  • 49 percent of consumers sometimes purchase grab-and-go sandwiches
  • 51 percent of consumers place high importance on health for sandwiches at lunch and 53 percent place a high important on health for sandwiches at dinner
    • 43 percent are satisfied with the healthfulness of sandwiches away from home
    • 50 percent would like to see more healthy sides to pair with sandwiches
    • 35 percent of consumers said they would like more restaurants to offer mini sandwiches, up from just 26 percent in 2010

If you have not yet considered it, a robust sandwich program should be part of your overall food service offering. Specifically it should anchor your grab-n-go program. If you have a kitchen, maximize the products that you are already serving daily into awesome sandwiches that complement your hot box and roller grill programs. 

Who would have thought that bologna could still be driving your sales these days?

 

/// Read more Darren's Great Ideas for Independent Operators posts here.  

JointheConversation.png

 

Join the conversation! No really - Did you think that bologna could still be driving your sales these days?

 

Photo Credit: Darren Schulte/NATSO

Subscribe to Updates

NATSO provides a breadth of information created to strengthen travel plazas’ ability to meet the needs of the travelling public in an age of disruption. This includes knowledge filled blog posts, articles and publications. If you would like to receive a digest of blog post and articles directly in your inbox, please provide your name, email and the frequency of the updates you want to receive the email digest.