All it takes to build sales is a little imagination, particularly in those areas of the menu that lie outside the traditional main course. Paying attention to “periphery” items like side dishes, desserts, and snacks and nibbles—as well add-ons like premium salad toppings or items for nontraditional dayparts—can go a long way toward boosting check averages and giving customers the variety and price point they’re looking for.
Snacks & Bar Bites
Consider these easy-to-prepare finger foods and appetizers:
Hummus or other spreads
Quick-serve nibbles like nuts, housemade chips, marinated olives
Hot pretzel with mustard or queso cheese
Chilled or hot shrimp by the piece
Nori rolls (similar to sushi)
Slice of quiche or savory tart
Fruit and cheese and/or meat plates
Crudités
Housemade pickles
Flavored popcorn
Stuffed dates
Get Started: Hot Pockets® make for delicious snacks and appetizers, as well as add-ons to soup and salad.
À la Carte Side Dishes
These individual side dishes or shareables for the table are trending now:
Broccolini
Specialty or seasoned fries (duck fat fried, accompanied by dipping sauce)
Sautéed or roasted mushrooms
Cauliflower or Brussels sprouts
Gratins (mac and cheese, potato)
Choice of three sides as a main plate or table share
Farro, quinoa, or other grain pilaf
Salt roasted, whipped, or smashed potatoes
Flavored corn on the cob
Asparagus or broccoli with hollandaise
Creamed spinach or kale
Get Started: Look to Stouffer’s® for menu-ready side dishes such as Scalloped Potatoes and Yams & Apples.
Desserts
Although classic comfort desserts are always in style, here’s what’s popular now:
Beignets or doughnuts
Dessert for two (made-to-order bread pudding, supersize ice cream sundae)
Cookies or chocolates for sharing or take-home
Specialty coffee or tea beverages (Irish coffee, chai latte)
Flavored or specialty cheesecake (mascarpone, peanut butter chocolate chip)
Old-fashioned carrot cake
Root beer float
Panna cotta, custard, and mousse
Roasted or grilled fruit
Ice cream sampler
Pineapple upside-down cake
Red velvet cake, brownie, or cupcake
Did You Know? Nestlé dessert toppings, including Nestlé® Crunch® Candy Pieces and Butterfinger® Candy Pieces, add flavor, texture, and a premium upgrade to confections of all types, including ice cream specialties, baked goods and more.
Add-Ons
Upgrades, additions, and tweaks you can charge a little extra for:
À la carte bread and signature spread (focaccia and white bean dip, biscuits, and pimento cheese)
Premium additions to sandwiches and burgers (prosciutto or bacon, caramelized onions, fried egg)
Upgraded side salad (such as a small Caesar or mini wedge salad) with an entrée or sandwich
Tableside or to-order preparation (made-to-order guacamole, freshly squeezed juice)
Mix-ins for a shake or malted
Wine pairings for specific menu items
Salads, antipasto, and other prepared foods to-go, from a grab-and-go case or to order
Cooked and/or protein toppings for salad (grilled chicken, salmon, or shrimp; thick-cut bacon, anchovies)
Cut meats or cold cuts and cheeses at retail, from a “butcher shop” service or deli style
Housemade or local/artisanal soda and other refreshers
Specialty sauces or crusts (such as blue cheese) as an add-on for a steak or grilled fish
Limited mid-afternoon or late-night menu