In a challenging economic environment, restaurants need all the help they can get. That’s why so many brands are turning to resources that can help them better achieve their sales goals without introducing complexity to their workflow.
Take side dishes, for example. By adding a well-known, craveable pre-made side to their menus—such as chips—restaurants can gain numerous operational benefits, including driving add-on sales at the register and reducing the burden on the kitchen. Even better, when restaurants choose a household name brand with built in loyalty, such as Kettle Brand® Chips, these benefits can become even more pronounced.
Because consumers are already familiar with Kettle Brand® Chips, restaurants can drive incremental sales with the product’s built in demand, as well as by charging a premium price for a product known for quality. Additionally, because Kettle Brand® Chips have a wide array of fan-favorite flavors in its portfolio and a strong crunch that holds up to moist foods, they can help operators create unique, signature menu pairings that can keep customers coming back for more.
“Kettle Brand® Chips can add a great pop of flavor as well as an interesting texture,” says Gerald Drummond, executive chef at Campbell’s. “We’re always looking for ways to create interesting pairings that complement each other and help elevate the overall eating experience.”
That’s why he and Greg Boggs, senior chef at Campbell’s, have developed several pairings featuring consumer-favorite sandwiches and one of the Kettle Brand® Chips.
One such pairing is the classic Philly Cheese Steak with Jalapeño Kettle Brand® Chips.
“The jalapeño chips offer bold jalapeño flavor and a kick that helps balance out the savory, cheesy steak,” Boggs says. The zesty, south-of-the-border variety is a delicious addition to the dish, striking a perfect flavor balance.
The second pairing is a bacon cheeseburger with Kettle Brand® Backyard Barbeque® Chips.
“The BBQ chips provide sweetness and barbeque spices,” Drummond says. Served alongside a big juicy bacon cheeseburger, Kettle Backyard Barbeque® is the perfect addition of smoky, spicy, tangy, and sweet.”
“It is all about flavors that complement each other, both the burger and the cheesesteak are savory, rich, and full of umami,” Boggs says. “The flavors of the chips provide some contrast that compliment.”
Additionally, Drummond and Boggs recommend getting creative with the chips and thinking of them beyond their applications as a side dish.
“One way operators can put their own twist on these chips or elevate them is to take advantage of the bold flavors and crunchy texture by using them in the sandwich as well,” Drummond says.
Meanwhile, Boggs suggests topping the chips with cheese sauce to create nachos. “Not only will the chips maintain their crunch expectation under the sauce, but they also stay true to their flavor,” he says. “You could pair nacho cheese sauce with Kettle Brand® Backyard Barbeque®, Jalapeño, or Sea Salt Chips, and come up with some really interesting flavor pairings.”
No matter the application, one thing is certain: Kettle Brand® Chips can give operators culinary flexibility while reducing back-of house complexity.
To learn more, visit the Kettle Brand® Chips website.
By Peggy Carouthers
