When it's cold outside, it's time for commercial kitchens and restaurants to adjust their menus to match the temperature change. Consumers look for meals to warm them up during times of chillier weather, and for operators, having the right cooking equipment can help them execute menu items that lead to comfort food profitability.
Why Warm Food in Colder Months?
People tend to gravitate towards warm, rich foods as the months get colder. But is there a real reason why? The answer is yes. Some think it could be evolutionary for humans to store carbohydrates because, in earlier times, food could be scarce in winter. There's also the theory that people are indoors more often in the darker months, so eating is comforting. No matter the reason, the love of these foods is now a part of our culture, and restaurant menus should reflect that.
Bring on the Soup and Mac & Cheese!
Restaurants have a lot to compete with in the fall and winter, with all the holiday activities taking place. There are also more orders for holiday menus and parties that restaurants see in these months. By adding suitable options, businesses can be prepared to satisfy and delight their customers.
One option many people are looking for is soups. A cool weather favorite, soups are also easily changed up and use leftover ingredients, which can prevent food waste. Two of the most popular Asian noodle dishes are pho and ramen, which have increased in popularity by 25 percent and 58 percent, respectively.
Soup is also a very versatile dish. It generally doesn't require a lot of ingredients, and it can be frozen and served later without sacrificing much of its quality. Therefore, this could be a cost-effective way for restaurants to cater to their patrons, increase revenue during slower months, and reduce overhead expenses. Other options to include that are fan favorites are macaroni & cheese, chili, or Brunswick stew. All easily prepared, they also can all be prepared in advance, frozen, and reheated at a later time. Using a rethermalizer can help with this process.
Equipment to Delivery Cold-Weather Foods
CookTek is one of the most innovative manufacturers in foodservice, utilizing technologies like induction to deliver consistent results for foodservice operators.
The Incogneeto induction plate is the perfect option for businesses with a buffet or cafeteria-style setup. Mounted underneath a counter, the Incogneeto holds food at precise temperatures of up to 190 degrees Fahrenheit.
More limited spaces will benefit from using the CookTek SinAqua Souper. Small enough to place on counters and able to be used without water, unlike other soup warmers, the SinAqua Souper uses magnetic induction that is safe to use without the risk of burning staff or customers.
Heartland Reps Test Kitchens: Your Source for Foodservice
Restaurant managers must test cooking equipment before they decide to buy it, and that is precisely what Heartland Reps test kitchens provide.
With four test kitchens in Missouri and Nebraska, foodservice teams can try out various cooking and beverage equipment to ensure it's suitable for their school, hotel, restaurant, or hospital.
Have a receipt that's a staple in your commercial kitchen that you need to test on the equipment? We invite you to bring it to try on different equipment pieces. Our expert chefs will also be on hand to help out and answer any questions - making the process as easy and enjoyable as eating a hot cup of soup on a snowy day.
Ready to get started on making your customers happy and satisfied? Click below to book time in one of our test kitchens!
