Sponsored by Tyson Foodservice
Fast casual is exploding in popularity, as consumers look for easy, quick, delicious meals. The segment is a favorite among young adults, and operators that appeal to this demographic have an opportunity to boost sales in an increasingly competitive space.
“Fast casual is growing primarily with millennials and Gen Z,” says Melissa Sunseri, Director of Customer Planning and Development for Chain Restaurants for Tyson Foodservice. “They don't want to just grab and eat. They like to sit and hang with their friends. They like the social aspect of it.”
Sunseri adds that these consumers also prefer to order at the counter where they can choose ingredients and customize their orders. That preference has helped bowl concepts, salad restaurants, and burrito chains to grow in popularity. In addition to the ability to customize orders, what many of these chains have in common is chicken as the only or the main protein on the menu. Chicken is a menu staple across the board, and value-added chicken is essential for any establishment that provides speedy meal solutions.
Leveraging chicken
Operators can feature chicken across all menu segments, from breakfast to appetizers to entrées, making it a key ingredient for any fast-casual establishment. “The versatility of chicken opens itself up to a lot of different possibilities across the menu,” Sunseri says.
The challenge for operators is that not only are they watching their food and labor costs, but consumers also are minimizing their spending. According to Lightspeed’s 2024 State of Hospitality report, restaurant customers are continuing to dine out but are demonstrating some frugal behaviors. The report noted that 81% of survey respondents in the U.S. said they are still dining out at least once a month and 39% are dining out once a week or more. However, they are changing some dining habits due to inflation. The survey found that 42% look for discounts and promos, and 37% look for value meals and combos.
Fast-casual chains have been leaders in offering deals that generate excitement and increase sales. These bundled items have been especially popular lately as chains have garnered media attention with $5 combo meals throughout the summer and beyond.
Discounts are not the only way to drive sales, and limited time offers that focus on new flavors can also increase traffic. One way to do this is with sauces in sandwiches or on wings, or in other menu items. “Chicken enables them to do that without bringing in a bunch of new SKUs,” Sunseri says. “By adding sauces, adding other ingredients to chicken brings it out and enhances it.”
By offering an LTO with, for example, a sweet and spicy (swicy) sauce, the operator does not have to purchase new protein ingredients, which can help control food costs and can help limit food waste.
Tap into trusted solutions
As labor costs continue to challenge operators, kitchen crews need products that can be prepared quickly and easily without sacrificing quality. As the fast-casual space becomes more competitive, operators can tap into trusted solutions from Tyson Red Label® brand to prepare quick and easy menu items. Tyson Red Label® brand offers a lineup of products that help streamline kitchen tasks while giving customers the on-trend menu items that they crave. The Tyson Red Label® brand products are backed by rigorous consumer tests and validation, scoring well on aroma, flavor and juiciness.1
Here are some products from the Tyson Red Label® brand lineup:
Tyson Red Label® Fully Cooked Breaded Authentically Crispy Original Bone-In Wing Sections and Tyson Red Label® Authentically Crispy Spicy Bone-In Wing Sections are perfect to serve on their own or as a pairing with signature dipping sauces. These original flavor crispy bone-in chicken wing sections are highly customizable, which makes them ideal for LTOS, and they stay crispy for up to 30 minutes even when sauced. 2
Tyson Red Label® Fully Cooked Hot & Spicy Select Cut Chicken Tender Fritters can be served in a basket or a wrap with a signature dipping sauce like cooling ranch, BBQ, honey mustard, or creamy garlic Parmesan. As more on-the-go consumers look for portable foods, these are perfect for sandwiches, burritos, tacos, wraps, and other popular handhelds.
Tyson Red Label® Uncooked Tempura Battered Chicken Breast Nuggets are great as a go-to option for young patrons, and they work for adults looking to order shareable, handheld bites. Pair with sauces that are kid-friendly, like ranch or BBQ, or spicy chili lime or garlic Parmesan for seasoned palates.
Tyson Red Label® Fully Cooked Unbreaded Fajita Seasoned Chicken Breast Strips are large cut and convenient for Mexican-inspired dishes. The juicy chicken breast strips are perfect in a taco salad, as part of a burrito bar, or served inside a warm and melty quesadilla. They are perfect for fast casual operators whose customers are building their own dishes or customizing bowls, salads, wraps, and more.
Tyson Red Label® Fully Cooked Unbreaded Grilled Diced Chicken Breast is a versatile ingredient chicken great for a variety of recipes, from signature items to customizable meals and snacks. They make a great basis for customers to create their own salads, sandwiches, and more.
Visit Tyson Red Label® brand for more information on using value-added chicken to prepare quick and easy menu items while helping control labor and food costs.
