As consumers head back to restaurant dining rooms after two years of restrictions and closures, operators are facing a new obstacle—staff shortages and labor challenges. According to Technomic’s Q2 2021 Quarterly Consumer & Operator Outlook Report, 42% of operators reported having challenges filling positions, and foodservice employment is still well below what it was before the start of the pandemic. To keep up with consumer demand while short-staffed, operators have a few strategies they can employ—one being using versatile premade ingredients across the menu to make meal prep a snap.
Managing margins amid a labor crunch
With many restaurants facing hiring struggles, operators are on the lookout for ways to maximize the labor they do have. One way this can be done is by using premade speed-scratch ingredients that can be used across dayparts. By eliminating scratch-prep work for even one or two ingredients—such as cheese sauce—operators can save a lot of time and labor, especially if those ingredients are used in multiple dishes. By reducing the amount of time it takes to make a dish, in turn, the margins for the dish may get a little boost, too.
Versatility—and big flavor
Prepared ingredients are a great option for busy restaurants, especially if the menu is varied. A yellow cheese sauce, for instance, can be enhanced with a couple mix-ins to pair perfectly with Mexican-inspired dishes as well as Tex-Mex and American classics, while white cheese sauce can be tweaked to fit best with either Italian or Mexican dishes. What’s more, cheese sauce can be used across dayparts, too, to minimize waste; offered as a premium topping for home fries at breakfast and brunch, as an indulgent topping on burgers or other sandwiches at lunch, and as an upgrade for sides such as steamed veggies or baked potatoes at lunch or dinner. Not only does prepared cheese sauce help streamline labor in the back of house, but it can increase menu appeal—and check averages. It’s a win-win.
Quality ingredients, great taste
With consistent flavor and a delicious, rich cheese taste, sauces from Land O’Lakes Foodservice are an ideal solution for boosting margins while being mindful of labor needs. Available in a variety of flavors and formats—including individual cups, which are ideal for to-go orders—cheese sauces from Land O’Lakes add flavor and fun to dishes without maxing out employees. Try Land O’Lakes® Queso Bravo™ Cheese Dip for dishes like nachos, enchiladas, tacos and so much more—it’s perfect for adding a spicy kick to any Mexican or Tex-Mex dish. Similarly, Land O Lakes® Extra Melt® White Cheese Sauce, is great for a variety of pasta dishes and can also be used to make rich pizza sauces or toppings for loaded savory toasts on the brunch menu. Whatever customers want, Land O’Lakes cheese sauces can make it happen.
To learn more, visit www.landolakesfoodservice.com.
This post is sponsored by Land O'Lakes Foodservice