authentic tabletop pieces<\/a> are crucial for brand impact, and a valuable tool for building revenue.<\/p>\nGordon Food Service Corporate Consulting Chef Gerry Ludwig, CEC, has identified three primary culinary trends that can help build menu differentiation: sharing plates, bowls and veg-centric preparations. Each trend will impact tabletop selection.<\/p>\n
Sharing plates and platters<\/h3>\n
\u201cThe whole idea behind the shared-plate philosophy is simply more flexibility in dining,\u201d Ludwig says. Sharing calls for a mix-and-match style appealing to diners and offers an excellent opportunity to add more flavour and variety to the table. Visually, shared plates are a focal point.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese dishes get the most attention because everyone at the table is using them,\u201d says Carol Klein, Gordon Food Service Associate Category Manager (Tabletop). \u201cThey set the tone early on as everyone looks to see what lands in the centre of the table.\u201d She recommends picking a unique piece or two for sharing plates, which allows operators to update inventory affordably.<\/p>\n
Veg-centric<\/h3>\n
\u201cThis is not a trend about vegetarian dining,\u201d Ludwig reminds. \u201cIt\u2019s about treating vegetables and fruits as ingredients worthy of the centre of the plate. Veg-centric cooking puts flavour first, and it\u2019s this ethos that has paved the way for its success.\u201d<\/p>\n
Earthy tableware, with a natural feel and organic shapes, dovetails perfectly with the farmers market fresh spirit of veg-centric cooking. \u201cMany new pieces echo the look of stone and natural materials,\u201d Klein notes. \u201cGrays, blacks, naturals and texture is very on trend.\u201d<\/p>\n
A new line of commercial-grade tableware mimics the look of hand-thrown pottery, offering the durability and sustainability restaurants depend on with the unique and visually appealing look of custom stoneware.<\/p>\n
Everything in a bowl<\/h3>\n
Bowls are huge. Literally. From a breakfast bowl of cold, creamy a\u00e7ai with fresh fruit and granola to a glistening heap of pasta cacio e pepe or a sunny-side-up egg nestled into a pile of fragrant green rice, many of the hottest food trends beg to be served in oversized bowls.<\/p>\n
Klein points out that, \u201cIn many parts of the world, a bowl is the primary serving vessel. A sense of tabletop authenticity can come from employing warmer tones, softer and more comfortable shapes and natural materials and textures.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bowls and coupes of varying sizes allow operators to combine multiple elements in a visually stunning presentation, layering flavours and textures for a dynamite eating experience.<\/p>\n
Tying it all together<\/h3>\n
Employing these culinary trends in a way that reflects a restaurant\u2019s identity can be a critical first step toward growing sales. However, Owens says, \u201cEqually important is to follow through on how you execute these dishes from kitchen to tabletop. Guests today have more access than ever to global dining trends, and they expect an authentic experience through unique and functional tableware.\u201d<\/p>\n
Remember, it\u2019s no longer necessary for tableware to align with your current inventory. Gordon Food Service external research shows the emergence of multiple shapes, colours and forms that can be successfully mixed to create an authentic and functional presentation unique to your brand.<\/p>\n
\u201cInstead of a complete overhaul, changing selected pieces more often keeps the tabletop fresh and interesting without significant expense,\u201d Klein says.<\/p>\n
Social media can be a powerful tool for communicating a restaurant\u2019s brand. As guests view their latest digital images, a restaurant\u2019s ability to employ tabletop items as an extension of its overall marketing can help create a wide-reaching point of differentiation.<\/p>\n
A rich dining experience, unique to your location, starts with culinary distinction. The food makes an even stronger impact when presented on authentic and appealing tableware.<\/p>\n
Top it off<\/h3>\n
Ask your Sales Representative about our experts who can help you set off your menu items with the right tableware.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Tableware and servingware are playing an increasingly important supporting role as it relates to culinary trends and the guest experience. If a picture paints a thousand words, then the explosion of Instagram and image-focused digital content has doubled down on the importance of restaurant presentation and tabletop selections. The right tableware is critical to guest […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":26903,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[122,123,112,69],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-25601","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-catering-small-business","category-hotels-hospitality","category-restaurant-bars","category-running-your-business"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
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