The year 2020 is coming up fast – will your restaurant be ready? It can be if you get ahead of the curve now on some popular and growing menu trends to keep diners engaged, intrigued and coming back.

Here are some ideas you can incorporate today.

Mediterranean influence

You don’t have to scrap your whole menu to add some new flavor profiles. Mediterranean and Middle Eastern restaurants are gaining in popularity both because of their unique spice blends and the ease of making healthy or vegetarian choices from their menus.

Create dishes that incorporate spices like coriander, cinnamon, cloves, cumin, cardamom, nutmeg or paprika. Offer grain bowls or salads with a Mediterranean flair or perhaps offer a platter with different types of hummus, pita, and vegetables as an appetizer.

Barbeque with a twist

Barbeque is a perennial favorite that shows no signs of slowing. That doesn’t mean there is no room for creativity to keep it fresh and exciting. Different styles of sauces are a great way to start but think about how you can combine barbeque with other cuisines such as an Asian-inspired slaw. Pulled pork, for example, can be included on loaded fries, nachos or eggrolls to mix things up and to stretch your meat dollar while giving diners the barbeque flavors they love.

Seafood updates

Seafood is always popular, but it’s both expensive and highly perishable. Here’s how you can embrace the latest seafood trends while controlling costs. Stretch your seafood by incorporating it into grain bowls, stews, chowders, and paella-inspired rice dishes. It’s a great way to avoid food waste while still offering a high-quality dining experience. Vegan seafood substitutes continue to gain in popularity as well and there is an increased focus on sustainable seafood options such as farmed scallops, shrimp and oysters and well as Alaskan crab and Mexican lobster

The best way to keep up with the latest restaurant is by recruiting restaurant managers and executives who immerse themselves in the business and can bring fresh and innovative ideas to your establishment. The best way to find them?

Partner with a leading restaurant recruiter.

When you need a restaurant recruiter who understands what it takes to compete in this industry and can help you attract top talent, contact Horizon Hospitality. We are trusted experts in hotel and restaurant management recruiting nationwide. Contact us today!