lunch - Dennis Food Service https://dennisfoodservice.com New England's Largest Independent Distributor Wed, 17 Jan 2024 19:01:45 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.4 Driving C-Store Lunch Sales https://dennisfoodservice.com/driving-c-store-lunch-sales/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=driving-c-store-lunch-sales Fri, 16 Jun 2023 19:24:39 +0000 https://dennisfoodservice.com/?p=2510762 By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey

C-stores are doubling down on lunch as customer demand for options grows. Popular c-store fare like chicken, pizza and roller grill items remain customer favorites, while featured specials and LTOs keep the menu fresh.

Lunch sales are strong and continuing to steadily grow at Beck Suppliers Inc.’s FriendShip Food Stores, which operates 29 locations in Ohio. The company’s “famous” chicken accounts for well over half of the midday foodservice business with pizza following close behind, reported Kirk Matthews, the chain’s vice president of foodservice and marketing.

Both core items are proprietary and made fresh in the stores, giving FriendShip an edge over many of the competitors in its market areas. The chicken is coated with a distinctive savory crust, while the pizza is made from an original recipe sauce and special blend of herbs and spices.

At lunchtime, the best seller from the chicken case is a snack pack of two-to-three tenders with jojo potatoes, a roll and a drink, he pointed out. The stores also “sell the heck out of” a two-slices-for-$5 deal on pizza.

“While most pizzas at other stores and restaurants are usually 12 inches or 14 inches, ours is 16 inches, which we cut into six slices,” Matthews explained.

One way that FriendShip stores promote the chain’s lunchtime fare is by bundling the chicken or pizza with complementary items. For a recent NFL weekend promotion, for example, the company partnered with a soft drink producer to offer a large pie with a two-liter bottle for $7.99.

With chicken and pizza doing so well as lunchtime drivers, FriendShip stores are looking to broaden their appeal as a mid-day destination by offering and promoting other options such as Philly steak and pork rib sandwiches, both of which have been well received by customers during their recent menu appearances, Matthews noted. Other LTOs are on the schedule.

Hot Dogs & Grab and Go

In response to customer requests, FriendShip is also ramping up its roller grill program.

“Roller grill is the crux of c-store foodservice,” Matthews remarked. “Customers are asking for hot dogs.”

Besides the ubiquitous hot dogs, FriendShip’s roller grill offers cheddar wurst, Polish sausage and a seasonal LTO such as a hot and spicy dog. The grills are behind the counter for full service, but visible to customers.

Cold sandwiches are grab and go. To spice up that offering, the company is planning to give customers the option to order toppings such as lettuce, tomato and onion added to their sandwiches.

“Those toppings will be added behind the counter,” he said. “We’re not comfortable with self-serve bars yet.”

Matthews pointed out that a growing number of customers are looking for “better-for-you” options at lunchtime. Every day, the stores stock fresh fruit, fruit cups and at least three different types of salads — chef, Caesar and Cobb.

FriendShip is currently working to streamline its menu.

“We’re emphasizing value meals instead of constantly adding new items,” he noted. “Instead of having a lengthy and convoluted menu board, we would have customers purchasing tenders to pick a side and a drink to create their own value package.”

Wings, Hunks & Whole Pies

Hunt Brothers Pizza accounts for about 80% of lunch foodservice sales at Bob Costello’s Cozz Corner store in Oregon, Mo. The other 20% is from chicken wings, and homestyle and Buffalo wing bites also available from Hunt Brothers.

While whole pies sell well during the 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. lunchtime hours, “hunks” (one-quarter of a pizza) sold for grab and go from hot boxes are the most popular option.

Costello offers discount pricing when customers buy a pair of hunks or a double order of chicken.

New Pizza Concept

Clark’s Pump-N-Shop does a “sizeable” lunch business at its 66 locations in Kentucky, West Virginia, Florida and Ohio, according to Jessica Russell, the chain’s food service director.

“I would safely say that lunch accounts for 30% of our foodservice sales,” she added.

Freshly breaded, fried chicken is the main mid-day attraction at Clark’s.

To expand the business during the lunch and dinner dayparts, the company recently introduced a pizza concept called Hangar 54. Hangar 54 is a franchise program that Clark’s runs with its own employees.

“We spent two years working on providing our consumers with a great pizza,” Russell explained. “It was a long process and well worth the patience.”

Clark’s puts out fresh slices for grab and go every 45 minutes, or sooner if required. Whole pizzas, available on 14-inch original and 10-inch gluten-friendly crusts, are out the door in less than 10 minutes.

Source: Marilyn Odesser-Torpey, CStore Decisions via GreatMenusStartHere.com

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New food service items from Fontanini and Piantedosi https://dennisfoodservice.com/new-products-5-11-22/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=new-products-5-11-22 Wed, 11 May 2022 14:22:25 +0000 https://dennisfoodservice.com/?p=1018501 This week we’ve added rustic par-baked pizza crust and sliced brioche burger rolls.

From Fontanini®, we added a 12-inch pizza crust. This rustic pizza crust is made with a high protein wheat flour. It is then par-baked to a faint golden color with subtle grill marks on the bottom. Finished with a dusting of breadcrumbs for an authentic texture. The crusts are packaged and store frozen, are consistent in size and flavor, and the par-baking helps prevent and eliminate crust shrinkage.

We also added fluffy brioche burger rolls from Piantedosi. Each burger roll comes sliced for quick and easy assembly of sandwiches and burgers. They are packaged in 12-pack trays and are also vegan! They are able to last 5-7 days if stored fresh, or up to 365 days when frozen. Give your burger and/or sandwich dishes an elevated look with these shiny, golden brioche burger rolls.

 

Take a look at our full list below:

Item #
Description Pack/CT Brand
27484 CRUST RUSTIC PIZZA 12″ FRZ 24/13 OZ FONTANINI
27487 ROLL BURGER BRIOCHE 4.5″ 8/12 CT PIANTEDOSI

 

Dennis Paper & Food Service delivers thousands of foodservice products and supplies to restaurants and food operations in Maine and New Hampshire. If you have a question or are interested in becoming a customer contact us or call 1-800-439-2727.

SEE MORE NEW PRODUCTS

Stock status subject to change. Posted 5/11/22.

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New food service items from SQP and Simplot https://dennisfoodservice.com/new-products-4-13-22/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=new-products-4-13-22 Thu, 14 Apr 2022 13:38:03 +0000 https://dennisfoodservice.com/?p=917993 This week we’ve added paper hot dog holders and white rice.

From Special Quality Packaging, we added white paper hot dog holders. This takeout container is 12-inches in width, allowing room for dipping sauces, a small side of fries, or a specialty foot-long hot dog! This option is great for quick summer takeout spots, as well as food trucks and outdoor dining.

We also added Good Grains™ white rice from Simplot. This premium blend appeals to the tastes of today’s more health-conscious consumers. The IQF (individually quick frozen) long grain white rice makes it easy to serve only what you need, reducing waste and labor costs for your operations. Have your side of rice from freezer to your customer’s plate in minutes!

 

Take a look at our full list below:

Item #
Description Pack/CT Brand
27377 HOLDER PAPER HOT DOG 12″ WHITE 1/1000 CT SQP
27382 RICE WHITE IQF 1/40 LB SIMPLOT

 

Dennis Paper & Food Service delivers thousands of foodservice products and supplies to restaurants and food operations in Maine and New Hampshire. If you have a question or are interested in becoming a customer contact us or call 1-800-439-2727.

SEE MORE NEW PRODUCTS

Stock status subject to change. Posted 4/13/22.

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New food service items from New York Bakery https://dennisfoodservice.com/new-products-2-2-22/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=new-products-2-2-22 Wed, 02 Feb 2022 15:03:15 +0000 https://dennisfoodservice.com/?p=671117 This week we’ve added delicious and garlicky breadsticks.

Try the 8-inch garlic breadsticks we added this week from New York Bakery! These breadsticks are easy on labor but not on flavor. Simply heat and serve for the perfect compliment to your pasta and dinner entrees. Brush them with a melted garlic butter on top and a sprinkle of parmesan and the finished product is *chef’s kiss*. 🤌

 

Take a look at our full list below:

Item #
Description Pack/CT Brand
18688 BREAD STICK GARLIC 8″ BULK 125/1.58 OZ NEW YORK BAKERY

 

Dennis Paper & Food Service delivers thousands of foodservice products and supplies to restaurants and food operations in Maine and New Hampshire. If you have a question or are interested in becoming a customer contact us or call 1-800-439-2727.

SEE MORE NEW PRODUCTS

Stock status subject to change. Posted 2/2/22.

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Rangeline™ Handcrafted Deli Turkey Breast https://dennisfoodservice.com/rangeline-turkey-breast/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rangeline-turkey-breast Thu, 02 Dec 2021 05:03:08 +0000 https://dennisfoodservice.com/?p=459888 Introducing 6 new turkey breast options from Rangeline™. Perfect for your everyday deli and provisioning needs.

Rangeline is committed to crafting premium and performance ingredients for everyday kitchens. Ingredients that don’t cut corners and feature the craveable flavors customers want.

Take their new fully-cooked turkey breast line-up, made from whole muscle turkey breast, offered in three top-selling flavors, and available in handcrafted or traditional varieties. Plus, Rangeline™ turkey breast offers the superior performance your team, and your profit margin, want.


rangeline hickory smoked turkey breast in packageRangeline™ Handcrafted Turkey Breast

Whole muscle turkey breasts that are made from whole cuts of turkey breast meat – no skin or white meat added. They are comprised of 2-4 skinless breast muscles and are handcrafted for a more authentic, premium appearance.

  • No hormones or steroids
  • Grip & Tear® Bags – easier to open!

Rangeline™ Turkey Breast

Made from high-quality, skinless, turkey breast meat (5-7 muscles) with no white meat added. These turkey breasts offer an excellent yield to operators with their balance between quality and cost.

  • No hormones or steroids
  • Perfect for thin slicing!
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New food service items from Goldkist, Super Bakery, Flowers & More https://dennisfoodservice.com/new-products-9-30-21/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=new-products-9-30-21 Thu, 30 Sep 2021 13:53:05 +0000 https://dennisfoodservice.com/?p=295437 This week we’ve added popcorn chicken, mini apple cinnamon bread loaves, dinner rolls and more.

Try the new whole turkeys we added from Jennie-O! This delicious turkey comes frozen for longer shelf-life, while also keeping its delicious flavor. From Goldkist, we added large popcorn chicken coated in a tasty, nutritious whole grain breading. This is a great option for kids’ school lunches!

Next, we have some sweet and delicious breakfast options. From Super Bakery, we now offer glazed cinnamon buns and mini apple cinnamon bread loaves. Both of these items are made with whole grain and come individually-wrapped, making them a more balanced on-the-go option for breakfast.

Lastly, we added a variety of frozen dinner rolls from Flowers and Bridgford. From Flowers, we have the 2.5″ square rolls – simply just thaw and serve. From Bridgford, we have honey wheat dinner rolls offered in 1 oz. or 2 oz. sizes. All three of these rolls are made with whole grain and are baked in the oven to perfection.


Take a look at our full list below:

Item #
Description Pack/CT Brand
26940 TURKEY WHOLE 16-20 “A” FRZ 2/16-20# AVG JENNIE-O
26944 CHICKEN POPCORN WG LRG BRD 6/5 LB GOLDKIST
26948 BUN CINNAMON WG IW GLAZED 80/2.8 OZ SUPER BAKERY
26949 BREAD LOAF MINI APL CINN WG IW 120/2.05 OZ SUPER BAKERY
26950 ROLL DINNER WG 2.5″ SQUARE 8/24 CT FLOWERS
26951 ROLL DINNER WG HONEY WHEAT 1OZ 360/1 OZ BRIDGFORD
26952 ROLL DINNER WG HONEY WHEAT 2OZ 180/2 OZ BRIDGFORD

 

Dennis Paper & Food Service delivers thousands of foodservice products and supplies to restaurants and food operations in Maine and New Hampshire. If you have a question or are interested in becoming a customer contact us or call 1-800-439-2727.

SEE MORE NEW PRODUCTS

Stock status subject to change. Posted 9/30/21.

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South of the Border Sliders https://dennisfoodservice.com/south-of-the-border-sliders/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=south-of-the-border-sliders Tue, 27 Apr 2021 20:41:28 +0000 https://dennisfoodservice.com/?p=292322 Sliders, sliders and más sliders with Mexican inspired ingredients!

There are quite possibly a million ways to season, cook and serve a slider. But have you tried sliders inspired by the big, bold flavors of Mexico? Possibly so, but not like these little avocado-kissed gems.

Let’s take a drive south of the border and explore some flavors that are perfect fit for sliders. Serve them up in a warm tortilla “slider roll” and you have yourselves yet another creative way to present sliders… let’s call this slider idea number one million and one.

For another Cinco de Mayo recipe see…
Mexican Style Street Corn Dip

See More from the Test Kitchen ]]>
Mexican Style Street Corn Dip https://dennisfoodservice.com/street-corn-dip/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=street-corn-dip Tue, 27 Apr 2021 20:01:07 +0000 https://dennisfoodservice.com/?p=292317 This recipe features corn… one of my all time favorite foods… along with bold Mexican flavors!

Sweet, crisp kernels perfectly aligned in golden rows on a natural serving vessel, to which you plant your face on and gnaw off the kernels “typewriter style”. Then there is the Mexican street corn style corn; which brings it to a whole new level. Street corn is typically served on the cob and coated with layers of vibrant flavors… mayonnaise, Cotija cheese, chili pepper flakes and cilantro to name a few. Yes, this can be messy to dig into. So, you should expect and be open to, getting the aforementioned toppings all up in your grill! Well worth the adventure though.

However, if your preference is to keep you face clean while dinning this can all be made “lazy style”… off the cobb. This recipe has the best of both worlds, sweet corn off-the-cobb with all the fixings, served up in the form of a delicious hot and bubbly dip.

Let’s take a dip!

For another Cinco de Mayo recipe see…
South of the Border Sliders

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Food Service Recipe: Turkey Scotch Eggs https://dennisfoodservice.com/turkey-scotch-egg/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=turkey-scotch-egg Thu, 15 Apr 2021 20:19:46 +0000 https://dennisfoodservice.com/?p=292100 What came first…the turkey or the egg? In the case of this recipe… diners need to break through a delicious layer of ground turkey before getting to the egg!

A Scotch Egg translates to multiple layers of deliciousness; a crispy seasoned bread crumb layer, followed by a layer of sausage (in this case house-made turkey sausage) then finally you reach the egg core. The perfect multi layered appetizer if you will.

Try serving a Scotch Egg on a slider roll for a unique slider presentation. Or, if you’re more of a full-size-sandwich establishment then cut in half, place on your favorite crusty bread and top with bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayo for a fun twist on a BLT… The Scotch BLT!

Jennie-O, 85-15 Ground Turkey is Item# 13721 

For another ground turkey recipe see…
Sloppy Bird Recipe

For more Turkey recipes check out our “Mystery Basket Challenge” series.
Mystery Basket Challenge 🎬

See More from the Test Kitchen ]]>
Food Service Recipe: The “Sloppy Bird” aka Turkey Sloppy Joe https://dennisfoodservice.com/sloppy-bird/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sloppy-bird Tue, 06 Apr 2021 15:17:05 +0000 https://dennisfoodservice.com/?p=291904 This sandwich is a two-hander, and be sure to B.Y.O.B… “Bring Your Own Bib.”

Looking for a unique turkey-twist on the classic Sloppy Joe? Look no further; we have you covered! Featuring lean Jennie-O ground turkey, and from-scratch ingredients to build levels of flavor, this quick recipe transforms the Sloppy Joe from a sandwich with forgettable potential into your next highly profitable featured special. Your customers will be amazed at the magical flavors created when ginger and pesto come together in you sloppy mix.

Jennie-O, 85-15 Ground Turkey is Item# 13721 

For another ground turkey recipe see…
Turkey Scotch Eggs Recipe

For more Turkey recipes check out our “Mystery Basket Challenge” series.
Mystery Basket Challenge 🎬

See More from the Test Kitchen ]]>