Seafood is the optimal protein source for healthy and delicious takeout meals. Options like finfish, shellfish, and value-add seafood items are ideal when carefully packaged for travel. Just about any seafood item packed to-go, holds its flavor and taste leaving customers wanting more!
Takeout quick-takes
25%
of consumers say they spend more on off-premise orders than on-site dining.**
58%
of today’s foodservice orders are for off-premise dining.*
86%
of consumers are using off-premise dining services at least monthly.*
Seafood gets reimagined for takeout
Seafood is often thought of as one of the most difficult categories for operators to transition to carry-out menus. Because seafood has traditionally been considered as a center-of-the-plate protein served with sides, it’s typically overlooked as a successful protein offering to-go. Fortunately, it only takes a bit of reinventing to make seafood a successful part of your takeout program.
Getting seafood on the takeout menu
Adding seafood to your takeout menu is all about choosing casual applications that travel well. Ceviche, smoked fish dip, soups and bisques make great appetizers that are easy to pack up in kraft takeout bowls with lids. While tacos, pasta, sandwiches, salads, flatbreads and wraps are all great seafood items that work as to-go friendly entrées. Got a fan-favorite menu item that just won’t work for takeout? Think about how you can transform it into a dish that will. For example, oysters on the half shell can become oyster po’ boy sandwiches.
Takeout Tips for Success
Providing takeout service might seem simple and straightforward, but many operators still fall short on crucial steps that could increase customer retention and improve their bottom line.
Materials matter
Providing takeout service might seem simple and straightforward, but many operators still fall short on crucial steps that could increase customer retention and improve their bottom line.
Pack like a pro
Proper packing of to-go orders is essential for a dish to arrive in optimal condition. Hot and cold foods should be packed in separate bags to ensure they maintain their temperature. Sauces are best packed in separate containers to avoid spills. Always keep safety in mind, 34% of consumers say, “tamper-evident seals on packaging would make them feel more comfortable about ordering takeout.”*
Maximize profits
Boost average order value by creating a “popular items” category at the top of your menu that includes items that are not only in-demand, but very profitable. Upsells are also a great way to increase order value. Below each entrée listing, consider adding an option such as “complete your meal” or “pairs well with,” and suggest some irresistible sides and appetizers.
*Source: Datassential
**Source: Technomic
