Operators’ Expect Increased Emphasis Heading into 2023? More Takeout & Delivery in 2023

Datassential surveyed chain and independent operators on the directions they are taking to address three major challenges they face heading into 2023. It’s an important survey to clarify the direction of an industry with headwinds not likely to subside through next year.

It all boils down to three main issues. A continued labor shortage and the hassle of constant turnover and higher wages, inflation in food costs, and a shaky supply chain.

The 3-pronged whammy was found in the new survey of operators.

While food cost inflation was first on the minds of foodservice pros, the three-headed beast of costs, labor, and reliable product deliveries have operators headed toward fresh solutions in the new year. 

One of the most important is an increased emphasis on off-premises delivery and takeout. Combined with finding solutions to eliminate margin-busting third-party delivery costs, operators are funding their delivery and mobile ordering plans for 2023 and menus that now have a new metric of “transportability.” 

Supporting flavor for the road is a greater reliance on portion control condiments. As America’s number one brand of portion control hot sauce, Texas Pete® helped weather the storm of the pandemic and continues to ramp up production of its Texas Pete® Original Hot Sauce, ¡SABOR! by Texas Pete® Mexican-Style Hot Sauce and its CHA! by Texas Pete® Sriracha Sauce 7-gram packets. Texas Pete® is unique in the multiple flavors of spicy goodness that ramp up a variety of cuisines for takeout, delivery, or catering.

More recently, Texas Pete® launched four new 1 oz. dipping cups for family meal deals, gameday, and other big-ticket takeout and delivery applications. From its original hot sauce to BBQ sauce, honey mustard, and a mild wing sauce, 2023 shapes up as a year the market leader in hot sauce portion control has you covered for off-premises dining. 

The most important trend in the survey is increased focus on takeout and delivery.

Overall, attitudes have turned toward labor-saving prepared foods and the versatility of ingredients to address multiple menu applications for quickly cooking something deliciously unique—both top of mind for chain menu developers and independents heading toward the new year. Portion control is likewise a top priority for 2023.

Labor-saving, versatile ingredients are top of mind among foodservice operators.

Texas Pete® Test Kitchen is ahead of the curve in assisting operators with a fresh library of trend-forward recipes with five ingredients or less that can be prepared for dozens and dozens of servings in less than 10 minutes. The Simple As Library and quick, customizable sauces are available anytime at TexasPeteFoodservice.com.

Texas Pete® Original Hot Sauce 7-gram PCs are available in 200 and 500 ct. cases.

The good news is that by a slim majority, operators say their gross sales now exceed their pre-COVID levels. Squeezing profit margins is the real challenge for 2023.

More than half of operators report gross sales now are above pre-pandemic levels.

As you finalize your plan for 2023, double-check your PCs and your easy, exciting menu items to pre-load success, and don’t forget the Texas Pete® so that you can Sauce Like You Mean It!™