Business Bites by Simplot
Spring 2025
Welcome to a fresh take on foodservice insights! Business Bites is Simplot’s quarterly newsletter to deliver trends, takeaways, and more.
We know you’re craving actionable information that will help your business grow, and Business Bites will certainly satisfy. This edition focuses on trends relating to burgers, chicken sandwiches, and (of course) delicious, crispy fries.
Easy to digest
This newsletter helps foodservice professionals like you stay informed on the go with snackable facts and suggested next steps.
- What’s going on
- What’s coming next
- What you should do about it
Trends for QSR Burgers + Chicken Sandwiches
Consumers love them
No surprises here! Consumers eat an average of three burgers per month from foodservice venues. Two in five operators say burger sales have increased over the past year; only 4% say their sales have decreased. Chicken sandwiches are also menu highlights for many consumers, with moderate growth and high potential for innovation.
Read on for ideas to elevate and optimize your burgers and chicken sandwich offerings.
Burgers: Keynote Reports, Datassential
Appeal to your burger base
If you’re looking for new ways to shake up your burgers, focus on the demographic groups that buy burgers most often—men, Millennials, and Gen Z. These buyers are also more adventurous with their burgers, opening up some fun possibilities for your menu.
- Explore toppings like guacamole, truffles, olives, or specialty cheeses.
- Consider offering unique buns or carriers like sourdough, brioche, or even a whimsical waffle.
- Remember, Gen Z is more willing than older generations to pay for unique toppings and premium burger attributes (local sourcing, seasonal toppings, etc.).
Burgers: Keynote Reports, Datassential
Classic toppings + customizability
People want burgers, especially when they can have them their way. More than half of burgers are customized in some way — 20% of consumers fully customized their last burger and 32% modified their order.
- Add value to the overall experience by offering both classic toppings and the ability to customize.
- Don’t overthink creativity — you don’t have to add a peanut butter ice cream burger to the menu — consider a premium cheese or meat topping like pork belly.
Burgers: Keynote Reports, Datassential
Checking in on chicken sandwiches
Ah, chicken sandwiches. This ubiquitous, highly popular menu offering continues to enjoy moderate growth and some trendy possibilities.
- Look to regional trends for flavor inspiration.
- Explore some of the fastest-growing flavors:
- Nashville hot
- Vodka sauce
- Hot honey
- Alabama
The World of Chicken Sandwiches, Datassential
Don’t sleep on a side of fries
After all, 78% of consumers always eat sides with their burgers, and fries are the most profitable item on the menu behind beverages. Sides are a great opportunity to add value for customers, especially since they’re more focused on getting good value than ever before.
- Maintain high quality standards so consumers feel they are getting a good deal even with increased prices.
- Consider switching to coated fries, which retain their heat and crunch better.
Keynote Reports, Datassential
Try the Trend: Alabama BBQ Fries
Explore the trendy Alabama BBQ flavor with this recipe. Southern elements like cajun seasoning, white BBQ aioli, and hot sauce add some crave-worthy flavors to hot and crunchy Simplot Conquest® Delivery+® Tin Roof Fries.
Conquer soggy starters and sides with Simplot Conquest® Delivery+® Tin Roof Fries. They stay crisp for an astonishing 40+ minutes, making them a great option for dine-in, drive-thru, delivery, and catering.
See the Alabama BBQ fries recipe here.
Hungry for more?
Reach out to your Simplot sales contact for more insights, information, and product solutions.
For product details and recipes, visit SimplotFoods.com
