Aprile, dolce dormire
TABLE OF CONTENTS
4-6
SEAFOOD
7-10
FEATURED BRANDS
SPRING AWAKENS
11
SPRING SAVINGS
12-13
SPRING CLEANING
Seafood
Riding the Wave:
How Restaurants Can Cash
In by Having Seafood on the Menu
More and more diners, especially younger ones, are looking for wild-caught, sustainable seafood—If you’re not already making seafood a star on your menu, now’s the time to dive in, especially with Summertime right around the corner! Operators are getting creative with offerings such as:
Current Seafood Trends
According to a recent Technomic report in partnership with the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, seafood is gaining traction, especially among millennials (ages 32-47). They’re all about freshness, health benefits, and sustainability. In fact, 31% of millennials have upped their seafood intake in the past two years, compared to just 18% of older consumers. And Gen Z isn’t far behind, with 29% eating more seafood as well.
While older generations tend to see seafood as expensive, 36% of millennials and 31% of Gen Z actually think seafood is more affordable than beef, chicken, or pork. With the rising cost of other proteins, seafood is looking like a great alternative.
Making Seafood Work for Your Menu
For quick-service restaurants and even pizzerias, seafood is a great way to stand out. Younger diners want variety, bold flavors, and new experiences. Whether it’s fish tacos, seafood sandwiches, soups or globally inspired dishes, they’re willing to try something different— especially if it’s easy to eat on the go.
Seafood
as a Meat
Alternative
Many consumers are cutting back on red meat for health or environmental reasons, and seafood is stepping in to fill the gap. In fact, 38% of seafood eaters say they prefer swapping out meat for seafood over plant-based alternatives. That’s a big opportunity for restaurants to highlight seafood’s benefits— lean protein, omega-3s, and a ton of essential nutrients.
How to Make Seafood a Star on your Menu
Keep it fresh: Offer the best quality seafood you can get.
Frozen works too: Highquality frozen seafood can be a great option.
Mix it up: Offer a mix of popular seafood options like shrimp and some more adventurous choices like scungilli.
Seasonal specials: Keep things exciting with rotating seafood features. Lent is the perfect time to do this!
Signature dishes: Create a
few standout seafood items that set your menu apart.
Make it easy: Offer seafood add-ons for salads, bowls, and sandwiches.
Show it off: Use social media to highlight your seafood dishes with mouth-watering photos.
Seafood is trending, especially among younger diners who value sustainability and affordability. With rising protein costs, it’s a smart way for restaurants to stand out—especially during Lent and summer. Offering creative seafood dishes and limited-time specials can attract new customers and drive sales.
The Power of Limited-Time Offers (LTOs)
LTOs are a great way to test out new seafood dishes, attract new customers, and keep regulars coming back.
Since 89% of people eat seafood at least once a month and 65% at least once a week, there’s a solid audience ready
Shrimp Scampi Pizza
Ingredients
• 2 tablespoons butter (#180140)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (#1007769)
• 1 tablespoon freshly minced garlic (#340302)
• ¼ cup white wine
• ½ teaspoon oregano (#450120)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (#1001492)
• ½ pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (#371031)
• 12 inch pizza crust (#1008716)
• 2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend, divided (#170550)
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (#450420)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (#190150)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (#340225)
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F.
2. Melt butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, stirring constantly, about 1 minute.
3. Add wine, oregano and lemon juice, stir to combine and simmer for 1 minute.
4. Add shrimp and cook just until turned pink.
5. Remove shrimp with a slotted spoon and place on a plate. Set aside. Remove pan with juices from burner and set aside.
6. Bake CRUST ONLY for 4 minutes and remove from oven.
7. Brush crust with sauce from pan (about ¼ cup). Top with 1-½ cups of the cheese and evenly distribute shrimp on top of cheese. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese on top of pizza.
8. Sprinkle evenly with Italian seasoning.
9. Return to oven and bake for 6-8 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Top with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.
DON’T FORGET TO FOLLOW US
“Like Us” on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and be the first to get all the latest information about new products, upcoming events and more!
Mushroom Cream with Truffle #361460
Cipolline Onions in Balasmic #361450
Homestyle Peperonata #1006453
Neapolitan Pomodorino #361452
Roasted Tomatoes #350020
Dorati Cherry Tomatoes #1005590
Grilled Melanzane Eggplant #361456
Whole Artichokes with Stem #361455
Porcini Mushrooms #1004920
Mini Red Semi Dried Tomatoes #1006358
Spring Awakens
Spring is in the air and chefs have an abundance of vibrant ingredients at their fingertips. This is the perfect time for a menu refresh. Seasonal vegetables and fruits infuse dishes with bright, bold flavors, offering endless opportunities for creative, lighter fare.
Spring isn’t about flavors – it’s about atmosphere. A simple refresh to decor can set the mood, with soft pastel tones, warm lighting, and natural textures. Fresh flowers, greenery, and woven accents bring the essence of al fresco dining indoors.
On the pizza front, new trends are taking shape this season. The fusion of Mexican flavors with pizza is making waves, featuring ingredients like birria-style beef, chorizo, and seasoned pork. Crusts are also evolving – thick, cheesy-edged Detriot style pizzas remain a fan favorite. Seasonal vegetable toppings, including asparagus, artichokes, and peas, add a fresh touch.
As temperatures rise, so does the culinary inspiration. Picture tender asparagus tossed with pasta and
finished with a sprinkle of Parmigiano. A crisp spinach salad with strawberries, fennel, EVOO, and lemon makes for a refreshing starter or hearty entree with added protein. Stuffed artichokes are a true springtime favorite, and for a sweet finale, sauteed cherries flambeed with brandy make the perfect gelato topping.
THINK SPRING!!
April
Spring Cleaning: The Secret Ingredient for a Successful Restaurant or Pizzeria
As the winter chill fades and the warmth of spring sets in, it’s time to toss out the old crumbs, wipe away the sauce splatters, and give your restaurant or pizzeria a fresh start—because nobody wants their favorite slice served with a side of dust bunnies! A deep clean not only enhances the dining experience for customers but also improves efficiency, hygiene, and overall business operations. Here’s why every food establishment should make spring cleaning a priority.
Enhancing Customer
Experience First impressions matter. A clean and wellmaintained dining area creates a welcoming atmosphere, making customers feel comfortable and eager to return. Shiny floors, spotless windows, and fresh decor contribute to a positive dining experience that can boost word-of-mouth recommendations and online reviews. In fact, 75% of people would skip a restaurant after reading negative reviews about cleanliness. A clean
and well-maintained dining area creates a welcoming atmosphere, making customers feel comfortable and eager to return. 86 percent of customers would not return to a restaurant with dirty surfaces e.g., tables, chairs, booths, dust on decor
Ensuring Food Safety and Hygiene Health and safety regulations demand high standards of cleanliness in restaurants and pizzerias. A deep clean helps eliminate grease buildup, food debris, and potential bacteria from kitchens, storage areas, and dining spaces. Regularly cleaning ovens, pizza ovens, fryers, and ventilation systems reduces fire hazards and improves air quality.
Increasing Equipment
Efficiency Spring cleaning isn’t just about aesthetics— it also helps maintain expensive kitchen equipment. Ovens, refrigerators, and dishwashers work more efficiently when they’re free of dust and grease. Proper maintenance extends the lifespan of appliances,
reducing costly repairs and unexpected breakdowns.
Organizing and Optimizing Inventory
A thorough cleaning provides the perfect opportunity to declutter storage areas and reorganize supplies. Checking expiration dates, rotating stock, and optimizing ingredient placement can improve workflow efficiency and reduce waste, ultimately saving money.
Refreshing the Brand Image
Spring cleaning extends beyond the kitchen. Updating menus, refreshing signage, and maintaining exterior aesthetics like patios and entryways can enhance brand appeal. A fresh look can attract new customers and keep regulars coming back.
Spring Cleaning Tips for Restaurants and Pizzerias:
9 Deep clean kitchen appliances, including pizza ovens, grills, and fryers.
9 Sanitize and organize refrigerators and dry storage.
9 Wash walls, ceilings, floors, and ventilation hoods.
9 Refresh dining areas by cleaning upholstery, carpets, and furniture.
9 Inspect plumbing, electrical systems, and HVAC units for maintenance needs.
9 Power wash sidewalks, patios, and outdoor seating areas.
9 Revamp marketing materials and update menu offerings.
9 Focus on high-traffic areas by deep cleaning, repairing, or upgrading worn-out elements.
By committing to a thorough spring cleaning, restaurants and pizzerias can create a healthier, more inviting environment for both customers and employees. It’s an investment in the business’s long-term success, ensuring smooth operations and an enhanced reputation throughout the year.