Welcome to Kitchen Crafted, your café’s ultimate destination for fresh, bold, and customizable entrée options. This isn’t just a food station—it’s the first stop for guests, and it sets the tone for their entire experience. Unlike other stations that stay the same day after day, this is the one station that needs to stay fresh and exciting to keep our guests engaged. If they don’t find something they love here, they’ll turn to backups like the grill, pizza station, or salad bar.
With rotating daily offerings, tailored solutions for all setups, and updated recipes designed to keep things interesting, Kitchen Crafted is built to bring energy and variety to your café. This guide will help you bring flexibility and creativity to your station while keeping guests coming back to see what’s next.
WHAT'S NEW?
FRESH IDEAS
Each Kitchen Crafted Concept menu has been refreshed with bold flavors, regional recipes, and a standout Signature Entrée, giving the entire program a trendy, modern feel.
MORE FLEXIBILITY
Whether you’re running a small café or a large-scale operation, Kitchen Crafted is built to adapt to your needs. With editable signage templates, updated manager’s guides, station layouts, and menu tools, everything you need to create and customize your station is ready to go.
BEYOND THE BOWL
We heard you—no one wants to eat a bowl every day! The concepts have evolved to include plated entrées alongside bowl options, giving guests more variety and ensuring there’s something for everyone.
SMALL ACCOUNT?
Scan this QR code to check out the Small Account Supplement for extra tips and tricks to run your Kitchen Crafted station.
WHICH DO YOU PREFER? bowls plates OR
CHEF'S NOTES
KEEP IT FRESH
Keeping your station buzz-worthy requires variety, creativity, and staying on top of what works.
GO ALL IN
The best stations have it all! Feature the Signature Entrées, rotate limited time offers, and include Pop-Up Brands to keep guests engaged.
SEASONAL REFRESH
Update your menus each quarter with ingredients and flavors that match the season.
WHAT'S SELLING?
Review your weekly items sold report to see what’s popular, gather guest feedback, and make adjustments.
NEVER SACRIFICE
QUALITY
Quality is the foundation of a great guest experience. Follow these simple rules to ensure your station always delivers.
ALWAYS
Keep hot food above 140°F and cold food below 40°F. Use shallow pans to keep food fresh and rotated.
Step out and view your station from the guest's perspective
Consolidate food pans in the BOH out of guests' view.
NEVER
Serve food that’s been sitting too long.
Use dented pans or mismatched utensils.
STATION STANDARDS
KITCHEN CRAFTED CONCEPTS
From global inspirations to comfort classics, the 15 Kitchen Crafted Concepts offer something to satisfy every guest. With a variety of new recipes and an average of 40 per concept, you can mix and match to create a menu perfectly tailored to your operation. Let’s dive into the exciting new additions!
NEW MENU HIGHLIGHTS
Callaloo now features vibrant dishes inspired by Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Haiti, expanding beyond Jamaican flavors. New favorites like Carne Fritas, Mojo Chicken, and Jamaican Jerk Chicken bring a flavorful island experience to every café.
Mac and cheese just got an upgrade! Guests can enjoy Nashville Hot Chicken, Jerk Chicken, or even Ultimate Chili for an adventurous culinary experience.
Deliver authentic Cajun flavors with dishes like Gumbo, Etouffée, and Jambalaya, plus sides like Dirty Rice and Maque Choux. Offer gumbo bowls, plated Blackened Fish with Red Beans and Rice, or a build-yourown Po’ Boy station!
Don't just wing it; offer wings and beyond with Drums & Flats! Offer boneless wings, tenders, or sides such as onion rings, smoked gouda mac & cheese, or jo jo potato wedges.
Are your guests ready for classic fried chicken with a kick? Add Korean-style Fried Chicken or Cajun Fried Pickles to the lineup for some Southern comfort with a twist.
Plant-forward gets exciting with Harvest. Add proteins like Honey Lime Sriracha Salmon or Rotisserie Style Chicken Quarter to elevate wholesome sides and seasonal vegetables.
STATION STANDARDS
Mediterranean-inspired options like Chimichurri Steak, Hot Honey Salmon, and Braised Chicken Thighs paired with sides like Herb Couscous, Tabbouleh, and Harissa Roasted Carrots make this station fresh and flavorful.
King Tide is a seafood lover's dream! Offer deconstructed Low-country boil platters, crispy fried seafood, or crab cake for a truly coastal experience.
Comfort food redefined! New options include Savannah Meatloaf, Country Fried Pork Chops, and Chicken & Dumplings, delivering Southern classics with a modern twist.
BBQ favorites are back with Baby Back Ribs, St. Louis Ribs, and Slow-Roasted Brisket. Pair them with sides like Squash Casserole, Cheesy Hashbrowns, and Creamed Corn, and finish with the new Kickin’ Cholula BBQ Sauce.
Elevate Italian dining with authentic additions like Chicken Marsala, Jumbo Meatballs with Sunday Sauce, and Braised Lemon Herb Chicken.
Go beyond baked potatoes with new loaded options like Latin, BBQ, or Korean-inspired steak fries. Or, hop on trend with totchos for a fresh twist.
Bring authentic Indian flavors to your café with Butter Chicken, Rojan Josh, and Biryani. Simple sides and sauces make Tandoori a standout option for all guests.
Verde–It’s more than just tacos! Add variety to your menu with nachos, tamales, burritos, and enchiladas. Simplified sauces and fun additions like churros and queso keep things exciting.
Transform Zen with noodle bowls, grain bowls, and hibachi-style offerings. New entrées like Bourbon Chicken, Sweet and Spicy Shrimp, and Sticky Ribs bring bold flavors to the table.
STATION STANDARDS
SIGNATURE ENTR É ES
Bring the wow factor to your café with Signature Entrées—bold, crowd-pleasing dishes that grab attention and keep guests coming back. Each Kitchen Crafted Concept has its own show-stopping Signature Entrée, and we’ve got all the branded marketing tools you need to promote them easily. These entrées are picked to appeal to everyone—nothing too trendy or niche, just the best, most popular options for each concept. Think Sticky BBQ Ribs, Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese, and Thai Chili Wings.
WHY IT WORKS
SEAMLESS MENU INTEGRATION
The menu cycle makes it easy to swap out an existing entrée to introduce a bold new option, keeping your station fresh and exciting. It’s a simple way to offer variety to your guests without complicating operations.
SUGGESTIVE SELLING
Guests are busy, so making it easy for them to choose is key. The bold, eye-catching marketing grabs guests' attention and helps sell the day’s menu.
KEEP IT FRESH
Rotate Signature Entrées to keep the menu exciting and aligned with guest preferences.
CHIMICHURRI
THE RESOURCES OUT WITH THE OLD!
MANAGER'S GUIDES
Toss out the outdated guides and replace them with the refreshed versions! Keep a master Kitchen Crafted Concepts folder at your station so your team is always set up for success!
Each Kitchen Crafted Concept comes with its own updated manager’s guide, serving as your one-stop-shop for running a successful station. Packed with a recipe library, marketing materials, and practical tips, these guides are designed to make your job easier.
NEW RECIPE HIGHLIGHTS
Look for the icon to easily spot the fresh updates.
STATION LAYOUTS
Find step-by-step visuals tailored for both small and large setups, helping you make the most of your space.
QUICK TIPS & TRICKS
From plating ideas to time-saving shortcuts, these guides are packed with practical advice.
MARKETING & PACKAGING
Get all the details you need–from signage to packaging solutions–to showcase your station and elevate the guest experience.
THE RESOURCES
MENU ENGINEERING
Kitchen Crafted Concepts are designed for ultimate flexibility, giving you the tools to craft menus that fit your operation seamlessly. Verde, for example, isn’t just about tacos anymore— think tamales in the South or a nacho bar in the Northeast.
MENU TOOL
The new Menu Tool makes planning easy with pre-set options designed for variety and efficiency. Need to tailor the menu to your guests' preferences? Use the dropdowns in the Menu Tool to easily adjust the default Kitchen Crafted menu selections. Once your plan is ready, head to MenuWorks to finalize your updates.
The comprehensive menu mastering index tab gives you quick access to every item in the program. READY
TO GET STARTED?
Click here to access the full menu tool
GET STARTED
GET READY. GET SET. GO!
GET READY
Start by reviewing the updated Manager’s Guides to familiarize yourself with the new recipe additions. Think about changes that could elevate the guest experience and generate excitement at your station. Use the menu tool to map out a 4-week rotation that includes the new Signature Entrées and ensures your lineup meets station standards. As a general rule, feature the following menu mix at your station based on your account size.
GET SET
It’s time to map out your station! Use the layout examples and inspiration from the concept guides to create a streamlined, efficient setup. Thoughtful, wellmapped layouts ensure smooth service and a visuallyappealing station. Don’t forget to create and print a station layout diagram for each day of the week to ensure your team can set up consistently and deliver great results!
GO!
You’ve done the planning—now it’s time to bring your station to life!
• Marketing materials should be displayed prominently.
• Food presentation is fresh and inviting.
• Gather feedback from guests and your team often.
• Rotate menu offerings regularly to keep things exciting.
• Track sales to see what’s resonating with guests.
SMALL ACCOUNTS
1 ENTRÉE
1 STARCH
1 VEGETABLE
1 TOPPING
1 SAUCE
1 ADD-ON
LARGE ACCOUNTS
2 ENTRÉES
2 STARCHES
2 VEGETABLES
4 TOPPINGS
2 SAUCES
1 ADD-ON
FOR BOWLS
Start with bases, then add proteins and toppings.
FOR PLATES
Arrange mains, sides, and garnishes for easy plating.
Check your weekly sales reports to see what’s selling and where there’s room to improve. Use this info to tweak your menu, keep it fresh, and give guests what they want.
STATION SET-UP
MERCHANDISING MAGIC
IN A SMALL SPACE
Focus on the essentials to create a menu that’s complete, visually-impressive, and keeps guests coming back for more.
KING TIDE
BBQ Spiced Salmon | Country Cheese Grits
Sweet & Spicy Brussels Sprouts | Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Green Onion | Pepper Jelly | Key Lime Pie
*Shown in a base smallwares set-up.
Focus on the little things that make a big impact—matching utensils, clean, dent-free pans, and sharp, well-placed signage. Stick to the station's minimum guidelines to create a complete, satisfying menu.
THE DETAILS
When choices are limited, every item needs to be on point.
USE ELEVATED SMALLWARES
Elevate your presentation with Bon Chef Hot Well Pans—use cutouts to secure pans and maintain proper temperature!
Signature Entrées make excellent daily specials—just pair them with complementary sides to create a complete meal. Don’t forget to add an upsell for the perfect finishing touch!
MAXIMIZE YOUR SPACE
Get creative with the layout and service style.
COLD STORAGE
Use cold storage whenever appropriate.
Add the Signature Entrée Marketing Materials!
STATION SET-UP
MERCHANDISING MAGIC
IN A MEDIUM - LARGE SPACE
Make the most of your space by showcasing the full range of Kitchen Crafted Concepts with a setup that highlights variety and depth.
KING TIDE
BBQ Spiced Salmon | Lemon Herb Crusted Cod
Country Cheese Grits | Parsley Smashed Red Potatoes
Sweet & Spicy Brussels Sprouts | Summer Succotash
Mediterranean Pasta Salad | Green Onion | Thai Chili Peppers
Cajun Remoulade | Key Lime Pie
*Shown in a base smallwares set-up.
Keep your menu fresh by mixing and matching core recipes. Choose distinct entrées to appeal to a wide audience, pair them with the right sides, and finish with a thoughtful add-on.
CUSTOMIZATION
Set up toppings or sauces to allow guests to make meals uniquely theirs.
ADD-ONS
Desserts make the perfect add-on, enhancing the guest experience and boosting check averages.
KING TIDE FEATURING THE SIGNATURE ENTRÉE
This is the same menu as above, now featuring the Signature Entrée—Maryland Crab Cake—plus an extra side, presented in a slightly different layout.
*Shown in the elevated smallwares set-up.
Signature entrées let you stay on top of market trends while keeping your core menu solid. Use them to wow guests with something special—swap one in or add it as a standout feature.
MIX IT UP
Use a variety of sizes and shapes in your setup to create visual interest.
LEVEL UP
Add cast iron pans from your catering smallwares to the lineup for a dynamic and eye-catching display.
Add the Signature Entrée Marketing Materials!
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
KEEP IT FRESH
Make the most of the Kitchen Crafted station by considering the following when putting together your plan.
MAKE IT COUNT
Keep your station exciting with Signature Entrées, LTOs, and Pop-Up Brands. Rotating these options brings fresh energy and draws in guests looking for something unique. Add bold signage and creative plating to make your offerings stand out and hard to resist!
UPSELL
Upselling is all about smart placement and great options. Each concept comes with multiple addon choices to enhance the guest experience. Desserts like Salted Caramel Banana Bread Pudding or Coconut Crunch Cake are perfect grab-and-go treats that drive impulse buys. Position bottled water and other add-ons near the station to make it easy for guests to complete their meal. Before opening, step back and view the station from the guest’s perspective to ensure everything is well-placed and ready to maximize sales!
WELLNESS / SUSTAINABILITY
Guests are looking for healthier, more sustainable options, and Kitchen Crafted delivers. Concepts like Harvest and Honest Bowl focus on plant-forward offerings, now with optional protein add-ons to give guests more variety while staying aligned with modern dining trends. Each concept includes wellness-focused dishes, so be sure to highlight these for a balanced menu. Feature items like roasted vegetables and grain bowls, and use proteins as garnishes to reduce waste while offering well-rounded meals that guests will love!
ACCESSING YOUR OPTIONS
Use the dropdown feature in MenuWorks to explore all available recipes and maximize variety. Plan ahead by rotating options quarterly to match seasonal flavors and guest preferences. With this tool, creating a fresh, exciting menu is simple!
LEVEL UP
LIMITED TIME OFFERS
Looking to shake things up and keep your station fresh? That’s where LTOs come in. Unlike Signature Entrées, which focus on the featured protein, LTOs are complete meals with everything you need to deliver a fully composed dish.
WHY RUN LTOs
GUEST ENGAGEMENT
LTOs create a sense of urgency and anticipation, keeping guests engaged and eager to try new items.
SEASONAL + EVENT OPPORTUNITIES
Tie into seasonal shifts, holidays, or local events like sports seasons or cultural celebrations to resonate with your audience.
TEST NEW IDEAS
Use LTOs to gauge guest interest in different food trends and potential permanent menu additions.
REPLACEMENT
Running a small station or short on labor?
Swap out a concept’s full lineup for a single, all-inclusive LTO meal that’s easy to execute and guaranteed to impress.
READY TO GET STARTED?
Access individual LTOs within each Kitchen Crafted concept
HOW TO USE LTOs
SUPPLEMENTAL
Looking to add variety without replacing your core menu? Use an LTO to supplement the program. These complete dishes, paired with marketing support, keep your menu fresh!
BBQ shrimp po' boy
HARISSA CARROT & BROCCOLI STEAK BOWL
salsa verde smoked brisket tacos
BOWL
verde chicken tostadas
Soułhern Fried Chicken Soułhern Fried Chicken G G ravy ravy & & BBQ Glazed Meatloaf
bang bang shrimp lo mein
POP-UP BRANDS
Pop-Up Brands are ready-to-launch menu ideas designed for a full station takeover, creating the look and feel of an outside restaurant running the station for the day. Each concept includes a Manager’s Guide featuring chef tips, line set diagrams, packaging recommendations, and marketing tools to make execution easy. These Pop-Up Brands have been hand selected for the entrée station! Pop-Up Brands are
KITCHEN CRAFTED SIGNAGE STANDARDS MAKE YOUR MARK
We have a comprehensive marketing package that is bold and user-friendly. From the menu board to add-ons, each piece was purposefully designed to capture guests’ attention and elevate the experience.
STATIC MARKETING
Each concept contains a variety of marketing pieces you can use to drive guest participation at your station and create a unique, branded experience. Print materials can be found in your Kitchen Crafted accordion folders, and additional copies of select items may be purchased from MHCprints.com.
NEED TO ORDER A NEW KIT?
Complete
DO
Keep marketing pieces clean by gently wiping with a damp cloth.
Store items in the folder between uses to keep them looking great and make them easy to find.
Utilize the correct digital signage templates, available on MyCompass. Replace damaged items and order additional ones from our internal print site, MHCprints.com.
DON'T
Try to reinvent the wheel. Consider how to best use the items provided before creating your own.
Use clip art, homemade signs, or hand-drawn sneeze guard signs. Always spell check when using the editable templates.
Clutter your station with individual line IDs for each item. Instead, use the nutritional cling included in your kit.
MAKE YOUR MARK
KITCHEN CRAFTED SIGNAGE STANDARDS
PRICING
Utilize the entrée price clips to advertise the pricing your account will use for each concept. Not using whole number pricing? Use a dry erase marker on the blank price clips included in your kit to populate your pricing.
ADD-ONS
Seal the deal with these trendy add-ons that are sure to complete your guests' meals. Each add-on is easy to prepare and offered at a great price point—a winning recipe that’s certain to get your guests’ attention. What a great way to grow your check average!
BEST PRACTICE
Utilize the smaller dry erase clip included in your kit to advertise add-on pricing in lieu of adding another sign to your counter space.
EDITABLE MARKETING
Are you running self-serve and/or weighand-pay? Do you have a special feature you’d like your guests to try? Want to offer Callaloo’s delicious veggies as an a la carte side item? We have a template for that! Take advantage of each concept’s editable full and half sheet print templates and/or editable digital menus to advertise special features and side items. Templates are available for download from MyCompass.
SIGNATURE ENTRÉES & LTOs
Bring the wow factor to your station with bold, crowd-pleasing dishes that grab your guests’ attention and keep them coming back for more. Advertise your Signature Entrée using the POS included in your kit, and download print and digital marketing materials for each concept LTO from MyCompass.
MAKE YOUR MARK
SUPPLEMENTAL SIGNAGE
STATION IDENTIFIER
CIRCULAR BLADE SIGN
Enhance the modern aesthetic of the café and take the guesswork out by utilizing overhead blade signs to denote location.
STATION IDENTIFIER
DIMENSIONAL ACRYLIC
Do you have low ceilings or prefer a minimalist look? Then the sleek dimensional acrylic backer is the perfect solution for you!
READY TO ORDER?
Station Identifiers can be ordered here on MyCompass.
LEVEL UP!
Utilize the smallwares ordering guide for current offerings and spec information.
MERCHANDISING STANDARDS
Smallwares can make or break your entrée setup, and it’s important to bring a consistent look and feel to your station. From matching utensils to appropriately-sized vessels, having the right product for the right application is all in the details.
CORE SMALLWARES
SERVING UTENSILS
LEVEL UP!
ELEVATED SMALLWARES
Discover the difference between the standard smallware package featuring Super Pan 3s and an upgraded setup with elevated smallwares. The enhanced package adds a premium touch that can elevate the guest experience and fit seamlessly into your operation.
BON CHEF HOT WELL PANS
Each stainless steel piece is scratch resistant, easy to clean, and designed to withstand the demands of a busy commercial kitchen. Custom insert pans easily slip into each dish, making fast, efficient product replenishment a breeze! They significantly reduce the storage footprint for back stock, warewash, and storage.
DID YOU KNOW?
There are three different retail smallwares aesthetics: Tranquil
the style that best
If your entrée station includes a heat pad, consider using your Arcata cast iron pans from catering for a bold, eye-catching display.
space!
Spa, Modern Sleek, and Urban Farmhouse. Choose
fits your retail
Stone Well Cover Super Pan Well Cover
French Oven Dish, 7 qt. (Insert Pan & Adapter Plate)
Au Gratin Dish, 2/5 qt. (Insert Pan & Adapter Plate)
Casserole Dish, 3 qt. (Insert Pan & Adapter Plate)
Food Pan, 3 qt. (Insert Pan & Adapter Plate)
Stir Fry Pan, 2.5 qt. (Insert Pan & Adapter Plate)
Ice Box
Assorted Size Risers
Cast Iron Roasting Pan 5.1 qt.
Cast Iron Grill 3.6 qt.
Cast Iron Baking Dish 3 qt., 6 qt.
LEVEL UP!
PACKAGING
Packaging is the first touchpoint with guests and a chance to showcase your brand's quality and commitment. It’s more than just a container—it’s part of your guests' daily convenience and lifestyle. Refer to the entrée packaging guide for current options and specs.
LEARN MORE
Molded Fiber Bowl 32 oz.
PET Lid 32 oz.
Clear Plastic Clamshell 5” x 5” x 3”
Compostable Clamshell 8” x 8” x 3”
Souffle Cup with Lid 2 oz.
Souffle Cup with Lid 4 oz.
Clear Tear Strip Containter 8 oz.
Parfait Cup w/Hinged Lid 8 oz.
Paper Bag w/Window
Foil Sheet 12" x 10.75"
Round Molded Fiber Plate 9”
Squat Cup with Lid 9 oz.
ESSENTIALS CHECKLIST
1
Is the station visually appealing, with clean and matching smallwares?
2 NO YES
Are all marketing materials, including signage, prominently displayed and accurate?
3 NO YES
Are the proper packaging standards being followed?
4 NO YES
5
6
7
8
9
Are you featuring the Signature Entrées?
Are you following the station standards for your setup to ensure you have the right menu mix?
Are you updating your menu with the seasons to keep things fresh and exciting?
Are you including wellness-focused options in every concept to keep your menu balanced?
Are upsell opportunities highlighted at the station?
Is the station layout guest-friendly, with toppings, sauces, and grab-and-go options accessible?
10
Are you weaving Pop-Up Brands and LTOs into your core menu to maximize variety?
