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There are very few winds in the sails of restaurant chain sales this year. Let’s face it, the business is flat with maybe 1% overall growth thanks to the travel and recreation segments.

While there are indications that the economy is rebounding, consumers are still uneasy about their pocketbooks and are spending less and frequenting restaurants less often. So how are restaurants coping with the doldrums? According to the National Restaurant Association, restaurant sales compared to last year are disappointing.

Nearly 80% are turning to limited time offers (LTOs)* to lure customers back to their tables or drive-thrus. No other tactic offers a near immediate remedy. According to a recent Kenetic-12 operator survey, they are turning to easy to implement options for creating interest in their LTOs. 

One of the trends involves hot sauce or spices for a jestier menus. It’s an easy grab and low in cost compared to proteins or produce. With some imagination, operators can also leverage a global flare with their signature LTO to attract more Gen Z and Millennial customers who love heat and ethnic flavors. Spices also offer a healthy halo that reduces the guilt factor of indulgence.

Speaking of indulgence, protein-centric LTOs involving burgers or sandwiches are frequently front and center, with a spicy signature sauce in the middle. Another go-to are wings and anything chicken because they are lower in cost than beef. 

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