Here is why Side Dishes are Popular
Here is why Side Dishes are Popular
Side dishes are extremely popular and important in the restaurant industry, playing a significant role in menu design and the overall dining experience.
- Menu Variety and Customization
Side dishes allow restaurants to offer variety and cater to diverse customer preferences. Diners often appreciate the flexibility to customize their meals, and offering a range of side options gives them the ability to personalize their order.
- Increased Revenue
Side dishes are often an additional source of revenue. While the main entrée is typically the focal point of the meal, side dishes can significantly boost a restaurant’s profitability. By pricing sides separately, restaurants can increase the total bill. Additionally, side dishes often have higher profit margins, especially if they use cost-effective ingredients like fries.
- Upselling and Pairing
Servers often recommend side dishes as part of upselling techniques. A well-paired side dish can make the main entrée seem more appealing, leading to higher overall sales. For instance, pairing a steak with a rich, buttery side like truffle fries or mashed potatoes can enhance the diner’s experience and increase the overall check size.
- Social Dining and Sharing
Side dishes are popular in shared dining experiences, where guests order several sides to enjoy together. This trend is particularly common in restaurants that focus on small plates, tapas, or family-style dining. Side dishes encourage communal eating, which is a growing trend in many dining settings.
Fries is the number one side dish because it checks all boxes: they’re delicious, affordable, versatile, easy to prepare, and universally loved. Whether served at a fast food restaurant or a gourmet eatery, fries complement almost any main dish and cater to a variety of tastes. Their cultural status, adaptability, and comfort factor ensure their continued popularity as the go-to side dish around the world.
- 1. Ideal Pairing with Main Dishes
Fries are a natural pairing with many popular main dishes, particularly in fast food and casual dining settings. They’re commonly served with burgers, sandwiches, fried chicken, and fish, where the crispy, salty nature of fries complements the richness and protein of the main course. The combination creates a balanced meal in terms of texture and flavour.
- 2. Kitchen Convenience
Fries are easy to prepare and serve. They can be quickly fried or baked in large quantities, making them perfect for high-volume environments like fast food chains, restaurants, and food trucks.
- 3. Affordable and Cost-Effective
Fries is an affordable side dish for both restaurants and customers. This low cost, combined with their popularity, creates a favourable price-to-value ratio. Many restaurants can serve large portions of fries for a reasonable price, contributing to their popularity on menus.
- 4. Customization and Innovation
- Loaded fries: Topped with cheese, bacon, chili, or even lobster.
- Sweet potato fries: A healthier, slightly sweeter alternative.
- Scoop-shape fries, waffle fries, or crinkle-cut fries: Different shapes and textures offer variety.
- Seasoned fries: Spices enhance the taste experience.
- 5. Popular Comfort Food
Fries are often categorized as “comfort food”—foods that evoke feelings of nostalgia, warmth, and satisfaction. The crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior are comforting and provide a sense of indulgence. For many, fries are tied to positive experiences like eating out with family or friends.
