As winter approaches, cafe and coffee shop owners have a unique opportunity to cater to their customers’ cravings for warmth and comfort. One excellent way to do this is by adding soups and warm sandwiches to your menu. These delectable options not only provide comfort but also offer a profitable avenue for diversifying your offerings. In this article, we at the Ken Jeter Store will explore the benefits of including soups and warm sandwiches on your menu and discuss the equipment you may need to prepare, serve, and store these winter delights. As always, please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
Offering a variety of menu items can attract a wider customer base, leading to increased sales. Soups and warm sandwiches can be priced at a premium, increasing your profit margins. The equipment and menu needs are not too high as to create undue burden, yet the margins for these added menu items can be quite attractive.
Cold winter days call for warm and hearty comfort food, and offering soups and warm sandwiches can satisfy this demand. Customers will appreciate the convenience of getting a full meal or a quick bite at your cafe. Seasonal menu items add a sense of excitement and anticipation among your customers, so after this winter, look to mixing it up each season. Soups and warm sandwiches are versatile, allowing you to change your menu frequently and experiment with different flavors.
Equipment and Supplies Needed:
To successfully add soups and warm sandwiches to your cafe’s winter menu, you’ll need to invest in the following equipment and supplies:
Soup Kettles or Warmers:
Soup kettles or soup warmers are essential for heating and keeping soups at the ideal serving temperature. Look for models with multiple compartments to offer a variety of soups.
Commercial Blender:
If you plan to offer blended soups, invest in a commercial-grade blender for smooth consistency.
Griddle or Panini Press:
For warm sandwiches, a griddle or panini press is indispensable. Choose a model with adjustable temperature settings for different types of sandwiches.
Refrigeration:
Ensure you have sufficient refrigerator space to store ingredients like vegetables, cheese, and cold cuts. Consider a separate cooler for sandwich fillings to maintain freshness.
Microwave or Convection Oven:
These appliances are useful for reheating or melting cheese on sandwiches quickly.
Stainless Steel Pots and Pans:
Essential for making homemade soups and reheating ingredients.
Soup Ladles and Tongs:
Invest in high-quality ladles and tongs for serving soups and sandwiches.
Soup Containers and Sandwich Wraps:
Use leak-proof, insulated containers for takeout orders. Stock up on sandwich wraps or boxes for to-go sandwiches.
Labeling and Storage:
Label and date your soup containers and sandwich ingredients for easy organization. Use food storage containers that are microwave and dishwasher safe for convenience.
Adding soups and warm sandwiches to your cafe’s winter menu can be a lucrative decision that pleases your customers and keeps them coming back for more. Ensure you invest in the necessary equipment and ingredients to provide delicious and satisfying options for the season. Don’t forget to market these new offerings effectively to attract customers seeking comfort and warmth during the colder months. With the right preparations, your cafe can become a go-to destination for winter comfort food, boosting your revenue and customer loyalty in the process. Have questions? Reach out to us at the Ken Jeter Store and we would be glad to help you out with your equipment and supplies needs as you add soup and sandwiches to your menu, or any changes you may be considering.