11 October 2024

Emphasising Key Menu Items: The Power of Pizza and Burgers

As two of the most popular pub menu staples, pizza and burgers offer excellent opportunities to attract customers and drive profit. Both are versatile, crowd-pleasing dishes that can be easily customised to cater to various tastes. Here’s how you can capitalise on these trends to make your pub a go-to destination for great food.

The Power of Pizza

Pizza is a perennial favourite, and its popularity continues to rise, with 80% of consumers naming it as a top-three dish when eating out in pubs and bars. Pizza’s shareable nature makes it perfect for social dining, and it’s also profitable, even with rising costs. Consumers are increasingly willing to pay more for elevated toppings and premium ingredients, making pizza an ideal canvas for culinary creativity.

Sauces: Easy Upgrades

While the classic tomato base remains a staple, 60% of consumers are open to trying alternative sauces, such as BBQ, white, or pesto. These swaps are simple to implement and can easily elevate your pizza offerings, giving customers something new and exciting.

Toppings: Tradition Meets Innovation

Appealing to all demographics, pizza offers the flexibility to balance classics like margherita or pepperoni with trending toppings such as kimchi or buffalo chicken. Offering a mix of traditional and experimental flavours ensures you cater to both comfort-seekers and adventurous eaters. Great pizza starts with a light, crispy dough and quality cheese and with 61% of consumers preferring mozzarella, this cheese is a safe bet to start with. However, experimenting with other cheese options can help really create a unique offering. Generally, with a core focus on the pizza fundamentals—dough and cheese— you’ll have a solid foundation for success. Unsure of where to begin with pizza or wanting to elevate your pizza game? Take a look at our pizza universe and gain some great insights and ideas.

Go to pizza universe

Burgers: A Pub Favourite for All Generations

Burgers have seen a +6.7ppt increase in popularity, making them an essential part of any pub menu. Their versatility allows them to appeal to every generation, from Gen Z to baby boomers. Whether customers seek a classic cheeseburger or something more adventurous, burgers are a go-to option for pub-goers.

Catering to Every Palate

Creating a well-rounded burger menu is all about balance. Offer familiar options like the Classic Cheeseburger while also incorporating creative specials like the Tennessee Chicken or Bourbon Bacon Stack. You can easily upgrade your burgers by using existing ingredients from your menu, adding a new sauce or topping to keep things fresh without overcomplicating your kitchen. No matter how innovative the flavours, the quality of your burger’s basic components is what makes it stand out. Focus on high-quality buns, fresh toppings, and premium patties to ensure every burger is delicious and satisfying, keeping customers coming back. For more burger inspiration and insight check out Arla Pro burger perfection.

Go to Burger Perfection

By focusing on pizza and burgers, you can appeal to a broad customer base while increasing profitability. Both dishes offer opportunities for creativity without the need for a complete menu overhaul. With simple adjustments to toppings, sauces, and presentation, you can elevate these classics, making your pub a top choice for diners looking for both comfort and innovation.

Offering the right balance of traditional favourites and new, exciting flavours ensures that your pub stands out as a destination where everyone can find something they love.