Beer, snacks, and beer-battered trends!
appear on 1 in 10 menus, according to Datassential MenuTrends (YE September 2023), though this number nearly doubles for casual dining restaurants. Think beer-battered fish (especially with fish and chips), onion rings, and fries for beer-battered inspiration from casual dining operators.
have an even higher presence at bar & grill restaurants (within the casual dining segment). Additionally, 60% of bar & grill restaurants with “beer battered” on the menu feature the term in dishes with fries, like fish and chips or beer-battered fries appetizers (Datassential MenuTrends, YE September 2023).
Check out appetizer and side trends for innovative beer-pairing inspiration. Beer cheese stands out, growing on appetizer and side menus and skyrocketing as a fry sauce. Loaded tots and loaded fries are also growing, providing plenty of opportunity for other craveable toppings. For heat and spice to balance out cold beer, add top-growing appetizer and side flavors, like Nashville hot or hot honey, to wings, fries, sliders, and more!
¹ Growth on appetizers/sides menus over the past 4 years in Datassential MenuTrends, YE September 2023
² Growth on fry appetizers/sides over the past 4 years in Datassential MenuTrends, YE September 2023
Growth on appetizers/side menus over the past 4 years in Datassential MenuTrends, YE September 2023
Growth on appetizers/side menus over the past 4 years in Datassential MenuTrends, YE September 2023
Datassential Concept Testing (SCORES)
top performer for item type, generation (>90th percentile)
above average for item type, generation (70th to 90th percentile)