Do You Need A Signature Dish?

Have you tried the chicken wings at Pok Pok? You’ve got to go to Ox and try the clam chowder! Save room for the chocolate chip cookie when you go to Coquine. These signature dishes have a reputation around Portland and it’s no surprise why.

One of the most effective (and least expensive) ways to get new customers in the door is word of mouth marketing. According to the National Restaurant Association, 94% of consumers surveyed said they would base their restaurant choices on recommendations from friends. So, what’s the best way to get people talking? Your signature dish.

A signature dish is a recipe unique to your restaurant. Whether it’s a twist on a classic or something entirely new, your restaurant’s signature dish can create buzz for your business.

Here are a few tips to create your own signature dish:

• Think of your favorite ingredients and how you could put them together in a new way.
• Try taking a classic recipe and plating it in a way that’s never been done before.
• Think of your favorite dish to cook, even if it’s something you make just for yourself at home, and think of ways you can elevate it to a restaurant quality meal.
• Don’t be afraid of weird flavor combinations. Finding flavors that aren’t normally paired, but actually go really well together, is exactly the type of thing that will draw people in.
• Test, test, test! The only way to discover your restaurant’s signature dish is to try new things until you find a winner. Explore flavors, textures, and formats until you land on something special.

Need help crafting a signature dish for your menu? At McDonald Wholesale, we do more than supply restaurants with high-quality ingredients. Our team is committed to helping your business succeed. We’ll work with you to create a signature dish that will exemplify your restaurant’s style and get people talking. Contact us today!