Soup Sales for All Seasons

You might be tempted to think that soup is a cold-weather specialty, but you would be wrong. In fact, soup is one of the most seasonal menu items there is.

And it’s not just a matter of the hearty chowders and beef barley soup of winter versus gazpacho and chilled cucumber soup in summer. People enjoy soup of all kinds year-round, but lighter-bodied selections like noodle soups, brothy vegetable-based soups, and many ethnic soups from warm-weather climates are appropriate no matter what the weather.

Did You Know? According to Technomic’s 2014 Left Side of the Menu: Soup & Salad consumer trend report, 46% of consumers say they visit certain restaurants specifically because they enjoy the soup.

And there’s more:

• Soup is a wonderful vehicle for fruits and vegetables in season, from winter root vegetables to height-of-summer corn and tomatoes

• Soup is highly adaptable to the needs of vegetarian and vegan diners

• Soup can be paired with a salad, sandwich, or hearty garnish that will give it a seasonal twist

• A soup du jour can be tailored to short-term weather spikes, such as a few rainy or chilly days in June or a sudden March hot spell

• Daily soup selections are also perfect for holidays, special events, and other seasonal occasions

• Smaller portions of soup can fit into seasonal menus, including tasting menus and specials

Try This: Pair soup with a Hot Pockets® for an interesting alternative to a soup-and-sandwich combo.

Soups are also inspiring for the kitchen—in many operations, making the soup of the day is a plum assignment. Adding a twist to recipes from the global repertoire of soups is just one way to keep the soup selection interesting. Soliciting ideas from co-workers and customers—particularly in college/university or employee/dining facilities—is another way to add variety and honor traditions. Lots of people grow up with a soup that’s a family favorite, and they’ll be happy to share the recipe.

The University of Buffalo’s Crossroads Culinary Center--one of more than two dozen dining options on-campus—offers a new Marché-style servery with seven different international options, including Brazilian churrascaria (grilled skewered meats) and an international soup and noodle bar station with a rotating array of specialties, such as Chinese noodle soup with a choice of proteins, broths, and vegetables.

Build Takeout Sales

Soup is highly portable, whether for desktop dining or as a nourishing but healthy meal to take home for the whole family. Get your fair share by investing in:

• A variety of soups, including a seasonal special, a vegetarian or vegan item, and a favorite like chicken rice

• Sturdy containers in various sizes, from single portions to quart or even half-gallon, family-style portions, plus, disposable spoons and big napkins

• Signage or even a dedicated soup station or window

• Printed menus featuring the daily rotation

• Interesting bread that can be offered alongside, such as a wedge of cornbread or hot garlic French 

• Using Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to reach out to customers about your featured soup

• Soup catering, using a self-service bar with garnishes and accompaniments, like soup specialist Zoup does

Try This: Offer soup-to-go at a price that’s slightly lower than the dine-in version (which can help reduce demand for tables during the busy lunch rush).

Healthy Liquid Options

Soup has a healthy image that can be further leveraged with the recipes and ingredients you use, including:

• Gluten free options

• Vegetarian and vegan choices

• Healthy grains, such as farro and barley

• Greens, including kale and spinach

• Lean proteins, such as poultry, shrimp, and egg drop

• Smaller portions paired with a salad

• Healthy-image ethnic soups such as Asian and Mediterranean

Get Started: Bases and other products from Minor’s®, including flavor concentrates and sauces, are gluten free—and perfect for creating delicious soups.