How loaded fries and large sodas helped one chain beat inflation

[UNITED STATES] In the wake of inflationary pressures, the restaurant industry has faced significant challenges, with rising food costs, supply chain disruptions, and higher labor expenses. However, some restaurant chains have found innovative ways to offset these rising costs, with creative menu adjustments that appeal to consumers while maintaining profitability. One such chain has successfully turned to fan favorites—loaded fries and large sodas—proving that offering value and indulgence can be a key strategy for beating the inflation blues.

The Impact of Inflation on the Restaurant Industry

Inflation affects nearly every aspect of a restaurant’s operations. From the cost of ingredients to the wages of employees, inflationary pressures have squeezed profit margins for many establishments. According to the National Restaurant Association, food prices have risen significantly in recent years, with some restaurant operators facing price hikes of up to 15-20% on certain menu items. This leaves them with two options: raise prices to keep up with costs or find ways to offer more value without raising prices significantly.

For many restaurants, the solution lies in finding creative menu items that can be upsold or added to a meal as a way of boosting revenue without a significant price hike. This is where loaded fries and large sodas come in. These menu options provide guests with an indulgent experience while allowing the restaurant chain to maximize profit margins.

Loaded Fries: The Perfect Upsell Item

Loaded fries have become a popular trend in many restaurants, from fast casual spots to high-end eateries. What makes loaded fries so appealing? They're affordable to produce, highly customizable, and, most importantly, they provide the perfect upsell opportunity.

Loaded fries are typically an appetizer or side dish, made by adding toppings such as cheese, bacon, sour cream, guacamole, and more to a base of crispy fries. While the base of the dish may be relatively inexpensive—fries are a cost-effective ingredient—adding high-margin toppings can significantly increase the dish’s profitability.

For many restaurant chains, offering loaded fries as an upsell allows them to take advantage of customers’ desire for indulgence without drastically increasing the price of the overall meal. For example, instead of raising the price of a burger or entrée, restaurants can offer loaded fries as a complementary side or special, encouraging customers to add it to their meal for a relatively small price increase.

"By offering an affordable indulgence like loaded fries, we were able to attract customers looking for a little extra without feeling like they were overpaying," said a manager at a popular restaurant chain. "This gave us an edge during a time when many people were watching their spending due to inflation."

Why Customers Love Loaded Fries

Loaded fries offer the perfect combination of comfort food and customization. They appeal to customers because they are:

Affordable: The base of the dish—fries—remains a low-cost ingredient, allowing restaurants to keep menu prices attractive even as other food costs rise.

Indulgent: People are looking for small indulgences, and loaded fries deliver on this craving with rich toppings and flavors.

Customizable: Customers can personalize their loaded fries with a variety of toppings, making the dish feel more tailored to their tastes.

For these reasons, loaded fries have become a staple on many menus. And while they might have been considered a side dish in the past, they’ve evolved into a main attraction for many restaurants looking to boost their average ticket price.

The Large Soda Strategy: More for Less

In addition to loaded fries, large sodas have also emerged as an effective strategy for boosting revenue. While the cost of soda has risen, it remains an incredibly profitable item for restaurants. Offering a larger portion for just a small price increase appeals to customers who are looking for a good deal—especially when they are grappling with inflation.

"Sodas are an essential part of many customers' dining experience. By upsizing the soda for a small premium, we could boost our sales and make the experience feel like more of a value," said a restaurant chain executive in an interview. "It was a win-win—our customers got more for just a bit more money, and we saw an increase in sales."

Why Large Sodas Appeal to Consumers

Larger sodas provide the perception of greater value without a significant increase in cost for the restaurant. Some key reasons customers are drawn to large sodas include:

Value perception: Customers feel like they're getting more for their money when they opt for a larger size.

Habit: Many diners are used to ordering sodas with their meals, and offering a larger drink helps them feel like they're getting a better deal.

Low-cost for the restaurant: While the cost of soda ingredients may have risen, the margins on soft drinks remain significantly high. This makes large sodas a highly profitable item, especially when upsold for just a slight increase in price.

Offering large sodas as part of a meal deal or special is a strategy that has paid off for many chains, and it’s a move that helps restaurants balance the impact of inflation on their bottom line.

The Power of Value and Perception

Both loaded fries and large sodas exemplify the power of value perception. In times of economic strain, customers are more discerning about where they spend their money. Offering larger portion sizes, indulgent sides, and affordable extras can help restaurants keep customers coming back.

By focusing on providing value, whether through an indulgent snack like loaded fries or an upsized beverage, restaurant chains can ensure they’re not alienating their clientele with dramatic price hikes. Instead, they’re offering more of what customers want for a price that still makes sense for the restaurant’s bottom line.

Maximizing Profit Margins During Inflation

Inflation doesn’t have to mean cutting back on customer satisfaction. By focusing on the profitability of specific menu items, restaurants can maintain or even increase their revenue without losing the loyalty of their customers. Loaded fries and large sodas are just two examples of how creative pricing strategies and thoughtful menu adjustments can help a restaurant chain weather the storm of rising costs.

As inflation continues to affect food prices and operational costs, it’s clear that restaurants that are flexible and innovative in their approach to menu offerings will be the ones that succeed. Offering extra value through side dishes and beverage upsells allows restaurants to combat rising costs without alienating their customer base. This approach not only helps keep prices affordable but also enhances the overall dining experience for guests.

Inflation has challenged many industries, but the restaurant business has proven to be resilient. By creatively rethinking their menu items and pricing strategies, restaurant chains have found ways to keep customers satisfied while maintaining profitability. Loaded fries and large sodas are prime examples of how small tweaks to the menu can make a big impact during difficult economic times.

Through these value-driven options, restaurant chains can continue to grow and thrive, turning inflation into an opportunity rather than a burden. Whether by upselling indulgent items like loaded fries or offering customers the perception of a better deal with larger sodas, restaurants can weather the inflation blues and continue to deliver great experiences for their patrons.