Today’s restaurant chefs and operators are continually looking for ways to enhance profitability, simplify operations and captivate their customers. Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, one simple ingredient has proven to be a game-changer in all of these areas — the potato. Let’s explore how potatoes can help restaurant operators not only survive but thrive in the current competitive culinary world. 

Profitability and innovation 

In an era in which profit margins are razor thin, restaurant operators face the daunting challenge of balancing profitability and innovation. Today, 62% of operators surveyed say their biggest concerns are profitability and rising costs, while 42% cite the need to drive traffic and customer loyalty. To compound matters, the Bureau of Labor Statistics recently showed past-month restaurant industry prices outpacing retail food costs for the seventh straight month, which could motivate consumers to eat at home more often if things don’t change.  

In this product vs. profit environment, potatoes come to the rescue with a variety of benefits: 

• Cost-effectiveness: With costs weighing in at less than a dollar per pound, potatoes are among the most economical items on a plate, allowing restaurant owners to maintain healthy profit margins while offering satisfying meals. 

• Portion control: Studies have shown that by incorporating a generous portion of potatoes, chefs can reduce the size of expensive protein servings, effectively managing costs without compromising customer satisfaction. According to Technomic, 45% of consumers prefer vegetables as a protein substitute. Potatoes are America’s favorite vegetable and can provide a great protein replacement in recipes. A medium 5.3-oz potato with skin contains 3 grams of plant-based protein, exceeding that of all other commonly consumed vegetables except dried beans.  

• Consumer appeal: Potatoes also enjoy high awareness and popularity among consumers, helping to foster customer loyalty. And usage is growing. In the past five years, average potato consumption has increased from two to three potatoes per week. 

• Versatility: With 29% of people naming baked potatoes as their favorite, 25% choosing mashed, 17% fancying fries and 9% hankering for hash browns, the culinary possibilities with potatoes at all day parts are virtually endless. Chefs can create innovative menu items that not only attract new customers but also keep regulars coming back for more. 

Simplification 

Simplification is also extremely important to chefs and operators aiming to streamline their operations and cater to the growing demand for customization. Potatoes offer simple yet effective solutions to these concerns: 

• Operational efficiency: Potatoes simplify kitchen operations by being easy to work with while ensuring consistent high quality. Their adaptability across various dishes streamlines both prep work and recipe management. 

• Customer satisfaction: With 97% of Americans indulging in potatoes and four out of five enjoying them once or more per week, potatoes meet customer demand for familiar, satisfying meals.  

• Customization: Adapting to customer preferences becomes effortless as chefs can incorporate potatoes into a wide array of dishes tailored to individual tastes. 

Why Idaho® Potatoes?

When it comes to choosing the best potatoes, Idaho^® Potatoes stand out as the preferred choice for restaurant operators for a variety of reasons: 

• Customer appeal: Idaho^® Potatoes overwhelmingly lead in customer preference and awareness. In fact, 9 in 10 Americans say they associate potatoes with Idaho more than any other state in the nation, and 72% of Americans would be inclined to choose Idaho^® Potatoes over potatoes from other states. 

• High performance: Idaho^® russet potatoes consistently deliver exceptional quality, from fluffy baked potatoes to crispy French fries, thanks to Idaho’s ideal growing conditions and meticulous farming practices. 

• Availability: Unlike seasonal limitations faced by other states, Idaho^® Potatoes are available year-round, providing chefs with a reliable ingredient for their menus. 

• Industry leadership: Idaho^® Potatoes are backed by extensive research, advertising and support programs, demonstrating Idaho’s commitment to the success of restaurant operators. 

The Idaho Potato Commission: Your partner in profitability 

The Idaho Potato Commission offers a range of programs designed to boost restaurant sales and profitability, including: 

• Menu allowance promotions: Operators are incentivized to feature Idaho^® Potatoes on their menus, with financial support provided to reinforce the commitment to quality ingredients. 

• Limited-time offers: Collaborate with the Commission’s chefs to develop enticing limited-time offers featuring Idaho^® Potatoes, driving higher margins and customer excitement. 

The humble potato’s incredible versatility, cost-effectiveness and customer appeal make it a vital ingredient for restaurant operators striving for profitability, simplification and innovation. By embracing the potential of Idaho^® Potatoes and partnering with the Idaho Potato Commission, chefs and operators can elevate their menus, delight their customers and carve a path to sustained success in today’s competitive restaurant industry. That’s why 94% of operators surveyed buy Idaho^® Potatoes. To get started, reach out to Alan Kahn, VP Foodservice for the Idaho Potato Commission at [email protected] today.