Enhancing the Meal Experience

One of the most common trends we’re seeing across the fast-food industry is a genuine shift towards elevating the occasion and making the whole experience more premium for consumers

The quality of the food, whether it be chicken or chips, absolutely needs to be first-rate, but the packaging, the menu choices, the condiments, all play a role in enhancing the meal experience and moving away from what consumers are familiar with and this, in turn, can help boost revenue, as we understand that consumers will pay more for a more premium experience.

Fried chicken, chicken burgers and wraps, as well as a range of related smaller bite options have long been a popular mainstay of our high streets. From the familiar suburban chicken shop to the local chip shop offering chicken alongside its core menu, chicken has always been one of our most popular go-to options for taste, quality, and convenience. In terms of operators looking to make a shift in their offering, one of the key trends that we’re seeing across the market is a move towards fried chicken from other cuisines, joining the more traditional southern-US style chicken. Currently, Korean fried chicken is becoming increasingly popular – driven in part by trends on social media, but we’re also seeing an uplift in different sauces and dips being served with chicken to enhance the flavour experience.

But when it comes to chicken, fried isn’t the only answer. In recent years, rotisserie chicken has seen a resurgence and is finding its feet within the fast food scene.  Increasingly, consumers are choosing rotisserie chicken over fried chicken as a delicious yet healthier option. Rotisserie chicken offers the same juicy flavour without the need for breading or deep frying in oil. The rotisserie chicken was one of the original pre-prepared grab and go meals which could be taken home from a range of retail outlets, and consumers enjoyed the theatre of rotisserie, as well as the fact that it tasted great. Operators can now offer a delicious juicy chicken that can be put into wraps, served alongside a variety of side dishes or loaded on top of fries with speed and ease.

Alongside your chicken offering, fries/chips remain a popular fast food menu option from to crinkle cut to waffle fries, tater tots and more. With their universal appeal, affordability, and ease of preparation, their golden, crispy texture and salty flavour make them an irresistible side dish or snack, complementing burgers, wraps, and more. Fast food operators can rely on their consistent popularity to help drive sales and innovate with seasonings and toppings to further attract customers.

With the right equipment in the kitchen, chefs can make delicious chicken and fries quickly and efficiently. At Jestic, we have a full range of dedicated equipment which can help you to serve the best chicken and chips in the area. From Ayr King breading tables and Henny Penny pressure fryers, to Rotisol rotisseries, Antunes toasters and Duke hot holding, you can be sure that with Jestic you’re getting the best equipment alongside the most insightful advice from our specialist culinary team.

For more information about the full Jestic equipment portfolio, please visit www.jestic.co.uk or call +44 (0)1892 831 960.