Don’t Stray too far

While it’s fun to experiment with different ingredients and dishes, don’t stray too far from your restaurant’s identity. There are always fun trends happening around food (think: jalapeño-infused anything, charcuterie boards, etc.), but are they relevant to your restaurant’s concept? Just because a recipe or food item is popular right now doesn’t mean that it’s right for your menu. Stay true to your restaurant’s concept so guests know what to expect. For example, if your restaurant is known for traditional Italian cuisine, incorporating a sushi roll on the menu may not be the best idea. If you’d like to test out fun or trendy ingredients, try first placing them in appetizers, side dishes, or even in a specialty drink.