The art of a successful restaurant’s limited-time offer (LTO) is a delicate balance of giving customers what they want without oversaturating the market. While some customers appreciate their steadfast menu staples in restaurants, many want to try new culinary flavors and combinations. The thrill of being the first to discover something new or experience something exclusive is a great way to engage loyal and new customers. This sense of exclusivity is a powerful tool to keep your audience intrigued and engaged. Many factors go into a successful LTO. Here are some key takeaways for a successful LTO drop.

Food Hype

It is reported that 91% of consumers are more likely to visit a chain restaurant if they provide limited-time offers or new menu items. Nostalgia can play a big part in that, as is evident by McDonald’s success with the annual appearance of the McRib Sandwich and Szechuan Sauce. The McRib sandwich appeared on menus in 1981 before being completely phased out of the restaurant chain in 2005. Since 2006, the boneless pork patty sandwich has made a surprise yearly appearance on menus and gained a cult following; it even has a McRib Locator run by fans. Szechuan sauce appeared in conjunction with the release of the Mulan movie in 1998 and has since made 3 surprise returns resulting in nugget pandemonium.

Independent foodservice businesses can replicate this sort of success on a smaller scale by turning ordinary menu items into luxury and exclusive items. In today’s digital age, social media has become a major part of our lives, and it’s the perfect avenue to promote your LTO. Visual appeal or “Instagram-worthiness,” is a great way to generate interest in your menu item. Whole Fried Chicken Bloody Mary, anyone? By leveraging the power of social media, you can keep your customers informed and excited about your LTOs.

Exclusivity and Seasonality

Using specific holidays and seasons is a great way to incorporate LTOs into your menu offerings. Seasonal availability of an item creates urgency for consumers who believe they need to act soon, otherwise they might miss out. Every autumn, we see the resurgence of pumpkin and pumpkin spice items. Spring brings seasonal favorites like morel mushrooms, and winter brings the ever-popular truffle. By tapping into the seasons, you can inspire creativity and keep your menu fresh and exciting for your customers.

Once you’ve determined your LTO, it’s essential to have an adequate amount of supply to fulfill orders throughout the duration of your promotion. Some establishments limit the availability of these items to one week only; some find success in offering only a certain number of specials daily, like the off-menu burger at the French restaurant Raoul’s in New York City. It might be tempting to extend the length of your successful LTO promotion; this could dilute the exclusivity of the menu item.

The Right Equipment

Whether you’re cooking regular or LTO menu items, an Ovention oven is an excellent choice for your operation. Our ovens feature advanced technology such as Precision Impingement Technology and Auto-unload and Unload technology, ensuring that a wide range of dishes—from pizzas and sandwiches to specialty items—are perfectly cooked every time. With customizable settings for different recipes, our ovens allow operators to easily switch between menu staples and promotional dishes, streamlining kitchen operations and enhancing speed without sacrificing quality. No matter the size of your kitchen, there is an Ovention for you. Not sure what equipment is best for your setup? Check out our blog, 4 Considerations When Specifying Kitchen Equipment.