By Rob Corliss
November 1, 2021

These quickfire tactics home in on three quick-serve classics. The goal is to combine operational ease while delivering a trend-forward, singular flavor experience to the guest.

1 The Burger

Elevate with house-blended sauces, spreads or condiments:
Barbecue chile crisp, smoked onion marmalade, miso hot mustard, pork rind aïoli, habanero ketchup

Menu example:

The Big Chuck: Half-pound signature prime-blend beef patty topped with fondue cheese, caramelized onions, arugula, tomato, truffle aïoli and steak sauce
—Hopdoddy, based in Austin, Texas

2 The Breakfast Sandwich

Elevate with limited-edition flavors to pique consumer interest:
Breakfast sausage patty with fried egg, cheddar, apple butter, maple-orange marmalade on a sourdough biscuit

Menu example:

New School: Bacon, scrambled eggs, miso-tahini kale, hot sauce on a seeded hero
—Southside Coffee, New York

3 The Fried Chicken Sandwich

Elevate with flavorful introductions in the marinade, breading, sauce/spread or topping:
Habanero buttermilk-brined, sweet tea-brined; spiced fruit powders in the breading or tossed on the fried chicken; hot sauce-pepper jelly or jalapeño-tomato jam

Menu example:

Nash-ty: Nashville-style hot halal buttermilk-fried chicken tossed in housemade hot sauce topped with spiced sour cream ranch served on a buttery brioche bun
—Invasion, Dallas