Revenue Boosters for K12 Foodservice
As they say, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but according to data, it’s also the most profitable. These days, many restaurants and foodservice stations are discovering America’s love affair with breakfast, which is why so many businesses are offering these dishes all day. But who says restaurants have to have all the fun? Breakfast carts enable other entities to serve customers their favorite dishes without a commercial kitchen. But, how is it possible? Let’s break it down.
By the Numbers: Breakfast Sales in the United States
Although breakfast has always been popular in the US, it’s taken off considerably since 2020. According to a 2021 survey, over half (62 percent) of Americans say that breakfast is their favorite meal of the day. More impressively, the vast majority (79 percent) of individuals say they’ve eaten breakfast for a different meal (i.e., lunch or dinner) at least a few times in the previous year.
As far as breakfast dishes, eggs take the top spot with 65 percent of the vote, followed closely by coffee at 58 percent and cereal at 56 percent. Overall, this data illustrates that Americans are hungry for breakfast and, more importantly, they love the staples. That said, many restaurants and foodservice establishments are getting creative with breakfast offerings, so now is the best time to invest in this meal.
The Advantages (and Challenges) of a Mobile Breakfast Cart
Restaurants have it the easiest when serving breakfast because they have the infrastructure to build a menu and handle orders. Even hospitality businesses have it easy since breakfast in hotels has been a staple for forever. However, other entities like colleges, corporations, and venues can take advantage of breakfast by using a mobile cart. Breakfast carts offer several benefits, such as:
Flexibility
A mobile cart can move to wherever the action is. For example, if there’s a busy event, a venue can deploy carts to different areas to cater to guests. Similarly, colleges can post a cart in front of hot-spots so students can grab something on their way to class.
Affordability
Breakfast carts are designed for “grab-and-go” items and meals. So, a single attendant can manage the cart easily with minimal backup. Also, carts don’t draw much power for refrigerated items, or businesses can use ice trays to keep products at the right temperature.
Versatility
It’s easy to change the offerings on a breakfast cart since it doesn’t necessarily have a menu. So, cart owners can swap out low-selling items for those that go like hotcakes, making the cart even more profitable.
Although these benefits are pretty substantial, running a cart has two drawbacks. First, restocking the cart can be challenging, especially if it’s deployed in a high-traffic area. On busy mornings, the cart may run out of food quickly, leading to dissatisfied customers. The second downside is that it doesn’t offer hot food. As we mentioned, eggs are the number one dish, so customers may not appreciate the limited selection.
How to Optimize a Cart for Profitable Breakfast Service
Since demand is so high, businesses can’t afford to neglect the earning potential of a portable breakfast cart from Lakeside. Here are a few ways to make the cart even more accommodating to customers:
Use Fun Signage
Magnetic signs can draw the eye and entice customers to come check out the cart and its offerings.
Provide Plates and Utensils
Although a cart won’t have hot food, businesses may offer dishes that require utensils (i.e., cereal). Providing these items on-site makes it easier for customers to eat on the go.
Savory vs. Sweet Breakfast
Some people prefer sweets for breakfast, such as cinnamon rolls, coffee cake, or doughnuts. Others may want savory dishes like breakfast sandwiches or bagels. Carts can either focus on one item or provide both to capture both types of customers.
Make Breakfast Carts More Profitable by Selecting the Right Cart
Lakeside offers a full range of serving cart solutions that are ideal for breakfast service. Check out some of our most popular options today.