Here’s why menus should be your go-to tool to learn more about a restaurant if you are a supplier/distributor looking for more business.
‍

What’s the one thing every restaurant is built around? Its menu.
It’s more than a list of dishes-their clues about what a restaurant needs to succeed.
‍

What suppliers should be looking for:
‍

1. What is the concept of the restaurant?2. What ingredients are featured most often? (high demand)
3. Are there trending cuisines or specialty dishes that need specialty suppliers?
4. How seasonal is their menu? Do the dishes change often?

‍

By analyzing menus, you can uncover the demand for specific ingredients, cuisines, and even niche products that set you apart as a supplier.

Spot a trend? Pitch directly: "I see you feature seasonal seafood. We can deliver premium, fresh options for your menu."
‍

Restaurant Cuisines Tell Stories & Share Their Needs

Is the restaurant serving authentic Italian pasta or fusion-style sushi tacos?
The cuisine type shapes everything—from the kind of ingredients they need to the suppliers they’ll prioritize.
‍

1. Do they rely on fresh, local produce or imported specialties?
2. Are their dishes crafted for health-conscious diners or indulgent foodies?

Understanding their cuisine allows you to position your products as the perfect fit.
Match their focus: "We have premium tahini perfect for your Middle Eastern dishes."
‍

New Dishes = New Opportunities

How often do you check if a restaurant is adding new dishes or expanding its menu? New menu items can tell you about their expansion, experimentation, or a shift in target demographics.
‍

Opportunities to Watch For:

1. Seasonal menu changes that require limited-time ingredients.
2. New branches or concepts that cater to different cuisines.
3. Special dietary options, like vegan, keto, or gluten-free.
‍

Stay one step ahead by identifying these shifts early. You can offer solutions that help restaurants scale easily.
Act fast: "I noticed your new vegan options. Let me show you our plant-based ingredients."

‍

Turn Menus Into Matches

Menu data pinpoints the exact cuisines, dishes, and branches that match your product catalog. These insights from menus can help you focus on restaurants most likely to need your products, maximizing efficiency and success.

What to look for on restaurant menus:

1. Which menu trends are growing in popularity?
2. Are there geographical clusters of restaurants offering similar cuisines?
3. What dishes rely on your products?
4. Gaps you can fill in their supply.

‍

Menus Reflect Restaurant Values

Menus reflect what matters to a restaurant—local sourcing, sustainability, or affordability. Are you aligned?

Do they highlight farm-to-table ingredients? Are they focused on quality or budget-friendly options?
Mirror their values: "We partner with local farms, just like your menu emphasizes."

‍

Menus aren’t just for diners. They’re your cheat sheet to understand what restaurants need and what you, as a distributor, can supply them.