A Bowl of Endless Possibilities

In the food industry, customization is key to keeping a steady influx of happy customers; but, if you’ve ever gone to a soup and salad bar, many restaurants focus more on the salad toppings while the soup section leaves something to be desired. Sometimes the most you’re offered is a packet of crackers.

This soup season, it’s time to turn that trend around.

The Soups

You know that disappointed look some customers get after you list off your soups of the day? Here’s your chance to avoid that. Similar to the craft burger craze, the list of things you can use to top a good soup is endless. Be sure to offer two or three different types and try to have a vegetarian option – good, common soups are tomato basil, beef vegetable or chili, but now would be the perfect time to let your chef’s creativity shine.

Vegetable and lentil soup, Mexican and Italian-inspired soups and even cheeseburger soup all offer delicious starting points that would allow customers to create countless combinations.

Ambient and Chilled Toppings

If you’re unsure how diners will react or how quickly they’ll catch on, offering ambient (non-chilled) ingredients like crushed or leafy herbs, freshly ground peppers, toasted nuts, croutons, tortilla chips, and cracker assortments can be a great test run – all you need to do is replenish as food depletes. Try storing ingredients in shallow pans; you may need to refill more often, but diners will appreciate the freshness.

It may be a good idea to offer a few more staples like onions, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and bacon bits for your chili fanatics. Consider setting up a cold topping station where temperature-sensitive ingredients should be held – things like Pico de Gallo, avocados, Greek yogurt or sour cream. And being based in Wisconsin, we know how much diners love their cheeses, so it’s good to offer a nice variety. Anything goes well on a cheeseburger soup and French onion needs a sprinkle of Swiss!

Warm Toppings

Two words. Bacon bits. Bacon mingles well with most foods, so having freshly crushed bacon bits on hand is a must. Grilled and sliced jalapenos or habaneros will please those who enjoy some heat, or other grilled and chopped veggies are flavorful add-ons. Cooking toppings with flavors that complement soup choices can also go a long way.

The Verdict

Really, there’s an abundance of options when it comes to soup toppings, so why pass on an opportunity in this “build-your-own” dominated industry? Your chefs will love the freedom, diners will love the flavors, and you will love the profits.