Christmas Recipe Ideas

Festive Frankfurters ideal for alternative Christmas catering

 Frankfurter specialist, Westlers, has given an insight into how pubs and bars can increase their sales and profits over the festive period, by offering innovative and creative alternatives to traditional Christmas dishes.

Caterers can expect to see an increase in footfall over the busy festive season, as diners look to eat out more and taking advantage of this significant rise in customers is vital for driving sales and maximising profits.

Looking at consumer trends can be a great way for caterers to adapt their menus and it can also help to increase sales. With the recent renaissance in the popularity of hot dogs, in particular, gourmet hot dogs, as part of the growing consumer demand for convenience and casual dining, such versatile, tasty options offer an alternative to the usual Christmas turkey dinner, for caterers looking to maximise sales. In fact, choosing to serve frankfurters offers caterers numerous benefits and opportunities, thanks to the products’ flexibility.

Frankfurters are an ideal option for caterers looking to create a number of appetising dishes such as the Chilli dog served with Monterey Jack cheese and chilli con carne or the New York style hot dog topped with pastrami, Swiss cheese, jalapenos and horseradish mayo or, for a twist on the traditional Christmas meal, there is always the delicious Christmas dog accompanied with turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce.

Robert Burns, marketing controller at Westlers, said: “Christmas is the busiest time of the year for the foodservice sector and it is essential that caterers do all they can to capitalise on this. Outlets that offer great tasting, versatile, convenient food options, such as frankfurters, can capitalise on the growth in consumer demand for more relaxed, informal dining.”

Robert added: “Offering diners tasty food that can be served quickly and eaten conveniently is key to meeting demand in peak trade. As party season approaches bars in particular will be looking for simple ways to retain customers, who may otherwise depart for a late night bite. Frankfurters are the ideal bar snack to fulfil this need as they are a simple, quick to serve late night option that can help grow wet sales by offering late night ‘meal deals’.

Westlers’ frankfurters, made from 90% pork, are naturally smoked with beechwood to give them a unique flavour. The premium frankfurters are vacuum packed to ensure freshness is locked in and can be stored at ambient temperatures.

Westlers also offer cooking equipment packages to help caterers prepare and present their frankfurters in the best possible way. Roller grills, steamers and bain maries allow caterers to offer hot dog dishes directly from the counter as both the frankfurters and the pre-prepared toppings can be kept at optimum temperature throughout service. POS materials such as posters and flags as well as sundries such as branded hot dog boxes can also be provided, which are designed to create a bit of theatre and a more engaging dining experience.