Merchandising Strategy

Product Presentation – Excite Our Customers!

Customers are becoming accustomed to enticing food presentations (thanks to Paneraand Chipotle, etc.) Without even being aware of the bar that’s been set, customerstranslate these impressive visual displays into freshness cues and food quality messages.

Trend research tells us that more and more dining customers are looking for unique andhealthy food alternatives and freshness is a key element.

Product Presentation Standards and Expectations:

  • Product assortment and menu offerings are guided by the Fresh Inspirations brand menu, M3 concept standardsand approved brand-right partnerships
  • Adherence to Hubert Plan-O-Grams and sustainable merchandising pieces as specified
  • Adherence to standardized small wares by concept (images of these follow)
  • The use of “display plates” has been eliminated
  • Concepts are staffed allowing for “Food Theatre” to take place in front of customers at all concepts with the exception of “Pizza,” where self-service is an option at this time.
  • Lighting as specified by the brand for each concept
  • Fixture design as specified by the brand for each concept
  • Customer communication and signage for “daily features” and In Season promotions is placed in the specified sign holder and positioned on the front counter where customers place their order.
  • All specified packaging and Fresh Inspirations branded packaging must be used.
  • Theme merchandising pieces may be used in conjunction with “Connections,” Heritage Celebrations and Holidays. These merchandising pieces must be removed at the conclusion of the promotion, celebration or holiday.
  • We encourage the offering of “samples” for new product launches and unique menu offerings.

Merchandising

DO / DO NOT
Garnish pans and platters with “functional” garnish, drawing on an ingredient from the recipe / Place garnishes on display cases, sneeze guards, or countertops
Use computer generated sign inserts with approved brand font styles / Use hand-written signs, un-approved font styles, or clip art on sign inserts
All sign inserts must be displayed in a brand specific sign holder / Use un-approved sign holders, scotch tape, push pins, thumb tacks, etc… to post customer communication
Use brand-right manufacturer advertising pieces provided with In Season promotions / Use vendor or manufacturer supplied pieces that come from sources other than Sodexo
Use specified merchandising pieces / Use merchandising that is not brand approved, including fabric, bean/pasta jars, faux food, cook books, etc…
Use specified small wares by concept / Use small wares other than those that are brand specified
Select a single color only from the approved choices for platters and bowls / Mix the colors platters and bowls at a concept

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