10 Simplot Products That Save You Time

These days, it’s not uncommon to spot a restaurant operator bussing tables, manning the host stand or even pitching in from the back of the house. There’s been a labor shortage for more than ten years, and according to Datassential, it doesn’t show signs of much improvement.

In a report at the beginning of the year, the leading food and beverage market research firm said that even though operators are slightly more optimistic about their labor situations, almost three-quarters, or 72%, continue to struggle with staff retention. Only 6% responded that labor and staffing were an area of strength for their businesses. Additionally, 90% are not confident that the labor shortage will be resolved in 2024.¹

In July 2024, in Datassential’s Table Stakes Tracker report, more than 50% of operators said labor costs were one of their most pressing challenges.² As a result, operators are tasked to flex their creative energy to stay profitable while delivering on customer expectations. One recommendation to take pressure off already strained kitchens is to use time-saving products, such as those from Simplot’s vast portfolio. From avocados to grains to potatoes, here are ten top-performing examples certain to bring quality, great taste, and consistency to menus.

Avocados

Harvest Fresh® Hand-Scooped Chunky Avocado Pulp. Saving an hour on labor sounds like a luxury, but it can be done. Imagine only having to thaw avocado chunks instead of spending valuable time cutting them (and risking injury cutting around that pit). Avocados are in great demand year-round for guacamole, tacos, sandwiches, burgers, and more, so it’s important to have them for a profitable menu item. What sets Simplot’s apart is that they’re picked, prepared, and frozen during peak season to maintain that buttery flavor customers crave.

Harvest Fresh® Avocado Halves. Here’s an opportunity for operators to add menu appeal to their dishes while having the flexibility to choose their own product format. With each case of these hand-scooped avocado halves, the kitchen can shave more than 90 minutes of prep time. They’re frozen, so prep time involves thawing them, then slicing, dicing, or mashing them however best serves your menu. Also, with no pits or peels, waste is eliminated.

Vegetables/Roastworks

Simple Goodness™ RTE Caramelized-Style Onions. With these caramelized-style onions, the kitchen will experience a 93% shorter prep time than if they were done by scratch. If slacked under refrigeration, this item is ready in less than 3 minutes. Using them is an opportunity to elevate classic dishes as well as vegan/vegetarian menu items because they’re naturally flavored and dairy-free. More than 60% of customers love or like caramelized onions, according to Datassential.³

RoastWorks® Flame-Roasted Corn and Black Bean Fiesta Blend. A new edition to Simplot’s RTE portfolio aims to reduce labor costs with heat-and-serve prep. This frozen vegetable mix comes with flame-roasted corn, black beans, tomato, onion, green and red pepper in a Cuban-inspired seasoning of lime and garlic. All the vegetables are harvested at the peak of ripeness, then frozen so they remain fresh year-round. They’re also low-sodium, vegan, gluten-free, and sulfite free.

Potatoes

SeasonedCRISP® Delivery+® Savory Battered Slice, Skin On. Their unique, flavored batter makes them versatile enough to serve all day for dine-in, delivery, drive-thru, and catering. And, they stay crisp and flavorful 30 minutes after cooking. What’s even better is that when customers microwave them at home, they get a “fresh-from-the-fryer” experience.

SeasonedCRISP® Batter Bites, Skin On. Those looking to effortlessly upgrade their menus may consider adding these skin-on potato chunks as a side dish or appetizer. Crisp and full of flavor with a hint of onion, garlic, and paprika, they can be deep-fried, baked, or griddled. They’re developed to look and taste like the kitchen spent a lot of time crafting them. Because of their outstanding heat retention, they also work well on buffet lines.

Farmhouse Originals™ Redskin Mashed Potatoes. No one, absolutely no one, wishes to sit around peeling potatoes for hours to make mashed potatoes. Everyone, of course, loves the taste of homestyle mashed potatoes. In addition to saving the kitchen from wasting hours, operators will be grateful for its consistency, gourmet aesthetics, and ability to hold up for two hours. Simplot Farmhouse Originals Redskin Mashed Potatoes are ideal for buffets.

Old European Potato Pancake. Here’s something that is truly old school without all the Old-World effort. Simplot makes potato pancakes simple with these frozen treats that go straight from the freezer to the fryer. They’re ideal for all dayparts and add value to the menu.

Grains

Good Grains™ Thai-Style Red Quinoa & Vegetable Blend. Those looking to draw a more health-conscious crowd should consider offering products from the Good Grains line. Of note is this Thai-style veggie blend, which showcases whole grains with a dash of heat. The results from this blend are consistent, plus it may be served hot or chilled (after initially cooking). This blend is comprised of on-trend vegetables: edamame, carrots and red bell peppers. It’s vegetarian, gluten-free, and a favorite staple for bowl dishes.

Good Grains™ Ancient Grain and Kale Blend. Operators can create colorful, thoughtful and hearty vegetarian and vegan dishes with this premium blend. Featuring nutritious whole grains, it contains a red and brown rice combo, plus red quinoa, black barley and kale. It’s easy to make and may be served hot or cold.

Menu Inspiration:

Fiery Ancient Grains and Kale Stuffed Jalapeños
A healthier, baked popper with just the right amount of spice and all the flavor you expect in a go-to appetizer. Delish!
View Recipe »

Mediterranean Stuffed Mushrooms
A versatile dish that is customizable, easy to prepare, and works as an appetizer or an entrée—be sure to give these a try.
View Recipe »

Quinoa Salmon Burger
Made with flaked salmon and Simplot Good Grains™ Ancient Grains and Kale Blend, this burger is moist, tender and a little lighter than other burger offerings.
View Recipe »

¹ Datassential, “Here’s how restaurants & other foodservice operators are planning for an extended labor shortage”
² Datassential’s Table Stakes Tracker Report
³ The Is It Worth It” Test: Caramelizing Onions From Scratch