ARLINGTON, VA – A new USA Rice video for foodservice operators, called “3 Tactics to Improve Your To-Go Program Using U.S-Grown Rice,” debuted last week. The chef-hosted
video showcases ways operators can use rice to elevate or start a to-go program, sharing consumer trend statistics and providing industry tips to help execute the outlined tactics.
“Rice can be a huge gamechanger for operators,” said Michael Klein, vice president of domestic promotion for USA Rice. “As a low-cost and versatile ingredient, rice can add global flair to any dish while maintaining its integrity during delivery. This video does a great job presenting ways U.S.-grown rice can maximize ‘to-go’ menus that meet consumer quality standards.”
The video’s host, Chef Cameron Cavida, starts off talking about the importance of understanding “hold times” for menu offerings to ensure the dish that customers ordered maintains maximum quality during delivery. Chef Cavida demonstrates how to test menu hold times and explains that rice sustains its flavor, texture, and heat in transit, and can even help keep other menu items warm during delivery.
The second tactic is to mind the operation’s margins. Third-party and in-house delivery can be costly and operators are advised to utilize more low-cost, versatile ingredients, such as U.S.-grown rice, that can be used in multiple dishes and across day parts.
The last tactic encourages operators to experiment with different formats. Some menu items aren’t made for delivery and don’t hold up well by the time they arrive to the customer, while items such as handhelds and bowls are well suited for to-go and delivery. Chef Cavida shows how easy it is to create an on-trend grain bowl and use those same ingredients to create a tasty wrap as well.
In closing, Chef Cavida demonstrates how rice easily transforms an existing menu offering into a new travel-friendly concept by combining chicken tenders and U.S.-grown rice to make a Japanese Fried Chicken burrito, perfect for delivery and fun for customers.
“The new video builds off information found in the
USA Rice Takeout and Delivery Guide that covers a wide range of topics including how to incorporate grain bowls on a menu, information on to-go packaging, payment options, and more,” said Klein. “This video is part of the collection of COVID digital resources linked to the USA Rice
“Rice to the Rescue” program.”