Food & Beverage

American Egg Board debuts recovery program for small chains

Photo by istock.com

October 15, 2020

The American Egg Board is launching a foodservice recovery program aimed at driving traffic to independent restaurants and small chains still struggling due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The program offers resources and tools to take advantage of drive-thru and carry out capabilities along with a 'boosting breakfast business' initiative that encourages diners to return to restaurants during the morning meal hours, according to a press release.

The news comes as one in six restaurants has closed either temporarily or permanently due to the coronarvius pandemic.

"Many are smaller or independent operators. As a trusted partner to the foodservice industry, the AEB is committed to helping these smaller operators drive traffic back to the daypart we know best — breakfast — by leveraging the incredible egg's versatility, functional benefits, nutritional profile, and record popularity with consumers," Nate Hedtke, American Egg Board VP, market development said in the release.

Using consumer insights, trend information, and decades of research, the Boosting Breakfast Business online support system, focuses on how to make, menu, and market an optimal breakfast program. Each website section illustrates the top tactics for drawing in diners.

"Diners continue to be reluctant to return to their away-from-home eating patterns, yet off-premise consumption is experiencing a historic surge in popularity. NPD Group reported that in the second quarter of this year alone, restaurant drive-thru visits rose 26%," Hedtke said in the release. "Carryout, to-go, drive-thru — we see a significant opportunity to help independent operators capitalize on off-premise dining through innovative menuing of eggs."

The AEB has also created a special edition of its Incredible Egg Trends series. The Off-Premise Special Edition uses digital and social platforms to share content through a selection of videos that highlight three essential elements for a successful off-premise program — preparation and build, flavor and packaging.