During the COVID-19 outbreak, many states across the country have instituted mandates requiring bars to only sell cocktails and liquor with the purchase of food. New York is one such state, and Governor Cuomo’s “eat if you drink a beer” order that mandates bar-goers to order food with their drinks has spawned a whole new selection of bar snacks beyond a bowl of nuts and chips at watering holes across the state.
Baldor Specialty Foods has beefed up its list of bar snack offerings (quite literally in some cases!) to offer an elevated selection that ranges from Kobe sliders to vegan black bean veggie bites to ahi tuna poke bowls—all to help bars meet the mandate.
We recently spoke with Dianne Marques, merchandising manager at Baldor Specialty Foods, about the trend toward premium snacks.
Bar Business Magazine (BBM): Are there any particular flavors or ingredients you’re seeing trending in bar snacks?
Dianne Marques (DM): Charcuteries and cheeseboards have been a hit, along with easy-to-bake Saugatuck spring rolls, chicken empanadas, coconut shrimp, and mini Kobe sliders. Lobster rolls have also been trending with our Greenhead Lobster Meat and potato rolls.
BBM: Other than Governor Cuomo’s mandate, what do you think is behind the demand for more premium snack offerings?
DM: The increased demand for premium snack offerings may be to increase bill tabs. With being at half capacity, bars have to make up their profit with drinks and food pairings.
BBM: Are these snacks also a fit for to-go orders? Are some varieties better suited to takeout than others?
DM: Snacks have been great to-go as many people also take advantage of picnics (sliced prosciutto, figs, La Fermiere yogurt). And our to-go containers have been a hit with salad bowls; [there has been] increased demand for drink holder trays and bar napkins.
BBM: What are some of the most popular bar snacks you’re seeing being served up in New York following the mandate?
DM:
Kobe Cheeseburger Sliders
These easy-to-heat sliders from Saugatuck Kitchens are extremely popular. They contain caramelized onions and American cheese served on a brioche roll.
Poke Bowls
Acme’s ready-to-eat Poke Bowls have been such a hit among bars looking for unique and easy-to-serve bar snacks. Customers can choose between the smoked salmon or smoked ahi tuna poke bowl that simply need to be heated and put together.
Worthy Charcuterie
Pre-sliced charcuterie from Maestri, including prosciutto, serrano, salame, and bayonne ham, have been the perfect elevated bar snack to serve with an 8oz Manchego cheese from Artequeso.
Organic Chips and Specialty Salsas
Who doesn’t love chips and salsa? Many bars have spiced up traditional chips and salsa, offering local, freshly made salsas, like Urban Roots Pineapple Mango, and pairing them with organic Zacks Mighty Tortilla Chips.
Buffalo Chicken Spring Rolls
Saugatuck Kitchens’ Buffalo Chicken Spring Rolls are really a hit as a unique, flavorful choice for bar-goers – that’s also easy to serve and eat. These spring rolls contain all-natural chicken in a spicy buffalo sauce with cheddar cheese
Veggies and Hummus
A popular, healthier option has been Holy Hummus spreads paired with Urban Roots Carrot and Celery Sticks. All you need to do is open the containers, plate, and serve.
Cooked Octopus Legs
We’ve seen a lot of tapas-style menus being introduced with the mandate, so things like cooked octopus legs, smoked salmon, boquerones, crab meat and whitefish salad have been favored.
Vegan Black Bean Veggie Bites
These quinoa with black beans, sweet potatoes, corn, and scallion bites from Saugatuck Kitchens are easy to heat, and a great option to appeal to all eaters.
