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Tricks for Balancing Quality and Cost
Published: July 29, 2025
Smart Sourcing, Superior Ingredients
Consumers today prioritize high-quality menu items and often avoid processed or "unnatural" options when dining out. According to the Toast 2023 Restaurant Success Report, 72% of diners ranked high-quality food as the top factor influencing their choice of restaurant. For operators, this means sourcing ingredients consumers can taste and see the difference in—ingredients that are fresh, visually appealing and transparently sourced to feel confident about the quality of their meals.
Offering authentic and high-quality products doesn’t just satisfy customers—it also strengthens a restaurant’s brand identity. Diners associate quality with trust, and when they encounter dishes made with premium ingredients, they’re more likely to explore additional menu items. This curiosity to try more of what the restaurant offers enhances the overall dining experience and positions the menu as versatile and reliable.
Operators must strike a careful balance between offering high-quality products and maintaining profitability. This requires strategic portion control to reduce waste, efficient storage solutions to preserve ingredient freshness and thoughtful menu pricing that reflects the value of the dish without alienating cost-conscious customers. By managing these factors effectively, restaurants can incorporate premium offerings without compromising their bottom line.
According to Datassential’s 2024 The World of Bacon Report, 69% of menus include bacon, and 56% of diners believe that bacon is a key ingredient in dishes. The overwhelming presence of bacon means consumers have higher expectations for bacon due to its prevalence across menus and dishes. If operators plan to stand out, sourcing high-quality, versatile bacon cuts and flavors is key.
69% of menus include bacon, and 56% of diners believe that bacon is a key ingredient in dishes.
- Datassential, The World of Bacon Report, 2024
When upgrading a menu, high-quality bacon is key to making a significant impact. Bacon is often chosen by diners to elevate the flavor and satisfaction of their meal, making its quality crucial. Poor-quality bacon can leave guests disappointed and harm their dining experience.
“Operators often face challenges in balancing quality with cost,” says Clay Mohr, Senior Product Manager for Tyson Foods. “Sourcing bacon that meets high flavor and authenticity standards, such as those derived from real-wood smoke, can be expensive. Additionally, finding consistent product quality and ensuring the bacon aligns with their target flavor profiles can be difficult. Managing inventory to ensure freshness without overstocking, which can lead to waste, is another challenge.”
Wright® Brand helps operators achieve the perfect balance between quality and cost with a premium product that delivers consistent flavor at a competitive price. “Wright Brand uses a time-honored method of smoking bacon over real hardwood, such as hickory or applewood, which imparts a rich, authentic flavor that is hard to replicate with artificial flavoring methods,” Mohr says. “This process is longer and more labor-intensive, but it results in a superior product with a deep, smoky flavor that many operators and consumers find more desirable.”
Wright® Brand bacon is a consistent thickness that ensures uniform cooking results and a top-tier guest experience every time. Consistency helps portion control, reduce waste and maximize yields. Prepping bacon for peak service hours is easy for operators due to the four-hour hold times Wright® Brand bacon offers. Additionally, operators can select bacon sliced by the pound or inch, providing the flexibility to find the perfect fit for their menu and operational needs.
Bacon is a special ingredient because some dishes only need a light crumble or the underlying flavor of bacon to increase their value. Its rich, savory profile enhances dishes in subtle yet impactful ways. “Operators should consider menu engineering to incorporate premium bacon in ways that boost flavor without requiring large quantities,” Mohr says. “Using bacon as a topping or ingredient in signature dishes can help portion control and help reduce waste.”
“Wright Brand uses a time-honored method of smoking bacon over real hardwood, such as hickory or applewood, which imparts a rich, authentic flavor that is hard to replicate with artificial flavoring methods.”
- Clay Mohr, Senior Product Manager at Tyson Foods
Bacon is also a dual-purpose ingredient. Its rendered grease can be repurposed to enhance the flavor of other dishes. From sautéing vegetables and frying eggs to adding depth to sauces and soups, bacon grease is a cost-effective way to infuse rich, smoky notes into menu items. By using the grease, operators can help reduce waste, save on additional cooking oils and maximize the value of every slice.
When it comes to incorporating bacon into dishes, finding the right balance is essential. “Food should be dynamic, like music,” says Chef Brooks Cameron, corporate executive chef for Tyson Foods. “Think of it as creating a balance of flavors. Bacon is salty and fatty, so you need something that balances it out. It could be as simple as adding a fresh, lightly marinated cucumber for acidity or using a bun that complements the fat. The goal is to create a dynamic, balanced dish.
Incorporating bacon into LTOs is another unique opportunity to create memorable, elevated dishes. “Premium bacon is perfect for LTOs because it adds a special touch that makes the dish feel indulgent and unique,” Cameron says. “It’s a way to create excitement and attract customers looking for something new or different. The versatility of premium bacon allows for creativity in both savory and sweet LTOs.”
“Premium bacon is perfect for LTOs because it adds a special touch that makes the dish feel indulgent and unique.”
- Brooks Cameron, Corporate Executive Chef at Tyson Foods
Incorporating high-quality bacon—from appetizers and soups to beverages and desserts—provides a dynamic way to elevate dishes, enhance flavors and attract a broad range of diners. According to Datassential’s MenuTrends 2023 Report, 80% of consumers say they like or love bacon, solidifying its status as a timeless favorite. Wright® Brand offers a consistent, premium option that helps enhance the overall dining experience and keeps customers returning for more, making it an essential ingredient for operators looking to satisfy cravings and create memorable meals.
For more information on Wright® Brand, visit our brand page.
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