75 Percent of Consumers Demand Innovative LTOs

Embrace the evolving trends to stay ahead operationally.

Written in partnership with QSR Magazine.

The Most Versatile Portfolio for Diverse Menu Needs

Schwan’s Food Service stands out as a one-stop partner for quick-service restaurant operators, offering a wide range of globally inspired menu items, crave-worthy appetizers, and convenient side items that meet the evolving demands of today’s fast-paced consumer. 

“We have both Asian flavors and fusion-forward combinations in our portfolio because our customers’ menus are so diverse, and their patrons are enjoying new food experiences,” says Chef Gunn, director of culinary for Schwan’s Food Service. “Our chefs and sales team are in the market listening to our customers, and we use that input to manage the balance of what we offer.” 

Through market research, Schwan’s Food Service has identified strong consumer interest in Korean flavors, prompting the launch of a new CHEF ONE^® Beef & Vegetable Mandu appetizer. “Combining Asian formats with classic flavors is also popular with our customers, so we’ve created MINH^® Buffalo Chicken Egg Roll and MINH^® Philly Cheesesteak Egg Roll,” Gunn says. “We can meet operators wherever they are in terms of their customer base. For those looking for mainstream flavor profiles, we have our core products, and for those seeking more globally inspired options, we have a diverse range to choose from.” 

The Highest Quality Starters for Traditional and Fusion Menus

Schwan’s Food Service’s development team understands consumers love exploring different cultures through food, with many actively seeking global flavors. “Egg rolls and dumplings are the perfect way for operators to meet consumer needs,” Gunn says. “Both formats are so incredibly popular with guests—they enjoy them with both traditional and fusion-style fillings. Another reason our egg rolls and dumplings perform so well across menus is that they’re high quality, consistent, easy to prepare, and adaptable across a variety of preparation methods.” 

From the very beginning of the development process, Schwan’s Food Service prioritizes consistency in texture and flavor for every egg roll and dumpling product. “Some of the first questions we ask when designing a product are: Who is the consumer? How will the operator prepare it? How long will it be held? And how will it be served?” Gunn says. “The answers to these questions directly shape our product design. We then replicate real-world restaurant scenarios—preparing, holding, and serving the items just as operators would—to ensure they exceed expectations for both the operator and the customer.”

The Most Flexible Products for Seamless Kitchen Execution

What sets Schwan’s Food Service’s egg roll and dumpling appetizers apart operationally is their consistency, quality, and ease of preparation. The team knows these three factors are non-negotiable for quick-service restaurant operators, and they design their products with that in mind. “We consider what types of equipment are most common across the industry,” Gunn says. “Then, we design our products to work across multiple preparation methods so that any operator can execute them successfully. For example, our dumplings can be cooked in a deep fryer, oven, steamer, pan, or griddle. That kind of flexibility is one of the most important things we offer.” 

Beyond back-of-house benefits, these appetizers fit seamlessly into a restaurant’s menu strategy. “The smaller piece size and lower cost per serving give operators flexibility to increase check averages and support value-based meal deals or combos,” Gunn says. “For instance, our dumplings and spring rolls range from 0.8–0.88 oz per piece, making them ideal for bundling—whether as a snack, a side, or part of a full meal. It’s an easy upsell that meets the needs of both the operators and the guests.”

The Ideal Solution for High Quality Off Premise Performance

Portability and delivery performance are two critical factors for quick-service operators. Schwan’s Food Service designs products with quality and great taste in mind to drive repeat purchases and support operator profitability.

To ensure these appetizers thrive in real-world delivery conditions, the development process focuses on:

• Designing for consistent performance to minimize waste and maximize value
• Targeting a 30-minute to one-hour hold time across various preparation methods
• Validating results through close collaboration and testing with customer-specific packaging

“We design with quality, performance, and great taste in mind to drive customer interest and repeat purchases,” Gunn says. “We also ensure every product performs consistently in real-world conditions to minimize waste and support profitability for our operator partners.” 

Hold time is another essential element in today’s off-premise-driven environment. “Hold times depend on several variables, including preparation method, warming equipment, and packaging,” Gunn says. “Generally, we aim for a 30-minute to one-hour hold time for our appetizers. We collaborate closely with our customers to test and validate hold times based on their specific operational needs.”