Develop Signature Appetizers

No discussion of creative menu development would be complete without looking at the power of tabletop merchandising -- the table tent -- alternately loved and hated by operators in every segment of the industry.

There is nothing particularly trendy or noteworthy about table tent merchandising . . . unless you put a totally different promotional spin on the idea. The new spin is the signature appetizer -- an item created and designed to be perfectly suited for sharing by the entire party at the table, whether a couple sharing a romantic evening, a fun-loving family or business executives at work.

Your signatures must be items with universal appeal which guests cannot find anywhere else and are unlikely to prepare at home. The signature appetizer must be so wonderful, so delicious and so connected with the spirit of sharing that it is an automatic order.

Developing signature appetizers is a challenge to both your creativity and your merchandising skills. Whether you list them on the menu or present them on the table tent, here are a few ideas to get you started: