Before and After: Rethinking Fast Menu Innovation
Operators are under pressure to drive immediate traffic, and LTOs are a proven lever—with 3 in 4 consumers saying that they visited an operator specifically to order an LTO in the past month1. Even more, the second most compelling reason to try an LTO is “a new twist on a classic item.” 1
That’s why over half of operators are turning to sauces, condiments and dressings to differentiate their menus—making sauces one of the most efficient, low-lift approaches to deliver LTOs and drive traffic. 2
Scroll through the 7 chef-developed examples below to see how a single sauce or plus-one paste can elevate core menu items into new LTOs—delivering on-trend taste, operational ease and high-impact, traffic-driving results.
1. Grain Bowl – Before & After
BEFORE
From standard grain bowl to tropical and inspiring. A breakfast rice bowl is instantly upgraded with the addition of a Cuban-inspired Citrus Garlic Herb (mojo) sauce.
2. Steak Sandwich – Before & After
BEFORE
A basic brisket sandwich gets quickly reinvented and refreshed with the addition of SupHerb Farms’ signature Chimichurri SRP.
Chimichurri is “on fire” according to Datassential. Reimagine any steak offering with chimichurri, the green sauce that is taking menus by storm!4
3. Gyro Sandwich – Before & After
BEFORE
Spicy, fresh-tasting global condiments continue to trend! In this example, our chef starts with an open-faced chicken gyro, then effortlessly refreshes it with the addition of zhug paste (Jalapeno Pesto – S’chug) for an on-trend flavor boost.
4. Breakfast Burrito – Before & After
BEFORE
Breakfast Burrito
A beloved breakfast burrito format is instantly elevated with a smoky chile crema—a plus-one sauce made from sour cream and Smoky Pepper Paste. Delivering satisfying, on-trend flavor in every bite.
5. Chicken Wings – Before & After
BEFORE
Chicken Wings
Standard chicken wings are upgraded with the addition of a plus-one sauce made from honey and Sambal. With hot honey concepts having seen a +225% menu growth in the past 4 years due to notable U.S. demand for swicy menu offerings, this flavor combo is worth considering right now.3
6. Mac ‘n Cheese – Before & After
BEFORE
White Cheddar Mac ‘n Cheese
Classic white cheddar mac is easily upgraded with Tuscan Tomato paste. Resulting in an on-trend, regional Italian flavor profile with little back-of-house lift—just scoop and stir into your existing cheese sauce.
According to Datassential, regional Italian flavors are a major trend and cross-generational opportunity for operators!5 Get your hands on a sample of our popular Tuscan Tomato paste to leverage this trend effortlessly.
7. Biscuit Sandwich – Before & After
BEFORE
A classic Southern breakfast handheld gets quickly revived with the plus-one addition of Moroccan Harissa. It’s the perfect balance of comfort and innovation—a familiar and craveable format elevated with a bold, on-trend sauce.
2 – Datassential, Keynote, Sauces, Condiments & Dressings, 2025
3 – Datassential, Menu Trends, Dec. 2025
4 – Datassential, Menu Trends, April 2026
SAUCE IS A FAST TRACK TO A SUCCESSFUL LTO STRATEGY | At SupHerb Farms, we believe smart innovation starts with high-impact sauces. Our flavor-forward culinary sauces and pastes help teams refresh menu offerings quickly—without adding operational complexity. Explore how corporate chefs put SupHerb products to the test with their menu innovation.