Flavor Trends, Strategies and Solutions for Menu Development

 

 

 

By Flavor & The Menu
May 6, 2021

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Kerri McLeroy

Kerri McLeroy

Like most heritage brands, the 40-year-old La Madeleine French Bakery and Café has evolved with the times, balancing its legacy fare, like the Croque Monsieur, with newer items, such as the Nutella Croissant Muffin. The aptly named Our Famous Tomato-Basil Soup is a signature, anchoring the menu since the early days. This comforting classic not only serves as a brand ambassador that lures in diners, it has inspired offerings in the concept’s growing soup family, with versions such as Spicy Tomato & Kale and Roasted Red Pepper.

Starring a rich cream base, the soup is made with vine-ripened tomatoes and fresh basil. “This has been our No. 1 selling soup from the start,” says Kerri McLeroy, Senior Director of Marketing.

“Our guests come back time and time again for this classic item.” Indeed, its popularity led to the development of a packaged retail version sold in-store and at select grocers.

About The Author

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Nicole Duncan is the digital managing editor of Flavor & the Menu. She's reported on the restaurant industry for a decade, most recently as the editor of FSR magazine. In 2021, she won a Folio award for her feature on restaurant tycoon Tilman Ferttita. The following year, FSR was awarded Best Overall Issue for its May 2022 issue featuring Andrew Zimmern. She has profiled well-known chefs including Paola Velez, Fabio Viviani and Daniel Boulud, but also relishes the opportunity to spotlight under-the-radar trends and innovators.