From 40 to Forever
Why and How to Add Seafood to Your Lenten Menu
It is no secret to those in the food service industry that Lent is the season of seafood. An estimated 23% of the U.S. population is Catholic, and about 62% don’t eat meat on Ash Wednesday or the seven Fridays. During these 40 days leading up to Easter, restaurant sales of seafood historically rise 20%. In seafood-focused restaurants, this increase can be as high 33% compared with non-Lent sales, and seafood sales often double on Lent Fridays compared with other Fridays of the year.
Added to the increase in seafood consumption during Lent are encouraging year-round consumer statistics such as:
About 66%, or nearly two-thirds, report eating fish regularly
75% eat seafood at least once a month
46% have seafood at least weekly
34%, or more than one-third, are looking to increase their seafood consumption and reduce their red meat consumption
71% love or like shrimp
89% report eating seafood because it tastes good
88% eat fish for health reasons.
With all these good vibes, restaurants are poised for 2023 seafood sales to soar to record heights. So, if you have been hesitating to add or expand seafood on your menu, this is the year to do it—and there’s no better time to do it than Lent. In fact, many of your competitors have already set their Lenten bait. According to DataEssentials, full-service restaurants introduced 1,182 fish items on menus during Lent in 2020—despite the pandemic shutdown. Meanwhile, casual restaurants have introduced over 500 new seafood menu items during Lent in the past 10 years.
The best news is that the benefits—and profit—of adding seafood items to your menu now when most people are looking to enjoy it can extend far beyond Lent’s 40 days. Once diners are hooked on the unique and flavorful recipes they try during Lent, sales will tell you which to keep on the menu all year so you can continue to reap their profits.
So, you are ready to expand your seafood menu but aren’t sure what to add? Given the versatility of seafood, the options are virtually limitless. Below are six delicious Harvest of the Sea products and recipes to ignite your diners’ imagination during Lent and beyond in 2023. And there are dozens more!
· Dusted Ring and Tentacle Calamari with Herb Aioli
· Seamami Shrimp Toast with Avocado and Oven Tomatoes
· New England Style Branzino Chowder
And remember, many diners crave dishes they loved growing up or that evoke a good memory. Yet many people today, especially Millennials and GenZers, are looking for more interesting and healthier or meatless options, giving rise to such tasty dishes as shrimp meatloaf, seafood lasagna, seafood tetrazzini, and more.
For now, don’t forget to highlight seafood throughout your Lenten menu, from soups and salads to entrees and side dishes. Your diners’ and your bottom line will thank you.