Takeout! It’s what’s for dinner! Especially here in Hawaiʻi, where we spend more on takeout than any other state in the U.S. For foodservice operators who prepare food meant to be enjoyed off premises, the difference between a one-time order and a loyal customer comes down to execution.
With Halloween season approaching and bringing with it an 11% spike in takeout orders, now is the time to ensure every order delivers. Using ventilated packaging, foil wrap, and moisture-absorbent napkins are all a good start for a crispy, memorable experience. But proper preparation techniques, strategic menu positioning, and quality ingredients are what will set your takeout apart and drive revenue growth.
The Case for Shareable Appetizers
According to the National Restaurant Association, 74% of restaurant customers crave smaller portions, and 64% often replace three traditional meals with snack-style foods throughout the day. Concurrently, 58% of Americans say they’d rather spend money on memorable, shareable experiences than on material goods.
Positioning appetizers as shareable directly taps into these consumer behaviors. When guests see an appetizer as something to share, they perceive it not just as food—but as an experience. Because one plate is meant for multiple people, each guest naturally enjoys a smaller portion while engaging in a shared moment.
Why Fried Appetizers Deliver High Perceived Value
Along with smaller portions and shareable experiences, consumers are increasingly budget-conscious—seeking value without sacrificing quality.
Intros and Villa Frizzoni crispy fried cheese appetizers deliver exceptional perceived value: they feel indulgent and premium while maintaining approachable price points.
The secret lies in quality ingredients. Real cheese—not cheese blends or substitutes—signals premium quality that customers can taste and are willing to pay more for. The Intros and Villa Frizzoni lines feature cream cheese, white cheddar, mozzarella, Asiago, ricotta, Romano, and Parmesan, creating an upscale experience at accessible prices. Beer batters add craft quality and sophistication, while recognizable; familiar ingredients evoke nostalgia and indulgence.
When customers see menu descriptions like “real cheese,” “cream cheese stuffed,” and “four cheese blend,” they perceive these items as premium offerings worth the splurge. The psychology of shareable appetizers works in operators’ favor: when split among friends or family, the per-person cost feels even more reasonable, yet these items still significantly bump up average check sizes—especially when paired with beverages and additional sides.
Proper Preparation:
The Foundation of Quality
Proper preparation is the foundation of exceptional takeout and the key to ensuring guests enjoy crispy fried appetizers that rival dine-in quality. When fried foods are packaged immediately after cooking, trapped steam softens the coating and creates a soggy texture. The difference between mediocre and exceptional takeout often comes down to just two crucial minutes of preparation. By implementing these simple techniques—draining excess oil, allowing moisture to escape, and cooking to the optimal time—you protect the integrity of the product’s texture and flavor. When fried appetizers arrive at their destination with the same crispy texture and fresh taste as when they left the kitchen, customers notice—and they come back.
Keys to Crispy Success
Master the Drain & Cool
After cooking, place products on a draining rack for 2 minutes before packaging. This allows excess oil to drain and moisture to escape into the air, preventing steam from softening the coating and ensuring optimal crispiness.
Cook to Maximum Time
Each product has a recommended cook time range. For takeout orders, cook to the maximum time listed on the packaging to achieve peak crispiness. Avoid exceeding this time, as it can compromise quality.
Empower Your Customers
Include simple reheating instructions with takeout orders: 2-4 minutes in a conventional or toaster oven will restore the hot, crisp texture customers expect. This small addition also shows you care about their experience beyond the point of sale.
Menu Versatility: One Category, Multiple Revenue Streams
Fried appetizers offer exceptional operational flexibility that translates directly to revenue growth. Unlike single-use menu items, these products work seamlessly across different dayparts, service styles, and customer occasions—maximizing your investment while minimizing complexity. The same prep, the same product, multiple applications: this versatility allows operators to streamline inventory and labor while expanding revenue opportunities from breakfast through late night.
Happy Hour & Bar Snacks
These items command premium pricing during peak social hours. Perfect for pairing with craft beers and cocktails, they encourage guests to linger and order additional rounds.
Catering & Party Platters
Pre-portioned appetizer platters for pickup create another high-margin opportunity with minimal labor during execution.
Kids' Menus
Items like Mac N Cheese Battered Bites provide familiar comfort while offering better margins than traditional kids’ entrees.
Game Day & Special Events
Special events tend to draw larger groups who are more likely to order additional sides and beverages, making these occasions prime opportunities for appetizer sales.
Family Takeout & Group Orders
Shareable portions appeal to families and groups looking for variety without committing to full entrees. Bundle multiple appetizer options at a slight discount to increase overall order value.
Y. Hata’s Exclusive Lineup!
INTROS
Breaded White Cheddar Cheese Curds
#458403 | 6 x 2 lbs.
100% White cheddar cheese curd coated in a flavorful breading. Great as a meal starter or when paired with other appetizer favorites!
INTROS
2.75″ Battered Mozzarella Cheese Sticks
#49108 | 6 x 2 lbs.
Made with 100% real mozzarella cheese. Flavorful more buttery cheese with creamier mouth feel. Great as a meal starter or when paired with other appetizer favorites!
INTROS
Beer Battered Mozzarella Cheese Sticks
#49109 | 2 x 2.5 lbs.
100% real mozzarella cheese. Full flavored 100% beer batter coating. Great when paired with your favorite dipping sauce! Easy to prepare – just fry and serve!
INTROS
Mac N’ Cheese Battered Bites
#49110 | 6 x 2 lbs.
Tender elbow macaroni mixed with American cheese and coated in a savory batter. Great on a kids menu. Easy to prepare just fry and serve!
INTROS
Breaded Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapeno
#49112 | 4 x 3 lbs.
Cream cheese stuffed brined Jalapenos in a crispy potato crumb coating. Filling should be creamy, yet not runny, with a mild cream cheese flavor.
Villa Frizzoni
Four Cheese Toasted Ravioli
#456123 | 2 x 5 lbs.
Crafted with a premium 4-cheese blend of Asiago, Ricotta, Romano, and Parmesan. Signature seasoned breadcrumb coating featuring garlic powder, parsley, Romano cheese, and a touch of brown sugar.
The Bottom Line
The restaurant industry is projected to reach $1.5 trillion in sales in 2025, with appetizers representing a significant portion of that growth as operators seek ways to boost average check sizes and meet consumer demand for shareable, value-driven options.
Intros and Villa Frizzoni’s premium fried appetizers position your operation to capture this opportunity. By mastering proper preparation techniques and leveraging these versatile products across multiple dayparts and occasions, you can meet evolving consumer preferences while maximizing profitability.
Contact your Y. Hata account manager to explore how these fried appetizers can elevate your menu and capture the shareable appetizer opportunity.
Call your account manager for more information
