Dear restaurant owners in North Carolina, it's getting cold again, and you already know what that means! From changing leaf colors, numerous events and fairs, etc., everything about this season reminds you that you've got work to do. How well have you prepared your restaurant for the winter? 

Have you decorated your restaurant to match the festive theme of the season? How about motivating and training your staff for the likely change of customers? Most importantly, have you revamped your menu and incorporated seasonal meals to embrace the richness of fall's flavors? If your answer is no, we're here for you, and it's never too late to begin.

 

Why Invest in In-Season North Carolina Foods?

Introducing seasonal meals into your menu is one of the best decisions you can make for your business during this period. Here's why:

Cost-Effective Meals

One of the benefits of in-season meals is how well they help you cut costs. Since these raw ingredients are locally sourced, the farmers spend less money transporting and storing them. This affects the overall cost of the food products. It also helps to boost your local economy.

Fresh & Healthy Dishes

When it comes to serving fresh and healthy meals to your clients, seasonal ingredients take the spotlight. Seasonal fruits and vegetables are harvested when they are fully developed. This is usually when they have reached their peak in terms of nutrients and flavors. So, not only will seasonal ingredients provide your customers with quality nourishment, but they're sure to tantalize their taste buds too.

Maintaining Relevance

Trust us when we say that your clients are looking forward to new options to choose from. Fortunately, creating a seasonal menu is one of the best ways to achieve that. As you continuously strive to adapt your offerings to suit your clients' preferences per season, you become more relevant in your industry. This will significantly boost your revenue and overall business growth.

What Foods Are In Season in North Carolina? 

Seafood

North Carolina continues to offer a variety of seafood options during this time of year, from shrimp to oysters. Of course, seafood might be incorporated into all kinds of appetizers and main courses, but we’re partial to a hearty paella or a bright ceviche. 

Citrus Fruits

Speaking of ceviche, you can’t have that without a little citrus. While people often associate citrus with sunshine, these fruits are still fresh and readily available in the colder months. That’s why dried orange garlands were a popular winter decoration in this area. Citrus fruits also add a bright pop to salsas and marinades. 

Beets

Looking for something else to do with those oranges? How about a Mexican beet and orange salad? From folate to vitamin C, fiber, manganese, iron, and potassium, beets offer numerous health benefits that are too good to be ignored. They also add festive color to any dish. This hearty vegetable is in season from October through December.

Carrots and Other Root Vegetables

Carrots are often grown from mid-December to mid-January, so it's important to make good use of them when they're still in abundant supply. Show them off in a beautiful caldo de res, or consider incorporating them as a vegetarian filling or addition to enchiladas or tacos.  

Kale, Collards, and Other Greens 

There are so many kale salad recipes to add to your seasonal menu, like Mexican kale and blue corn salad, but their thick, hearty nature means these greens also make wonderful wraps. For instance, collard green tamales or kale enchiladas would make delicious additions to any menu, and would satisfy those customers looking to cut carbs. 

 

How To Choose the Right Fresh Food Distributors for Your Restaurant This Period 

There are many factors to consider when sourcing seasonal foods for your restaurant. For us, the reliability of your food distributor is one of the most important considerations. This is because your business success at any point depends largely on how well your distributors can meet your restaurant's unique needs. 

Here's how to make sure you're working with the best-suited food distribution service  for your brand:

• Outline your unique needs and work with the food distributor that best fulfills them 

• Thoroughly research your potential distributors and analyze their reviews to determine the quality of their service 

• Check their capacity—can they deliver the quantity of food items you need as often as you need them?

• Verify that their delivery service is fast and reliable

• Ensure that their food safety standards are top-notch 

• Prioritize quality assessment 

• Consider affordability 

• Trust your gut

 

Are you on the lookout for the best wholesale food distributor in North Carolina this fall? If yes, Carolina Food Service of Loris is here for you. 

We know how much reliability means to you, and that's precisely what we offer you. From top-level customer service to timely deliveries, quality/fresh ingredients, cost-effectiveness, etc., we tick all your boxes and then some.