How to Turn New England's Bacon Love into Sizzling Profits
For any local independent restaurant or bar owner in Rhode Island or Massachusetts, the battle for diners' attention is fierce. You're competing with established chains, trendy newcomers, and the cozy habits of loyal regulars. So, how do you cut through the noise? The answer might be sizzling in your kitchen right now: bacon.
But we’re not talking about the two perfect strips next to a pile of eggs. A deep dive into local demand reveals that diners in our area aren't just looking for bacon; they're searching for experiences centered around it. This data paints a clear picture: a creative bacon strategy is a direct path to attracting new customers, driving social media buzz, and increasing your average ticket size.
This guide will show you how to leverage this trend with actionable menu concepts, SEO strategies, and social media tactics tailored for the New England market.
Part 1: The Data Decoded - What Your Customers Are Craving
Local search data shows us a few key things about what RI and MA diners want:
The Classics, Perfected: Searches for "bacon cheeseburger," "BLT," and "breakfast with bacon" are evergreen. This is your foundation. Before you innovate, you must execute the basics flawlessly.
The "Elevated" Experience: Keywords like "gourmet," "candied," "thick-cut," and "bacon jam" are on the rise. Customers are willing to pay a premium for bacon that feels special and chef-driven.
Brunch & Bar Dominance: Bacon is a star player in searches related to "brunch," and "bar food." It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for both a weekend indulgence and a late-night snack.
Local is Critical: The power of "near me" searches cannot be overstated. Diners are actively looking for the best spots in their immediate vicinity.
The Actionable Insight: Don't just serve bacon. Showcase it. Treat it as a primary ingredient, a canvas for creativity that can define a dish and set your menu apart.
Part 2: The Innovative Bacon Menu - High-Impact Concepts
Move beyond the side dish. It's time to integrate innovative bacon concepts across your entire menu that are both buzz-worthy and profitable.
For the Brunch Crowd
Brunch isn't just a meal; it's an event. Make your bacon a headliner.
The Bacon Board: This is the ultimate shareable brunch centerpiece. Think of it as a charcuterie board, but dedicated to bacon. Include a sweet element like candied bacon or maple-glazed, a savory one like a pepper-rubbed or herb-crusted bacon, and a smoky classic like applewood. Serve with small accompaniments. It’s an instant showstopper.
Bacon "Lollipops": A huge trend and a must-have. These are thick, meaty strips of bacon glazed with something sweet and savory (like maple-sriracha), woven onto a skewer, and cooked until perfectly crispy and caramelized. They are visually stunning, easy to eat, and command a premium price.
Lunch & Bar Heroes
House Jam Burger: A burger with cheddar or gouda and house made bacon jam. The sweet and smoky jam melting into the cheese creates an unforgettable burger experience.
Bacon Candy Jar: A simple but effective bar snack. Serve a mason jar filled with thick-cut candied bacon strips at the bar. It's an irresistible, shareable snack that keeps guests ordering drinks.
Bacon Fat Popcorn: The ultimate high-margin bar snack upgrade. Pop your popcorn in rendered bacon fat instead of oil and toss with sea salt. The smoky, savory flavor elevates a simple snack into something people will talk about.
Part 3: Marketing Your Bacon - SEO & Social Media
Here’s how to get the word out.
Local SEO: Be the Answer to "Bacon Near Me"
Optimize Your Google Business Profile: This is your most powerful free tool.
Menu: Upload your menu with keyword-rich descriptions (e.g., "The Bacon Board: A shareable charcuterie-style board featuring four types of artisanal bacon...").
Photos: This is critical. Post high-quality, drool-worthy photos of every bacon dish. The Bacon Board is made for this. Get an overhead shot that shows the whole spread.
Posts: Use the "Posts" feature to announce your "Weekend Bacon Brunch," highlighting the new board.
Website Keywords: Update your website text. Use phrases people are searching for, like "best brunch in Providence," or "bar with bacon jam burger."
Social Media: Make Them Drool
Bacon is visual gold. Leverage it to stop the scroll.
Video is King: Record a short video of you assembling the Bacon Board, showing off each type of bacon. A "cheese pull" style shot of the melted bacon jam burger will also perform incredibly well.
Go Behind the Scenes: Show your chef making a big batch of bacon jam or glazing the bacon lollipops. It tells a story of quality and craft.
Run a Promotion:
Brunch or Lunch Special: Offer a "Bacon & Bubbles" or "Bacon & Brews" special: get a Bacon Board and a bottle of prosecco or pitcher of beer for a fixed price.
Contest: Run a photo contest asking users to post a picture of their Bacon Board with a specific hashtag for a chance to win a gift card.
From Side Dish to Superstar
By strategically elevating your bacon offerings, you're not just adding a new dish; you're creating a destination. A shareable Bacon Board encourages group dining and higher ticket prices. A signature bacon jam burger becomes a reason for a first-time visit, and a well-marketed bacon-themed brunch can secure will be in high demand.
Consistent, high-quality bacon is the key. You need a product that delivers reliable thickness, a perfect meat-to-fat ratio, and incredible flavor every time.
To explore how premium bacon can be the engine of your growth, contact your Thomsen Foodservice account manager. Our portfolio of Smithfield bacon products is perfect for bringing these innovative, profitable ideas to life in your kitchen.