As vice president of culinary development for the sandwich chain Quiznos, Zach Calkins spends the majority of his time in the test kitchen with two other people and amidst various recipes for bread, stocks, and sauces. But he also spends time out in the field, researching the way locals eat and keeping an eye out for new trends.
At a recent beer pairing dinner, Zach gave us insight into how a nationwide eatery translates the food world's biggest hits into menu items that successfully appeal to Quiznos's customers. See case studies — including what works and doesn't — when you read on.
Pesto: Although educating customers about pesto was once a challenge, consumers are no longer intimidated by it. Case in point: the successful Pesto Turkey Bullet, which was inspired by sandwiches at European train stations. Calkins hopes he can do the same to make other condiments such as tapenade more accessible.
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