With consumers increasingly seeking memorable, food-led occasions, Franklin & Sons is encouraging operators to explore the untapped potential of premium soft drinks within their lunch and food-to-go offerings.

Here, Lauren Edwards, Brand Manager at Franklin & Sons, shares insight into how thoughtfully curated drink pairings can enhance guest experiences and drive sales.

“Creating a food and drink pairing menu is a fantastic opportunity for food-to-go operators to elevate their guest experience,” explains Edwards. “A good starting point is your existing menu – look at your best-selling dishes and consider their flavour profiles. Are they light and citrusy, spicy, or rich and savoury? From there, experiment with complementary or contrasting beverages to enhance each dish.”

Franklin & Sons offers a variety of food recipes and pairing suggestions, from Ginger Beer Chicken & Ribs to an Elderflower Battered Fish Finger Sandwich, showcasing how their premium soft drinks can complement meals or even be incorporated directly into dishes. These recipes are designed to inspire operators to elevate their lunch menus.

Lauren adds, “Ultimately, consumers want pairings that enhance the overall dining experience and introduce new layers of flavour. Pairings should feel curated and considered, and explaining why a dish and drink work together, either on the menu, via staff recommendations, or through POS materials, helps create a memorable experience.”

Operators are encouraged to be adventurous with their pairings. “Being adventurous doesn’t mean using obscure ingredients,” Lauren continues. “It’s about experimenting with surprising combinations that work well together. Seasonal specials or limited-time pairings create excitement, and storytelling, through menus, staff, and social media, all of which helps guests understand and enjoy the experience.”

To maximise the opportunity, Lauren advises integrating pairings directly into menus, training staff to make informed recommendations, and using visually appealing POS and social media content to drive curiosity and engagement. Soft drink pairings also provide an opportunity for upsell, particularly during lunch or casual dining occasions, allowing operators to capture additional revenue while offering guests a premium, thoughtful experience.

For trade enquiries and support, please contact our team at [email protected].
For further information, please visit www.franklinandsons.co.uk.