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As the weather cools down, guests are looking for warmth, familiarity, and a little indulgence. Fall is the season of comfort food, and for restaurant operators, it’s a chance to lean into cozy, nostalgic flavors that drive both traffic and ticket size.

Why Comfort Food Still Works

Comfort food isn’t just a trend, it’s a lasting shift in how people eat. According to Technomic, 46% of restaurants report success with comfort food offerings, and that demand is holding strong. In fact:

  • 69% of Americans say they plan to continue eating comfort food at the same rate post-pandemic.
  • Dishes like mac and cheese, fried chicken, burgers, and pasta remain top sellers across menus.
  • Fall-specific flavors like allspice, cinnamon, and butternut squash are seeing a seasonal boost, with allspice expected to grow 38% over the next four years.

Guests are looking for dishes that feel familiar but still offer something new. Fall is the perfect time to deliver on that expectation. Looking for fresh ways to bring comfort to your menu this season? Try these seasonal favorites like Creamy Chicken Cajun Pasta, Wild Mushroom Chicken Pot Pie, Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese, and a classic Old Fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup. These dishes bring warmth, nostalgia, and a fresh twist to your menu.

3 Fall Comfort Trends to Try on Your Menu

1. Elevated Classics

Guests love the comfort of familiar dishes, but they’re also looking for a twist. Think truffle mac and cheese, chipotle mashed potatoes, or crispy chicken sandwiches with spiced aioli.

How to bring it to life:

  • Create a signature sauce with Hellmann’s® Real or Spicy Mayo blended with fall herbs or smoked paprika.
  • Offer a limited-time “comfort remix” menu featuring upgraded versions of your best sellers.

2. Bowls Built for the Season

Bowls continue to perform well, especially when they’re warm, hearty, and layered with flavor. Technomic reports a 60% increase in Mexican bowls and a 21% rise in breakfast bowls.

How to bring it to life:

  • Start with a base of rice, grains, or mashed sweet potatoes.
  • Add roasted seasonal vegetables, braised meats, or plant-based proteins.
  • Finish with a drizzle of Hellmann’s® Vegan Mayo mixed with maple, mustard, or chipotle.

Menu idea: Butternut squash and black bean bowl with cumin-lime crema and crispy tortilla strips.

3. Warm Sips and Savory Sides

Fall is all about slowing down and savoring the moment, and that often starts with a warm drink or a comforting side dish. Guests are leaning into cozy, flavorful beverages and small plates that feel indulgent without being overly heavy.

How to bring it to life:

  • Offer warm, savory sips like butternut squash soup shooters, spiced tomato broth, or creamy corn chowder.
  • Create seasonal sides like roasted root vegetables with herb aioli, stuffing fritters with dipping sauce, or crispy Brussels sprouts with a tangy glaze.
  • Use Hellmann’s® Real or Vegan Mayo as a base for warm, fall-inspired sauces and dips.

Try this: Roasted sweet potato wedges with rosemary-garlic aioli and a side of warm apple cider (non-alcoholic or spiked).