How Partnering With Established Virtual Brands Can Benefit QSRs

Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) have been a staple of the fast-food industry for decades. From burgers and fries to fried chicken and tacos, QSRs have long been a go-to choice for those looking for a quick and convenient meal.

However, with the rise of virtual brands, QSRs have the opportunity to offer customers an even wider variety of cuisine without the need for costly restaurant expansions. For QSR businesses looking to tap into this trend, partnering with an established virtual brand can provide a host of benefits.

Best Practices When Choosing A Virtual brand

If you're a QSR business looking to expand your reach and revenue through a virtual brand, it's important to choose wisely. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which virtual brand to launch.

Here are some tips and best practices to help you make an informed decision and set your virtual brand up for success.

1. Analyse your market: Start by analysing your local market to identify areas where there is a high demand for specific types of food or cuisines. Use data analytics tools to gather insights on consumer preferences, demographics, and spending habits.
2. Evaluate your current offerings: Take a close look at your current menu offerings and identify any gaps or opportunities for expansion. Consider the feasibility of introducing a virtual brand that complements your existing menu or addresses a specific consumer need.
3. Develop a unique concept: Choose a virtual brand concept that sets your business apart from competitors. This could be a unique cuisine or a creative twist on a classic dish that resonates with consumers.
4. Ensure operational efficiency: Ensure that your virtual brand operations are efficient and can be seamlessly integrated into your existing restaurant operations. This includes developing a streamlined ordering and delivery system, and ensuring that your kitchen can handle the additional demand.
5. Monitor performance: Use data analytics tools to monitor the performance of your virtual brand, including sales, customer feedback, and social media engagement. Use this information to make data-driven decisions to optimise your virtual brand strategy.

By following these tips and best practices, you can effectively choose and launch a virtual brand that resonates with customers, drives sales, and expands your reach.

Virtual Brands that QSRs Should Try

Virtual brands are a great option for QSRs who want to expand operations without committing to the physical space or equipment that comes with it. The equipment requirements are very similar, so it's easy to set up and operate, and there are no major changes in operations needed.

QSR businesses can choose from a variety of different food styles that match the local customer demand and operate the same on a day-to-day basis. You can also easily swap out virtual brands as needed, keeping the options open.

Below are six virtual brands that QSRs should consider adding to their menus.

Double Dragon Dumplings

With the increasing popularity of Asian cuisine, it makes perfect sense for QSRs to consider adding Double Dragon Dumplings to their virtual brand lineup and tap into this growing market.

Double Dragon Dumplings virtual brand provides a unique offering that will stand out from the typical fast-food options. This virtual brand offers customers an authentic taste of Chinese cuisine. All dumplings and gyoza are hand-made with love by experienced Chinese culinarian Miss Chang, which gives them an undeniable authenticity that customers looking for a more unique dining experience will appreciate.

Wok in a Box

Wok in a Box is an excellent option for QSR businesses that want to provide a customizable, flavourful, and value for money Asian option. The travel-friendly packaging and fresh ingredients make it a perfect choice for customers on-the-go. Customers can customise their dishes by choosing between noodles or rice and a variety of vegetables and meats. The sauces and wok-tossed cooking technique add a depth of flavour that customers will appreciate.

Supreme Leader Korean Krispy Chicken

Fried chicken is a staple of the QSR industry, and Supreme Leader Korean Krispy Chicken offers a unique twist on the classic dish. The virtual brand allows QSR businesses to expand their chicken offerings without the need for a costly restaurant expansion. Its Korean-style coating and unique seasoning add a depth of flavour that will have customers coming back for more. The combination of the crispy exterior and juicy chicken will undoubtedly appeal to even the most discerning fried chicken enthusiasts.

Alabama Chicken and Wings

Fried chicken and wings are a staple of Southern cuisine, and Alabama Chicken and Wings offers an authentic taste of the Deep South. The southern spiced, crispy batter will undoubtedly appeal to customers and satisfy their cravings. Additionally, the virtual brand allows QSRs to offer a wider variety of chicken dishes without the need for a costly restaurant expansion.

Nature’s Wok

Plant-based diets have become increasingly popular in recent years, and Nature’s Wok offers a unique take on Asian cuisine. The cooked-to-order, plant-based dishes provide a healthier alternative to traditional Asian takeaway options. The rich flavours and premium quality will appeal to a wide range of customers and dietary requirements. 

Plant Patty

QSR businesses should seriously consider adding Plant Patty to their virtual brand lineup. Plant Patty offers a unique plant-based burger experience that is different from the traditional burger options currently available in the market. The addition of Plant Patty to menus at QSRs helps businesses cater to customers looking for healthier, more sustainable alternatives to traditional burgers. As more and more consumers become aware of the benefits of plant-based diets, demand for these types of products is increasing.

Collaborating with well-established virtual brands

Partnering with top virtual brands can help QSR businesses stay competitive in an increasingly crowded market. With so many restaurants vying for customers' attention, it can be challenging for QSR businesses to stand out and differentiate from the competition. An established brand, such as Concept Eight, has a strong brand identity that can benefit QSR businesses.

Concept Eight is the parent company behind several successful QSR brands like Noodle Box, Pattysmiths Premium Burgers, Huxtaburger, Dante’s Hot Chicken and Southern Seoul. Meanwhile, its virtual brand portfolio consists of Supreme Leader, Alabama Chicken & Wings,  Double Dragon Dumplings, Plant Patty and Natures Wok.  

For over three years, C8 virtual brands have been operating across 140+ franchised restaurants—a feat that has proven to be both profitable and pandemic-proof. To stay ahead of the curve in a changing market, QSR businesses should consider venturing into new and innovative brands like C8 virtual brands.

Here are some questions about your QSR business that you can ask yourself to determine if venturing into a virtual brand is right for you:

• Is my business seeing less foot traffic and people ordering in stores?
• Am I adapting to the change in the way’s customers look for, and order food?
• Am I strategizing for long term sustainable success?
• How can I better market my business and embrace the delivery revolution?
• Can I benefit from the support of a business coach? 
• Can I benefit from national marketing and social media campaigns?
• Can I benefit from a company that is a leader in food retailing?

Key Takeaway

Virtual brands offer a great opportunity for QSR businesses to expand the offerings and reach new customers in the digital age. With an established virtual brand, QSRs can leverage the brand's reputation and marketing that can help QSRs to increase revenue, improve customer engagement, and stay competitive in a rapidly changing market.

So, if you're a QSR business looking to tap into the virtual brand trend, partnering with C8 Virtual Brands is a smart and effective way to do so.

For more information about C8 Virtual Brands and how it can help your business, contact Adam Howatt at [email protected]