Colony Foods Newsletter
October 2026
Fall Favorites & Kitchen Essentials
Product & Brand Spotlights
Zeia Gluten-Free Pizza Crusts
More Options for Your Pizza Menu
Offering a gluten-free crust option can help restaurants accommodate customers looking for alternatives to traditional wheat-based pizza.
Colony Foods features Zeia Gluten-Free Crusts, available in original and seasoned varieties. These crusts are also made without animal-derived ingredients, nuts, soy, or corn, according to the manufacturer's product information.
For pizzerias looking to expand their menu offerings, a gluten-free crust provides another way to serve customers with different dietary preferences.
Whether topped with classic ingredients or used as the foundation for a specialty pizza, Zeia crusts offer an alternative worth exploring.
NCCO Point-of-Sale Supplies
The Little Things That Keep Service Moving
Great restaurant service depends on more than what's happening in the kitchen. Behind every smooth transaction are the tools and supplies that help staff stay organized and efficient.
Colony Foods offers a range of NCCO products and accessories designed to support restaurant point-of-sale operations.
From everyday transaction supplies to other front-of-house essentials, keeping these items stocked can help avoid unnecessary interruptions during busy service periods.
As restaurants prepare for the final months of the year, October is a good opportunity to review supply levels and make sure essential operational products are included in upcoming orders.
Tempura-Battered Onion Rings
A Crispy Addition to Fall Menus
Sometimes the simplest menu additions are the most versatile.
Colony Foods features golden tempura-battered onion rings with a crispy coating, making them a great option for restaurants looking to expand their appetizer and side selections.
Onion rings can be served in several ways:
- As a classic side with burgers and sandwiches
- In shareable appetizer baskets
- As a topping for specialty burgers
- Alongside dipping sauces
- As part of a combination platter
With football season underway and customers enjoying hearty fall favorites, crispy appetizers are an easy addition to seasonal menus.
Menu Trends
Getting Your Kitchen Ready for the Holiday Season
October is a great time to prepare for the increased activity that can come with the holidays, catered events, and year-end gatherings.
For independent restaurant operators, a little advance planning can make a difference when schedules become busier.
Review your inventory. Take stock of frequently used ingredients, packaging, cleaning supplies, and other essentials. Identifying gaps early can help avoid last-minute ordering.
Prepare for catering opportunities. Holiday gatherings, workplace lunches, and community events may create opportunities for larger orders. Consider whether your current menu includes items that are easy to prepare and serve in larger quantities.
Check your takeout supplies. Make sure containers, bags, utensils, and other packaging materials are ready to support seasonal demand.
Communicate with your distributor. Discuss upcoming menu changes or anticipated order increases with your Colony Sales & Service Partner so you can plan ahead.
Comfort Food Season Is Here
As the weather cools, October is a natural time to highlight the warm, satisfying dishes that customers enjoy throughout fall.
Restaurants don't necessarily need an entirely new menu to embrace the season. A few thoughtful additions or limited-time specials can bring fresh attention to familiar favorites.
Bring back baked favorites. Baked pasta dishes, hearty sandwiches, and oven-finished entrées make appealing cold-weather menu options.
Highlight warm appetizers. Crispy sides, shareable platters, and savory starters can complement dine-in meals and takeout orders.
Offer something different. Specialty pizzas, alternative crusts, and seasonal toppings give regular customers new options to try.
Plan for gatherings. Consider family-style meals and catering packages that make ordering easier for customers hosting parties or group events.
Small seasonal changes can help keep menus interesting while making use of ingredients and equipment already in the kitchen.
Ready to Get Started?
Talk to your Colony Sales & Service Partner about featured products, new items, and everything you need to keep your kitchen running.