Culver’s Signature Sauce could cause a shift in the quick service restaurant world

Certain quick service restaurants have a special sauce. Some commercials reference it in jingles and others have even bottled it for retail. With the new Culver’s Signature Sauce, the Wisconsin founded food brand created a condiment that goes with almost everything on its menu.

According to Culver’s, the new Signature Sauce is a creamy, almost ranch like option. Described to have “buttermilk, savory Parmesan and a whisper of bleu cheese,” the sauce was designed to pair with its ButterBurger, cheese curds, or crinkle fries.

Quinn Adkins, Culver’s director of menu development, said, “When we set out to make a signature sauce, we wanted to make sure it was truly an ‘only at Culver’s’ experience that perfectly complements our menu. Our signature sauce is unique – the flavor melds and changes depending on which menu offering it’s accompanying. Whether it’s the savory taste of an onion ring or the warm crunch of our Butterfly Jumbo Shrimp, the sauce’s unique combination of ingredients brings out even more of the Culver’s flavor cues our guests know and love. We’re excited for our guests to discover their own favorite combination.”

Although a blue cheese note and jumbo shrimp might not exactly be the expected pairing, the new Culver’s Signature Sauce seems to be a nod to its Wisconsin roots. Anyone who has enjoyed cheese curds up there in the north understands that the dish is served with a ranch like sauce, never a tomato based option.

More importantly than finding a sauce that works with its entire menu, the launch of a signature sauce can be vital for a quick service restaurant. Building a loyal fan base, focused on flavorful menu ingredients, is vital in the competitive market. Satisfying that craving needs to come with a particular menu item only available under a certain logo. With food deals constantly popping up, brands need to set themselves apart and a particular sauce can be that offering.

It seems that condiments are becoming as important as flashy new menu items. Whether it is condiment customization or signature sauces, brands need to set themselves apart. From bold spice to unique flavor combinations, no one wants to appear to be boring inspiration from others.

For now, many people will be excited to dip, smother, and enjoy the new Culver’s Signature Sauce. How other quick service restaurants respond remains to be seen.