Welcome to Smart Menus

A mini podcast series designed for the Buyers Edge network, offering quick and effective plant-forward strategies for developing profitable menus.

Built for your schedule

In Partnership with

We know restaurant operators don't have time to sit through lengthy webinars or read long toolkits. That's why we designed Smart Menus to fit seamlessly into your day. Listen on your commute, while prepping mise en place, during a quick break between services, or whenever you have a few minutes to spare. Each episode is short, focused, and packed with ideas you can put into action right away.

Meet your host

Meredith Marin

As Co-Founder and Executive Director of Vegan Hospitality, I’ve worked with chefs and restaurant owners across cuisines and continents to bring plant-based dishes to life in a way that’s practical, profitable, and delicious. We make it easy for your restaurant to welcome vegan and plant-curious diners with the same quality experience as everyone else you serve.

  • "I believe our guests appreciate the variety on our menu, there is something for everyone. Our vegan/vegetarian dishes are thoughtful, purposeful, unlike most places where they seem to be an afterthought"

    —Restaurant Operator

  • "I think restaurants that don’t offer thoughtful vegan menu items are really missing out on customers. I think the vegan customers are our most loyal."

    —Restaurant Operator

  • "For us, it’s really about inclusion. So many of our customers are vegan, gluten-free, or have allergies to dairy or eggs. We want to be a place that sees them and actively tries to serve them. At the end of the day, our reason for existing as a business is to serve our community, and our community is clearly asking for plant-based options."

    —Restaurant Operator

  • "The delight on a customer’s face when they realize there’s actually something they can eat makes it completely worth it. They feel seen. They feel considered. They feel like they matter. That feels good from a human standpoint, but it also just makes good business sense."

    —Restaurant Operator

Get hands-on support from our team.


FAQs

How do I request free samples if I’m curious to try a new plant based product?

1

Operators, we have great news for you. You can request samples of manufacturers’ products through your Buyers Edge client manager.  If you are not currently signed up for Buyer’s Edge Platform or don’t know who your client manager is, then please email contactsupport@buyersedgeplatform.com to get set up with a client manager.


If I decide to make menu changes based on what I learn in this podcast, how will that affect my rebates through Buyers Edge?

2

If you switch items or add new products to your orders, Buyers Edge will automatically track any rebates.  As long as your distributor is connected and Buyers Edge is collecting your purchases already, then you are good to go!


If I’m not yet part of Buyers Edge, can I still access this podcast?

3

Yes, follow the steps to access the podcast above. If you are not already enrolled with Buyers Edge Platform, we recommend that you contact Ryan Straley to sign up to access rebates, and let them know you heard about Buyers Edge Platform through the Smart Menus Podcast. Email ryan.straley@buyersedgeplatform.com


Why are Buyers Edge and Vegan Hospitality partnering on this?

4

Buyers Edge cares about restaurant operators’ success. Vegan Hospitality provides valuable educational content that inspires operators to take action toward higher profit operations and smarter menus. This collaboration is a win-win for both organizations working toward a positive future for our industry.