The ability to use a single ingredient in multiple applications is crucial for restaurants looking to optimize inventory and labor costs.
Mike’s Hot Honey seamlessly transitions from enhancing pizza crusts to glazing proteins such as chicken, pork, and seafood.
“We’ve seen operators get really creative,” said Matt Beaton, CEO of Mike’s Hot Honey.
“They use it on pizza one day, then as a finishing touch for roasted Brussels sprouts or a spicy glaze for fried chicken the next. It simplifies the kitchen while adding signature flavors.”
By incorporating one product into several menu categories, restaurants can control their purchasing while maintaining the consistency of high-quality, trending flavors.
Restaurant and foodservice operators are under increasing pressure to reduce waste, simplify procurement, and manage inventory efficiently. The fewer SKUs a kitchen has to handle, the easier it is to control costs.
“One of the biggest challenges in foodservice today is SKU management,” Beaton explained. “Operators want to carry fewer products that do more. That’s where Mike’s Hot Honey fits perfectly—one bottle, endless applications.”
With ongoing labor shortages and rising food costs, every operational efficiency counts. A single bottle of Mike’s Hot Honey can replace the need for multiple sauces and toppings, reducing prep time and increasing speed of service.
The Brooklyn, NY based menu solution is making waves across the restaurant industry, and its return to major trade shows reflects the growing demand for versatile, high-impact ingredients.
The brand recently showcased its products at the New York Restaurant Show (NYRS) and the International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas, with another major appearance set for next month’s National Restaurant Association (NRA) Show in Chicago.
“These trade shows are where we really connect with our customers,” Beaton noted. “We hear firsthand how they’re using our product and what challenges they’re facing. That feedback is invaluable.”
At the International Pizza Expo, Mike’s Hot Honey was featured in numerous pizza concepts, reinforcing its role as an essential ingredient for the category. Similarly, at the NYRS, chefs demonstrated how it can be used beyond pizza, from cocktails to barbecue glazes.
The success of Mike’s Hot Honey is part of a larger trend known as “Swicy”—the combination of sweet and spicy flavors that continue to captivate diners. Consumers are looking for exciting, layered flavors, and this trend has extended from pizza to everything from craft cocktails to fried chicken sandwiches.
“The demand for sweet heat is only growing,” Beaton detailed.
“We’ve seen operators use Mike’s Hot Honey in margaritas, Old Fashioneds, and even espresso martinis. It’s a simple way to add complexity to drinks and dishes alike.”
This versatility allows chefs to enhance traditional dishes without adding complexity to their kitchen workflow.
For restaurants and foodservice operators looking to add Mike’s Hot Honey to their menus, the brand is widely available through major broadline distributors, regional specialty distributors, and at Restaurant Depot and JETRO locations nationwide.
Additionally, operators attending the NRA Show in Chicago next month can visit Mike’s Hot Honey’s booth to explore its latest innovations and speak directly with the team.
“We love working with chefs and restaurant owners to find new ways to use our product,” Beaton concluded. “Anyone looking for menu inspiration or sourcing options can reach out to our team—we’re always happy to help.”
To explore how Mike’s Hot Honey can elevate your offerings, visit Mike’s Hot Honey for recipe inspiration, product details, and ordering information.
For those attending the upcoming NRA Show, be sure to connect with Matt Beaton and his team to experience firsthand how this innovative ingredient is transforming foodservice.
From pizzas and sandwiches to cocktails and desserts, its perfect balance of sweetness and heat allows kitchens to create signature items with fewer ingredients while maintaining high-impact flavor.
Whether you’re looking to streamline your pantry or add a new dimension to your menu, Mike’s Hot Honey is a simple yet powerful way to enhance flavor and efficiency in any kitchen.
