Labor shortages and inflationary food costs have presented unprecedented challenges to restaurant and foodservice operators across the country.
With rising wages and fewer workers, coupled with the escalating price of ingredients, maintaining profitability has become a daunting task. Amid these pressures, operators are seeking solutions that deliver quality, consistency, and ease of preparation.
Enter fully cooked Australian lamb, a versatile and labor-saving product line that helps restaurateurs address these challenges while crafting craveable, creative, memorable menus.
According to Jaclyn Oyola, CEO of Aussie Select, “We designed our products with the modern operator in mind. Whether it’s for a charcuterie board, breakfast burrito, or upscale sandwich, Aussie Select makes it easy to bring an elevated, globally inspired protein to menus.”
Australian lamb is pasture-raised, grass-fed, and Halal-certified, providing a sustainable, high-quality protein option that meets the demands of today’s conscious consumers. But beyond its ethical and environmental appeal, its practicality in the kitchen makes it indispensable for labor-strapped operations.
“Labor is one of the biggest pain points for operators today,” said Oyola. “With Aussie Select, there’s no need for extensive prep. The lamb arrives pre-cooked, frozen for easy storage and long shelf life, and ready to use. Just thaw, slice, or cube it, and you have a consistent, premium product with zero waste.”
By eliminating the need for on-site cooking, Aussie Select allows kitchens to save time and labor while maintaining high-quality menu offerings. The product’s extended shelf life also ensures operators can control shrink and avoid unnecessary food costs.
Aussie Select lamb is incredibly versatile and can elevate menus across various formats, making it a valuable addition for foodservice operators. It works beautifully on charcuterie boards, offering a flavorful, non-pork protein alternative that enhances variety.
For breakfast menus, lamb pairs surprisingly well with eggs, making it a standout ingredient in dishes like breakfast burritos, shakshuka, and frittatas.
At lunch, it shines in handheld formats, such as lamb pastrami BLTs or Mediterranean-inspired wraps. It also adds global flair as a pizza or flatbread topping, paired with ingredients like tzatziki or harissa for a Middle Eastern twist.
For more refined offerings, Aussie Select lamb performs exceptionally well in center-of-plate entrées, such as sliced roasted lamb for fine dining or first-class in-flight meals. Its flexibility makes it suitable for catering, dine-in, or takeout, allowing chefs to innovate and create standout dishes across meal occasions.
“We’ve seen chefs use our products in everything from lamb French dips to lamb-wrapped asparagus,” Oyola noted. “The product’s flexibility lets operators get creative, whether it’s for catering, dine-in, or takeout.”
In addition to labor savings, Aussie Select lamb aligns with key consumer trends. Millennials and Gen Z diners are drawn to lamb’s novelty and nutritional profile. High in protein and Omega-3s, lamb is also keto-friendly and gluten-free, meeting the needs of health-conscious guests.
“Gen Z diners crave something new and exciting, and lamb feels like an adventurous yet approachable choice,” said Oyola. “By offering lamb in familiar formats like sandwiches or pizzas, operators can safely introduce this protein to their menus.”
From a sustainability perspective, Aussie Select’s commitment to sourcing exclusively from Australia ensures a reliable supply chain and adherence to strict environmental standards. Australian lamb production is climate-neutral, and the animals are pasture-raised, making it one of the most eco-friendly red meat options available.
“Every step of our process prioritizes quality and sustainability,” Oyola explained. “Australian lamb’s flavor profile—tender and mild—also makes it a hit with diners.”
What truly sets Aussie Select apart is the brand’s focus on innovation and operator support. Oyola and her team offer samples, recipe ideas, and sales training to help distributors and restaurateurs succeed.
“Our goal is to make lamb accessible and easy to use,” said Oyola. “From the moment a chef samples our product, they’re impressed by its flavor and versatility. We’re here to help operators incorporate it seamlessly into their menus.”
For operators unsure where to start, Oyola recommends a simple approach: “Take a dish that’s already successful on your menu and elevate it with lamb. Swap bacon with lamb on a breakfast item or add lamb to your charcuterie board. It’s a small change that can create a big impact.”
For restaurants, foodservice operators, or distributors interested in learning more, Aussie Select offers direct support and resources to make onboarding easy. “You can reach out to us via email at jaclyn@worldselectcuts.com,” Oyola concluded.
“We’re happy to connect operators with local distributors, provide samples, or even help with menu ideation. Whether you’re catering to global flavors or simply looking to save on labor, Aussie Select is ready to help.”
With its unmatched combination of convenience, versatility, and flavor, Aussie Select lamb is poised to become a go-to solution for foodservice professionals navigating the dual challenges of labor shortages and rising costs.
