Turkey is packed with a lot of protein and is becoming the selection of choice for consumers seeking a nutritious meat alternative. Locating the right turkey supplier for your restaurant is important for customer retention as well as providing a quality product that fits within your budget.

Your biggest challenge may be in choosing which high quality products you want to offer on your menu. Serving tasty, satisfying and healthy turkey options will keep customers happy and, most likely, returning. Keep a few things in mind when selecting what type of turkey to put on the menu.

1. Choose a turkey producer who provides products geared to your customers.

2. Look for turkey suppliers and turkey processors with a high commitment to quality in product and customer service.

3. Select a turkey source that is within your budget and can deliver the product you need, when you need it.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find the turkey products your customers seek

Frozen turkey products make for easy preparation and come in varieties that appeal to certain people. Seasoned and ready-to-roast turkey can appeal to any palate. Turkey manufacturers are offering anything from fresh turkey to smoked turkey, turkey sausage or turkey jerky.

I recommend: Michigan Turkey Producers has a variety of turkey options including pre-seasoned and flavored turkey breast. University of Minnesota Poultry U maintains a ranking of turkey companies based on number of live pounds processed.

Keep your eye on quality turkey providers

When you serve a meal to your customers, you need to know you're serving the best quality. Seek out turkey suppliers who hold themselves to high standards. Turkey that is free of antibiotics and pesticides, and hasn't been subjected to growth hormones is the type of product you want to put out on your tables.

I recommend: Those local to Kansas and Missouri can search the directory of Good Natured Family Farms to find the nearest store that carries the healthy turkey products. You can order holiday turkey online through The Turkey Farm.

Buy turkey meat directly from a turkey grower

There is a market for holiday turkey from a local turkey grower for a few holidays each year. If your restaurant offers holiday meals, find a local turkey grower or a turkey farm able to ship product to you quickly. It could prove to be a beneficial partnership for your business.

I recommend: Utilize the National Turkey Federation to locate the turkey grower nearest to you. Check out the list of Massachusetts turkey farmers who offer "fresh dressed" turkeys year-round. Try something different and take a virtual tour of a turkey farm at Norbest.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Turkey sausage is a low fat alternative to pork sausage as part of breakfast, or any meal.