Chicken quesadillas, calamari or sliders are on almost any family restaurant’s appetizer menu. And it seems that the use of protein in appetizers is not going anywhere — not necessarily increasing but at least holding steady.
The problem is the fluctuating price of proteins, and a still recovering economy, that may prevent consumers from indulging in appetizers or side dishes that naturally cost more. On the other hand, one strength that protein-based sides and appetizers feature is their value proposition.