Steak 'n Shake's 'Side by Side Milkshakes' stand out not because of the individual flavors out of which they're composed, but because of how the restaurant combines those flavors. As the name hints, the Side by Side Milkshakes are split down the middle with two standard shake flavors rather than blended together.
Steak 'n Shake offers four flavors of its Side by Side Milkshakes -- Strawnana, Banocolate, Strawnilla, and Vanocolate -- which are all visual portmanteaux of vanilla, strawberry, chocolate and banana shakes.
Beyond the aesthetic appeal of the milkshakes, which has the added bonus of making them social media-friendly, the vertical split between the shakes lets consumers drink them in whatever way they see fit. One might choose to drink the entirety of one flavor and then the entirety of the other, or while others are free to mix the shake flavors in whatever ratio pleases them.
Split-Flavor Milkshakes
Steak 'n Shake's 'Side by Side Milkshakes' Split Flavors Down the Middle
Trend Themes
1. Side by Side Milkshakes - Restaurants could capitalize on the trend by offering customizable milkshakes with multiple flavors that are visually distinct as a marketing strategy.
2. Visual Portmanteaux - Businesses could create unique visual experiences for consumers by blending together flavors that correspond to a theme or aesthetic, such as a patriotic milkshake with red, white and blue layers.
3. Customizable Beverages - Companies could offer more options to customers for personalizing their beverages with different flavors, colors, and mix-ins to create unique flavor combinations.
Industry Implications
1. Fast Food - Fast food chains could use this innovation to enhance their beverage menus and draw in more customers who are interested in trying new drinks.
2. Restaurant - Restaurants could use this innovation as a way to make their beverage menu more distinguishable and create a branded experience that sets them apart from competitors.
3. Beverage Industry - Beverage companies could create new product lines or reformulate existing products to include customizable flavor options or visually distinct layering strategies.