From Nation's Restaurant News · · 1m 30s
How to develop the perfect LTO
Tim Hackbardt shares LTO playbook for restaurants.
In brief
Tim Hackbardt shares LTO playbook for restaurants. Tim Hackbardt, Playa Bowls' CMO, explains how to create successful limited-time offers that boost traffic without hurting profits. Originally reported by Nation's Restaurant News.
Why LTOs matter now
With consumer traffic sagging in 2026 due to inflation, rising gasoline prices, and other economic factors, more restaurants are turning to limited-time offers to attract business.
LTO growth trends
According to Technomic Ignite data, LTO volume climbed 33% from Q3 2025 to Q3 2026, while permanent menu innovation stayed relatively flat.
Consumer preferences
More than two-thirds of consumers find new and exciting menu items important when choosing a restaurant, and more than half say an LTO is a motivator.
Tim Hackbardt's background
Tim Hackbardt, chief marketing officer of Playa Bowls, has a three-decade career in foodservice marketing with stops at Del Taco, Arby’s, BJ’s, and more.
Playa Bowls' scale
Playa Bowls, a New Jersey-based acai bowl concept, has grown to around 400 locations in 12 years.
LTO success factors
Menu sets the tone for marketing, LTOs are key to traffic, and popularity, profitability, and efficiency define a successful LTO.
LTO pitfalls
Poor execution will sink even the trendiest LTOs, so focus on practical implementation rather than just trends.
Upcoming show
Tim Hackbardt serves as executive producer for the ABC show 'Limited Time Offer' launching soon.
What's next
Restaurants should develop LTOs that address traffic woes while balancing popularity, profitability, and efficiency.
The headline
Tim Hackbardt, Playa Bowls' CMO, explains how to create successful limited-time offers that boost traffic without hurting profits.
