# How to develop the perfect LTO

> Tim Hackbardt shares LTO playbook for restaurants.
- Title: How to develop the perfect LTO · Nation's Restaurant News
- Summary: Tim Hackbardt shares LTO playbook for restaurants. Tim Hackbardt, Playa Bowls' CMO, explains how to create successful limited-time offers that boost traffic…
- Keywords: lto, tim hackbardt, playa bowls, limited-time offer, restaurant marketing, technomic, new jersey, acai bowl, chain restaurants, consumer traffic, food, business
- Source: Nation's Restaurant News — https://nrn.com/fast-casual/how-to-develop-the-perfect-lto-according-to-restaurant-marketing-vet-tim-hackbardt
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: lto, tim hackbardt, playa bowls, limited-time offer, restaurant marketing, technomic, new jersey, acai bowl, chain restaurants, consumer traffic, food, business
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Tim Hackbardt, Playa Bowls' CMO, explains how to create successful limited-time offers that boost traffic without hurting profits.