The season for all things grilled is now in full swing, and consumers are again searching for new and better burgers. According to the National Restaurant Association’s What’s Hot 2014 Culinary Forecast, almost half of the 1,300 chefs surveyed said that gourmet or specialty burgers are a hot trend. With the U.S. Department of Agriculture reporting beef prices at record highs, operators need options to deliver burgers that delight consumer taste buds while keeping food costs in check.

Turkey is in a prime position to meet the demand for a flavorful, low-cost alternative. To help chefs and operators benefit from this opportunity, Butterball Foodservice has developed a full line of delicious turkey burgers that are easily customizable to fit a wide variety of flavor profiles and patron taste preferences.

Butterball makes it easier than ever to add innovative burgers to your menu by offering:

In addition, Butterball Ground Turkey can serve as the foundation for chefs to create their own signature burgers. For a unique twist, combine ground turkey with ground beef to create a healthier, more cost-effective alternative to the standard burger. Or try these recipes for inspiration: Three Philosophers Sliders—distinct flavor profiles of sour, salty and sweet to delight patrons, and the Hawaiian Turkey Burger—grilled pineapple, fresh cucumber, arugula, green onion and sweet soy sauce evokes the sweet and tangy flavor of the tropics.

Richie Jenkins, Butterball Foodservice’s Senior Director of Marketing, said, “As a healthier, more cost-effective alternative to beef, turkey’s versatility makes it the perfect on-trend choice for any foodservice operator. Whether it’s a chef seeking a customizable platform for specialty burgers or patrons seeking new flavorful burger offerings, conditions are right for 2014 to be the summer of turkey burgers.”