Times have changed, and dining behaviors have changed along with them. Most notably, people are dining out significantly less, which presents a new set of challenges for foodservice professionals. But with change, comes opportunity for the entire industry to get creative and reimagine ways to drive business. Here’s a look at five of the hot dining trends and tips on how to cash in on the latest in dining behaviors.
Trend #1: More at-home meal prep
Despite the fact that more establishments are reopening their doors, people are still inclined to stay in. Wary of crowded indoor spaces, many prefer to cook their meals at home, rather than dine out. But, don’t count yourself out of this stay-at-home market. Make their at-home meal prep more fun — and delicious — by offering at-home meal kits. Prepackage and sell some of your biggest crowd pleasers. Not only does this allow customers to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal from the comfort of their own home, but they can enjoy the experience of creating it.
Trend #2: More snacking
With more people staying at home, snack sales are surging. If you’re in the grocery store business, snag your share of those sales by offering pre-made snack boxes. Or if you’re a restaurant whose brunch can’t be beat, take advantage of the all-day breakfast trend and serve your most popular — and portable — breakfast items, such as breakfast burritos and smoothies from morning til’ night. By offering customers’ breakfast favorites at any time of day, you’ll set yourself apart from the competition. Want more suggestions on what sells in the snack department? Here’s our ultimate guide to snacks. And if you want a way to easily expand your snacking menu, check out our Snack System. This all-star piece of equipment has a compact design, so it’s suitable for any location. But, don’t let its small footprint fool you. It packs a punch, and offers the utmost versatility, enabling you to cook a variety of snack foods.
Trend #3: An increase in takeout orders
Considering the increase in takeout orders, customer experience counts more than ever. From placing orders to picking them up, customers expect an easy-to-use, seamless experience. Keep them coming back by offering an intuitive, user-friendly online ordering interface with clear navigation. Go the extra mile by implementing technology that notifies guests of their order status, ensuring they pick it up when it’s hot and ready. And don’t just make your curbside pickup experience convenient with dedicated parking spots and bold signage — make it one-of-a-kind. While you’re at it, make sure your food quality and service are top-notch with this comprehensive guide on to-go.
Trend #4: Ordering/eating out less often
The reality is, people have grown accustomed to cooking at home and chances are, many will continue doing so into the future to save money. If business is down, it’s time to brainstorm ways to boost it. Whether you create daily specials, promote loyalty cards to encourage repeat business, or increase your social media marketing, strategize ways to keep potential guests interested. And if you do experience extra downtime during this period, use it to optimize your operations so you’re ready to go when business is in full swing again.
Trend #5: Preference for delivery orders
The obvious answer to this trend is adding delivery service, but that’s not a feasible solution for everyone in the foodservice industry. If you fall into this category and delivery service isn’t doable, don’t despair. Instead, step up your social media presence by regularly marketing your dishes with mouth-watering photos. Spice up your posts with personality, and engage your followers. If your photos are eye-catching and your content is clever, potential customers may overlook their delivery desires and opt for takeout options instead.
Meet the demand for off-premise dining.
One thing’s for sure: Accommodating the demand for off-premise dining is paramount to success in the wake of the pandemic. And keeping your to-go food warm, tasty and safe to eat is a must. Wondering which equipment will serve your needs best? Take this quiz to find the just-right solution!
