Our many years of hospitality experience have been combined with the advice and guidance of experts from the European and global restaurant industries[Restaurant Management Software]. These are the top trends that you must know in order to thrive and succeed in this exciting new environment.
Shopping decisions are still driven by convenience
The consumer of today is tech-savvy, time-strapped, and value-conscious. They’re used to technology simplifying their lives. They want their dining experiences to be as quick, flexible, and convenient as their other purchases. Convenience is so important that 82% of respondents to Mintel’s Global Food and Drink Trends 2021, the report cited it as their top concern when dining out. Although convenience has been associated with fast food, it is becoming increasingly popular in mobile ordering, delivery, and fast casuals.
How can restaurant satisfy this customer demand for convenience? One solution is to offer tech-enabled options such as online ordering or mobile payments. According to Deloitte research, 40% of customers prefer ordering online. They also spend more when ordering online or via an app. Customers will return to a store that allows them to use technology to place orders, and they’ll spend 20% more.
Mintel’s global report for 2021 on food and drink trends
Customers demand greener options – Green is mainstream.
Restaurant are continuing to be challenged by the demand for healthier, more sustainable eating. A rapidly aging population, rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and food intolerances, as well as the growing demands for authenticity and wellness from Millennials and Gen Z, are all driving a significant transformation in the foodservice sector. Today’s customers want healthy, fresh food. They also want to learn the history of the food.
Sugarless and “free-from” options are still top priorities for diners. But meatless protein is one of the most important emerging trends. GlobalData has reported a substantial increase in “flexitarians”, worldwide, over the past few decades and expects that plant-based protein will continue to gain popularity. Numerous other studies support this conclusion. And even in France, 41% are actively avoiding red meat. According to Statista.
Bottom line: Wellness is a smart business. Technomic recently found that 40% of customers are more likely to choose restaurant that offer healthy options, even if it’s not what they ordered.
Resolve the generation gap – The restaurant industry must adapt for Millennials as well as Gen Z.
Six out of ten people in 2021 will be Millennials or Generation Z. Restaurant that want to survive in the future decades will need to understand who they are and what their differences are from previous generations.
They will expect to be able to order through an app, Restaurant POS Software, third-party delivery, and to pay with their smartphone. They will be able to upload photos and describe their dining experiences and will have strong social media profiles.
Every restaurant that wants to improve margins must take into consideration the enormous potential of a social media “halo”. This generation is extremely value-conscious. Technomic’s 2021 Price and Pricing Report showed that while consumers are 37% more likely than two years ago to search for deals, Millennials are 46% less likely.
Experience unique, personal experiences and delicious food up close
Foodservice is one industry that still offers memorable, real-world experiences in a world increasingly dominated digitally. This is what consumers today are looking for in restaurant. The future of restaurant will depend on the quality of their staff, innovative concepts and food, personal service, and balance between technology and personalized service.
Datassential recently found that more than a third (33%) of customers choose restaurants based upon “new and intriguing foods.” This is especially true for younger diners. But, it’s not enough to have innovative food. Today, restaurants are more than just a place to eat. Restaurantainment is a new type of restaurant that offers entertainment and other venues to promote a particular lifestyle or theme.
Digitize to Survive – Digital services innovation will continue to grow
Although 3D-printed food, augmented realities menus, and artificially intelligent equipment may still be years away, the technology is here to stay and has many benefits. According to Deloitte, customers who can place orders online increase their spending by 20% and their repeat business by 6%. While only 3% of European Big 5 foodservice visits involve the internet or mobile app, that number is three times greater in the US and growing globally.
However, this doesn’t mean staff will disappear. Digital innovation will enable restaurants to concentrate more on design, menu planning, and – most importantly – exceptional service. In the ever-competitive foodservice industry, the operators who can leverage technology to reduce costs while improving customer experiences will thrive.
