Every year, some trends emerge that define the foodservice industry. From Instagrammable dishes to cooking with cannabis, each trend helps restaurants identify the changing needs of their customers and stay ahead of the competition.
As we bid farewell to 2019, let’s look forward and see what food trends we’ll likely be enjoying in 2020.
The Demand for Experiences
Customers are dining out not just for the food; they also want an exceptional experience. From making a reservation to eating dessert, the entire dining experience determines whether the customer would come back to the restaurant or look for another option.
Not only do customers thrive on excellent dining experiences, but they’re also willing to pay a premium for them. Get ready for dining establishments and chefs to come up with innovative dining concepts and food theatrics that set them apart from the rest. However, restaurants should not forget the fundamentals: great food, excellent ambiance and friendly, efficient service.
The Rise of Food Delivery Services
Whether it’s a pizza delivery in Downtown Vancouver or a swift order through Uber Eats, the food delivery service is on the rise. More customers are willing to pay a delivery fee to buy back the time they would have taken to cook, go out and wait in a restaurant.
Although third-party delivery services are popular, some dining establishments opt to have their own delivery team. This helps them save money and remove the fees they would have to pay for third-party services. It also helps them ensure the quality of the food that is delivered.
Some restaurants are experimenting with technology for faster delivery. Get ready to see big brands try to deliver orders using drones and robots to their customers’ doorsteps.
Natural Ingredients
The appearance of natural ingredients in restaurants and supermarkets shows no signs of slowing down. Consumers are more conscious about their health and want to know where groceries and dining establishments source their food. There’s a high-demand for plant-based options, and even omnivores wish to see a variety of healthy, sustainable choices on the restaurant menu.
The Demand for Sustainability
Customers also care about more than the food served to them. They demand transparency and sustainability in all links of the value chain. Not only are they turning away from foods that use artificial additives and preservatives, but they are also rejecting brands that do not adopt sustainable practices in their packaging and source of ingredients. As such, some restaurants nowadays choose to create a zero-waste kitchen, opting out of disposable utensils and coming up with different ways to use all parts of their food.
Restaurant Technology for Convenience and Efficiency
It’s no secret that technology has changed the way people cook, order and pay for their food. Digital menu boards and self-order kiosks allow for quick and easy ordering. Customers can sync credit cards with their phones for fast payments. Restaurants have more data mining resources to monitor customer trends and adjust their strategies when necessary.
How can these restaurant trends benefit your business? Remember, not all food trends apply to your business. Identify one or two trends that can be beneficial to your brand in the long run. Stay true to your restaurant’s vision in the process, and you’ll have a successful future ahead.
Photo by Steve Long on Unsplash