If You Cook It, They
Will Come
Speaking of Millennials…restaurants need to know how to attract and
obtain them. Them. The kids born from 1980-2000, the kids who grew up on
computers and smart phones and MTV. Since they have grown up with the rise of
the internet and an ever-changing foodie world, there is much to say about
makes this generation tick. We know they are interested in being healthier
and wanting the quickest best bang for their buck. This generation makes up the
largest group in the US and their influence on the economy will be phenomenal.
When making your restaurant relevant with up-to-date trends, it helps to know
how to target to your audience.
Be Loyal To Us!
So what makes the most sense in
keeping/obtaining/attracting new Millennials and the rest of the population?
Employ the loyalty program. This can be in the form of a phone application or a
pretty plastic card that goes into a wallet. Restaurants can offer a point
system or weekly discounts. Try not to limit your program just to those regular
guests but for your infrequent guests as well. People want to feel like they
matter. Successfully recognizing your guests by offering free menu items,
acknowledging their birthday or gifting members-only specials will improve
their outlook of your brand. Guests will come in, order their favorite dish and
post it to Instagram with your brand’s hashtag; creating a noteworthy social
buzz. The more points they gain, the better the prize, the better you look to
potential guests. And who doesn't love free stuff?
Create. Order. Eat. Repeat.
Another way to get diners to taste your great food is to create an environment
that will draw them in at their convenience. Guests want to feel comfortable
while eating at your restaurant. They want to feel like they can get their work
done, relax with friends after a long day and be free to be themselves. (And
charge their phone if necessary...we've all done it!)
Many restaurants are constructing
creative spaces in their building. A creative space is a quite location where
guests come in to work on important tasks. Once you've built a space for being
creative, whether that be indoors or a covered outdoor patio, guests can order your food while completing a presentation due at
5:00pm. Places like WorkShopCafe offers guests a productive experience complete with “crazy
fast Wi-Fi, outlets galore and amazing food”. It also has the option to rent
larger, more private creative spaces for groups. WorkShopCafe incorporates an
app that will take orders so people can continue editing, collaborating,
designing, etc. Moments after ordering, hand-crafted smoothies and avocado toast arrives delicious and nutritious!
Perfect for increased brain function and work production!
Bringing Healthy Back
With today's world being infiltrated with better-for-you foods,
restaurants have to offer a wide variety of health-conscious foods. Being
healthy and making better food choices is a trend that will (hopefully) be
passed down to Millennials' children. A cheeseburger can be fantastic when the
meat is sourced from a local, grass fed cow. Salads made with local greens and
vegetables will attract the taste buds of many different
age ranges. Fish caught locally tastes, and sounds, better than not. With these
healthy options, be sure to incorporate a delivery option to continue enhancing
your brand image for the better. It is all about revamping the outlook of your
business’s future and keeping up with these trends.
Restaurants should be prepared for the technological advances happening right
now. Luckily, JES Restaurant Equipment is helping you stay
above the curve. We will be here to help guide you in purchasing equipment for your ghost restaurant in hopes
we can order your delicious food via mobile application and have it delivered
by robot! And, naturally, post it to Instagram of how
great the food looks.
Call us at 866-200-6056 for
all your restaurant equipment or home kitchen needs!
Read Part 1. Read Part 2 here.
