4 Foodservice Trends To Should Expect in 2018
In 2017, diners indulged in numerous restaurant trends like mediterranean dishes, plant-based menu items, and food bowls. Consumers will continue to expect variety in 2018, but they will gravitate towards a balance of healthy and extravagant.
Get a sense of what your customers will crave with the top 4 trends below:
1. Embrace the Power of Unicorns and Zombies
In April, Starbucks launched the Unicorn Frappuccino® that featured a magical combination of purple and blue colors. This concoction took the social media world by storm and caused many stores to sell out in a matter of days. In October, Starbucks took advantage of the spooky season and delivered their next creation: the Zombie Frappuccino®. This drink also led to a viral sensation on Instagram and Twitter.
How to Implement
If you own a family restaurant, think about your most special item. Then add a twist to it, and post a mouth-watering image on social media. If possible, advertise this special item in your local media outlets too.
2. Put the ‘Custom’ in ‘Customer’
Have you noticed how many restaurant chains are allowing customers to pick their own ingredients? Numerous pizza franchises are now capitalizing on the success of quick-service restaurants like Subway and Chipotle who follow this format. Diners like the idea of creating their own masterpieces, and these restaurants accommodate that craving. Additionally, picky eaters feel empowered to design a dish that meets their palette.
How to Implement
The food bowl concept was a very hot trend in 2017, and this one-stop meal will continue to satisfy hungry customers in 2018. If your restaurant offers stir-fry, let customers pick their own vegetables and sauces. The same approach also works well for soups and appetizers like cheese fries. The possibilities are endless.
3. Offer Clean-Eating
Remember when Panera vowed to switch to 100 percent clean? Their goal was to remove artificial flavors and preservatives in order to foster healthier lifestyles. Health-conscious consumers strive for whole foods versus processed menu items, and organic farming continues to grow.
How to Implement
Be very transparent on your menu. List which items are from local farmers and, if applicable, which items are organic. Ask your service staff to discuss your clean vision with new patrons as well. On your website, tell the story behind your mission. Lastly, post about your clean menu on social media to help spread the word.
4. Long Live the Mocktail
After the holidays pass, many consumers will kick off the new year with one goal in mind: trimming the excess weight. Many people may also enter detoxes, which prevent alcohol consumption. Show your customers they can keep the flavor while limiting the calories.
How to Implement
Re-create your favorite fruity cocktails with stevia and fresh fruit. Fruit concentrates tend to include a lot more sugar, and you can pack just as much flavor with fresh ingredients.
As consumer trends continue to evolve, the team at TRG helps you align with these changes. Contact us today to learn how to keep your business flourishing in 2018 and beyond.
