Restaurant Trends That Drive Results

Fast Casual reported on the top trends from The 93rd annual National Restaurant Association Show and the 5th annual International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event. In it they showcased emerging trends driving the restaurant and foodservice industry.

The five biggest trends include:

1.       Healthful Alternatives

2.       Premium and Artisan Products: Fast Food Going Upscale

3.       Gluten-Free Products

4.       Food Trucks

5.       Ethnic Cuisines and Flavors

Some of these trends are making their way into Fast-Casual and Chain’s as reported in the Time article “Big Chain Restaurant Trends: Hot Menu Items, Hot Marketing Strategies”.  Premium and artisan is one in particular being adopted as seen in McDonald’s with the introduction of the Angus burger and Taco Bell national launch of “gourmet inspired” Cantina Bell items.

One trend not mentioned within the NRA listed was technology trends. The Wall Street Journal reports that dessert orders rise 30% when shown on digital menu boards. USA Today reports, the inclusion of free Wi-Fi to all customers at Panera Bread increased sales by 15%.

Finally, we cannot talk restaurant trends without mentioning mobile.  Smartphones have become an indispensable tool that influences not only if consumers will make a purchase but also where. Recent data on smartphone usage from Google shows that 44% of Americans now own a smartphone, 94% look for local information on their smartphone and 71% use their smartphones at restaurants.

Vivonet is re-defining restaurant POS by combining cloud based technology with the Internet, mobile and social media. Learn how we can help your café or restaurant by contacting Sven Winter at swinter@vivonet.com