Exploring Top 10 Dining Out Trends for Franchisors to Consider

Dining Out Trends

Franchisors expanding their operations to new markets often face many challenges when seeking to understand the local foodscene. Food trends evolve quickly and understanding what local diners are drawn to is highly beneficial in making informed decisions on data.com/en/platform/’ target=’_blank’>menu selection and restaurant expansion. To make the best decisions when it comes to foodservice market expansion and sales prospects, comparing market data is an invaluable resource for franchisors. Utilizing data sets from resources like Brizo, franchisors can learn about the current food service trends to make better decisions when expanding their locations. In this article, we will discuss the top 10 dining out trends to consider when expanding a franchise.

1.Menu Innovation: Consumers in the food service industry are constantly looking for something new. By understanding local menu trends, franchisors can identify opportunities for menu expansion that will draw in more customers. Utilizing data to analyze popular menu items in a given geographical area can help fill in the gaps in menu selection and drive higher revenue.

2.Gluten/Allergen Menus: As people become more mindful of their eating habits, offering more gluten-free and allergen friendly options is becoming popular amongst food service customers. A gluten free menu or allergen free menu will allow diners to enjoy the same dishes that their friends and family may be ordering while still maintaining their dietary restrictions.

3.Localized Menus: Localizing menus to a specific region can help to create a connection between customers and business owners. Consumers often prefer to dine in restaurant locations that not only feature regional specialties, but also have an understanding of the local culture. By understanding the regional cuisine, businesses can create dishes that cater to the tastes of local customers while still maintaining the feel of their own franchise brand.

4.Technology Focus: While the food selection is an important factor for most customers, technology is becoming increasingly important in the foodservice industry. Restaurants are now competing with one another on the basis of technology – from online ordering systems, to customized apps, self-service kiosks and more. Implementing the right technology tools and understanding customer preferences when it comes to technology can help franchisors stand out from the competition.

5.Healthy Eating: Consumers are increasingly looking for healthier options when dining out. From plant-based diets to “clean” menu items, franchisors can easily tap into the trend by understanding local dietary trends and create menu items that cater to the health needs of their diners.

6.Environmental Consciousness: Customers are becoming more aware of their environmental impact and are looking for restaurants that share their values when it comes to sustainability. By utilizing data, franchisors can compare suppliers and identify those that source local and organic ingredients, use recycled materials, and practice other sustainable practices.

7.Takeaway, Delivery and Third-Party Platforms: Customers are now accustomed to being able to take away restaurant food and get it delivered to their doorstep. Franchisors can maximize their reach by understanding who the customers are that are most likely to order take away or delivery, and in-depth insights into third-party delivery platforms.

8.Experiential Dining: Restaurant goers are no longer looking for a standard dining experience, they are looking for a unique and tailored experience that they can’t find anywhere else. Utilizing the right data, franchisors can better understand customer preferences and create one-of-a-kind experiences for their clients.

9.Inclusivity and Accessibility: It is becoming increasingly important for businesses to be aware of the way in which their practices may limit the access of certain customers. By understanding customer preferences and needs, franchisors can look for ways to make their establishments more accessible by accommodating language, dietary and mobility needs.

10.Regional Cuisine: Taste and flavor trends vary from region to region, and understanding local preferences can help franchisors create a menu that will draw in the customers that come from all over the country. Utilizing data, franchisors can look beyond traditional cuisine to source ingredients from local farms, or even explore unique takes on popular dishes from other parts of the world.

Knowing local food trends can be an invaluable resource for franchisors when expanding to new markets. Understanding menu preferences, sustainability efforts, technology needs, inclusive practices and more, now more than ever, can help franchisors create the best experience for their customers. Utilizing data from resources like Brizo can help franchisors be even more successful in tapping into the trendiest food service markets.