For any franchise looking to expand their locations and understand local food trends, it is essential to be aware of the wheels of flavor and data.com/en/platform/’ target=’_blank’>menu composition that make up the sum of the restaurant experience. To better understand the dynamics of the foodand beverage industry, there are certain frequently asked questions around flavor and the menu that need to be answered.
At Brizo, we provide data-driven insights to help franchisors with sales and marketing to the foodservice market, making informed decisions about their menu, production innovation, and strategic expansion. This comprehensive guide covers the most commonly asked questions around flavor and the menu to equip sales and marketing teams with the knowledge they need for their next move.
What Are Key Flavors That Attract Customers?
One of the most important questions that franchisors should ask in the foodservice industry is what flavors will attract customers? Studies have shown that a restaurant’s success is highly dependent on the quality and appeal of its flavor profile. Customers can identify with an establishment that offers an experience that resonates with them. Unsurprisingly, multiple studies have found that comfort flavors generally rank highest among customers. Comfort flavors such as fresh, fruity, sweet, and savory are the backbone of any menu.
Moreover, introducing ethnic flavors to your restaurants gives customers an experience they enjoy, with Asian-fusion and Mexican food leading the way. Some flavor combinations to consider include blueberry hoisin sauce, blackberry mango salsa, and apple cider margarita. Adding a touch of smoke, heat, zest, and sweetness can turn a boring dish into an interesting one.
How Should A Franchisee Manage Their Menu?
Menu management is key for franchises. Menu composition is not only about having appealing flavors, but also about having the right dishes that bring out unique food experiences. Here are a few strategies that franchisees should adopt when it comes to menu composition:
•Research trending flavors and ingredients in the industry. Stay ahead of the game making sure you are up to date with the latest food trends and Challenges that consumers face with the menu.
•Focus on quality over quantity. Adding too many items to a menu can be overwhelming for customers, mask the main attraction of a restaurant, and compromise our central theme of flavor.
•Keep it fresh. Introducing new flavors shows customers that you are up to date with the newest trends, and encourages repeat visits.
•Include a mix of popular favorites and unique items. Having an even balance between go-to favorites and unique flavor experiences helps develop familiarity and trust with customers.
How Should We Market Our Food Menu?
To increase customer loyalty and satisfaction, communications should be targeted to different customer segments based on their food preferences and lifestyle. Here are a few marketing tips that franchisees could use to market their food menu:
•Social media is a powerful tool to increase your reach and showcase your eats to new and existing customers. Posts that highlight the visuals of the food discussing the flavors and benefits of the dish are key to engaging customers.
•Include customer ratings and reviews in your marketing efforts. As this type of feedback from their peers is highly influential for customers, reviews can help you attract new customers and increase loyalty.
•Partner with food bloggers and influencers. Bloggers and influencers have cultivated a loyal following, which is a key asset to reach customers that may have not heard of your restaurant otherwise.
•Hit the pavement. Perhaps the most traditional way to promote your brand, local outreach and promotional events give great visibility to your restaurant.
What Strategies Should Franchises Use Regarding Data Enrichment?
Data enrichment is key for franchises to make sure that their menu is in tune with the latest trends in the foodservice industry. Data enrichment should provide not only an in-depth analysis of the current state of the foodservice market, but also look at creative ways to improve product offerings and service quality. Here are a few aspects that franchises should consider when it comes to data enrichment:
•Focus on customer feedback. Gathering customer feedback and sentiments can help you build better relationships with your customers and cater to their exact needs.
•Keep a pulse on competitors. Pay close attention to what is working for competitors in the market and come up with strategies to differentiate yourself.
•Tackle operational challenges. Research and develop methods to streamline production, improve customer service, and resolve operational issues.
To summarize
To sum up, flavor and menu composition are key components of the foodservice industry. Franchisees should equip their sales and marketing teams with data-driven insights to make informed decisions about their menu, production innovation, and strategic expansion. As this guide has demonstrated, making the most of your menu starts with understanding the dynamics of the foodservice market and leveraging data enrichment to tackle operational challenges.
