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Breakfast has long been considered the most important meal of the day. And with that, breakfast food trends have seen plenty of change and evolution in recent years. Whether you’re a consumer, a restaurant operator or a franchisor looking to think outside the breakfast box, understanding the pro’s and con’s of breakfast food trends is the best place to start.
In this article, we’ll explore the impact of breakfast food trends with regards to both restaurant operators and franchisors alike, and consider some of the benefits and drawbacks to staying abreast of food fads. Additionally, we’ll delve deeper into the potential advantages and disadvantages of data.com/en/platform/’ target=’_blank’>menu innovation and the sales of traditional and non-traditional breakfast offerings.
At the heart of the issue is a question of how well do breakfast trends reflect the current tastes of the nation and, secondly, to what extent can incorporating such trends into a franchisor’s existing breakfast menu boost sales and customer engagement.
Menu Innovation: Exploring Non-traditional Breakfast Offerings
Many franchises have recognized the need to focus their marketing on breakfast menu innovation, and have introduced a range of new and exciting breakfast food particular to their own brand. This includes not just traditional breakfast foods (e.g. French toast, omelets), but also ‘non-traditional’ classics (e.g. breakfast burritos, breakfast sandwiches) along with other experimental variations (e.g. breakfast pizza, breakfast casseroles).
The aim of this type of menu innovation is to appeal to a larger consumer base, and the trend has been widely successful in that respect. According to recent consumer data, almost two-thirds of customers sought out a menu item for breakfast that wasn’t normally found on a “standard” breakfast menu.
Advantages of Non-Traditional Breakfast Offerings
As far as franchisors are concerned, the major benefit derived from introducing non-traditional breakfast offerings lies in menu diversification. This helps franchises bear the brunt of seasonal breakfast trends, as well as appeal to customers with a wider range of preferences.
Such inventive dishes can also incorporate well-known food brand names as ingredients, offering franchisors the chance to boast a level of exclusivity and marketability that can attract local consumers.
What’s more, when franchises offer bold flavored non-traditional breakfast items – such as those incorporating fresh fruit, vegetables, and cheeses – this can be a great way to underscore health-consciousness.
Disadvantages of Non-Traditional Breakfast Offerings
That said, there are certain disadvantages that can result from introducing non-traditional breakfast items to the marketplace. For one, there’s the cost of providing these items, which can be slightly higher than the cost of traditional breakfast items. This, in turn, may require franchisors to raise prices, which can affect customer engagement and loyalty.
Plus, if the quality of non-traditional breakfast items falls short of customer expectations, that can have a major negative impact on customer experience.
Additionally, there’s always the risk that non-traditional breakfast offerings may become a ‘fad’ that quickly dries up in the marketplace; leaving franchisors to decide whether to continue adding such items to their menu.
Sales of Traditional Breakfast Offerings
While non-traditional breakfast options have become increasingly popular, traditional breakfast offerings remain highly relevant in the restaurant industry. Such items include omelet varieties, pancakes, and waffles, among others.
Advantages of Traditional Breakfast Offerings
Franchises commonly benefit from offering traditional breakfast items in terms of cost and consistency. Sourcing traditional ingredients and utilizing standard preparation methods can significantly reduce costs for restaurant operators, as opposed to having to search for exotic ingredients or adhere to complex cooking methods.
Organizations following a standardized breakfast menu also conduct business in a cost-effective manner, often having consistent quality standards and proving that they can meet increased customer demand.
Disadvantages of Traditional Breakfast Offerings
On the other hand, the downside of relying solely on traditional breakfast dishes is that customers may become quickly bored. Keeping the breakfast menu fresh is essential to customer engagement, so relying on old favorites can cause restaurants to run the risk of losing their customer base.
Moreover, franchises that only offer traditional breakfast items may be missing out on the chance to attract new customers who are seeking innovative dining experiences.
Putting It All Together
Most restaurateurs have recognized that a combination of traditional and non-traditional breakfast items creates the most successful breakfast menu. This allows franchisors to reap the benefits of familiarity (with traditional breakfast items) while also benefitting from the innovative nature of non-traditional dishes.
For franchisors looking to create a unique breakfast menu, hospitality data powered by Brizo can provide insights into menu composition, regional trends and regularly updated consumer preferences. This allows franchises to make educated and informed decisions about their breakfast menu, and ensure that it reflects the current tastes of their target audience.
