When it comes to crafting data.com/en/platform/’ target=’_blank’>menus in the food and beverage industry, there’s no better way to stand out from the competition than by creating an innovative and exciting menu that appeals to customers’ growing culinary curiosities. Whether it’s a franchise expanding the scope of its menu or a new restaurant starting from scratch, an innovative menu can be a driving force in increasing the bottom line.
However, new and creative dishes can be a risky business. Before embracing a brand-new menu design, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of a more innovative menu. Thankfully, Brizo provides a robust set of data and analytics for deeper market understanding and analysis that can help franchisors, chefs, and restaurant owners identify the potential benefits and drawbacks of an innovative menu.
Pros of an Innovative Menu
The most obvious benefit of an innovative menu is its ability to appeal to customer tastes. In an increasingly competitive industry, restaurants that keep their menu up-to-date with the latest culinary trends can establish an edge over the competition. An innovative menu allows for a wider variety of choices—allowing restaurants to better serve their customers’ needs. Additionally, by introducing unique and exciting dishes, restaurants can increase profits due to higher customer traffic and an increased frequency in purchases.
Another benefit of an innovative menu is its potential to increase customer engagement. With an ever-evolving selection of dishes, customers may feel stimulated to investigate the newest items on the menu and try something new at each visit. By introducing dishes that guests have never tasted before, restaurants are able to guide and drive customer interaction while simultaneously creating viral appeal.
Cons of an Innovative Menu
Although the potential to increase sales and attract more customers is there, an innovative menu can also have an adverse effect on finances if the risk doesn’t pay off. Ingredients that are too exotic, or dishes that are too complex to make, run the risk of driving costs through the roof and rendering the dish unprofitable.
Moreover, while an innovative menu may attract more customers, customers may be less likely to return if the dishes are not executed properly. Additionally, an overcomplicated menu can tax the kitchen staff to such an extent that they are not able to execute the dishes to the standard the restaurant has set. This may lead to a decrease in customer appeal, slow turnover due to overworked staff, and dissatisfied customers who may choose to never come back.
Putting Data to Use
In order to determine whether an innovative menu is a good fit for the restaurant, it is best to draw upon the data and insights provided by Brizo. With data regarding menu complexity, regional trends and consumer behavior, restaurants can make informed decisions that will grant them the greatest chance of success.
Ultimately, while an innovative menu is a great way to capture the food-loving public’s attention, it can also be incredibly risky—unless the menu is carefully selected and crafted. With Brizo’s menu data and sales prospecting insights, a restaurant can minimize risk and maximize potential.
