Consumer’s likes and interests are constantly changing, so we can expect the same to be true when it comes to restaurant trends. Do diners want takeout or do they prefer to dine-in? Do they like healthier foods or comfort foods? How do customers desire to get their information about your restaurant? The list goes on. It might seem challenging to always be up to speed on what is trending or what your customers prefer, but we will break down a few of the biggest trends and statistics that can help point you in the right direction!
Dine-in or Take-out
After many months of people only eating at home or ordering take-out or delivery, 48% more Americans were dining in during the first quarter of 2022, and that seems to be the trend. This has been a year of getting back into restaurants and enjoying the dining experience that was deeply missed by many. Not only that, but due to the high cost of delivery and possibility of food being compromised when it arrives, more people are choosing to dine-in. Your restaurant should still have a plan in place for take-out/delivery orders since that is a convenience that is used by 60% of US consumers, but don’t forget to give some TLC to your indoor/outdoor eating spaces! Customers are wanting to enjoy the full dining experience and are ready to pull up a seat.
Online Presence Matters
Over 80% of customers look to the internet to search for a restaurant they are interested in trying. Making sure your website is easy to navigate is important. Customers are looking for your menu, a phone number, discounts or even pictures of your food. If guests can’t find what they are looking for online they are likely to not even bother going to the restaurant. Offering take-out is another great way to have an online presence. People expect to be able to place an order online, so if they are unable to, it could deter them from giving you their business. Take time to update your Google, Yelp and social media profiles with updated information and pictures that are aesthetically pleasing. Don’t stress, smart phones take fantastic pictures that will get the job done!
Technology
You have probably heard by now how technology increases efficiency from back of house to front of house. This has caught the attention of many successful restaurants, and it seems this trend will only continue to grow and increase in its ability to help restaurants manage their heavy loads. According to one study, 79% of consumers agree that technology helps improve their restaurant experience. From ordering food through kiosks, ordering online, kitchen automation technology and contactless ordering and payments, technology is undeniably the future.
If you have been wondering what next steps you can take to grow your business, check and see if you are accommodating your customers’ needs as they choose to dine-in more than the last 2 years. Also, make sure you have a strong online presence. Almost 50% of diners have tried a restaurant because of a post they saw on social media. Lastly, make sure your technology is up-to-date. Customers, employees, and managers will appreciate how technology can simplify so many aspects of running a restaurant.
