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Want to Start a New Restaurant? Make Sure You’ve Got a Solid USP

Mar 11, 2024

Opening a new restaurant is not just about serving delicious food but also crafting an unforgettable experience that resonates with customers and keeps them coming back for more. This is where the concept of a Unique Selling Proposition (USP) becomes paramount. A USP is the heart and soul of a restaurant’s identity, defining what sets it apart from the competition and why diners should choose it over other options. In concept development, establishing a compelling USP is not merely a marketing tactic; it’s a strategic imperative that can make or break the venture.

 

Real-Life Examples of Restaurants’ USPs

 

What does a USP looks like in real life? Check out these famous chain’s unique value propositions:

 

Taco Bell: “Live Más” – Taco Bell encourages customers to embrace their adventurous spirit and “Live Más” by offering bold and innovative Mexican-inspired menu items, including creative twists on classic favorites and limited-time offerings.

 

In-N-Out Burger: “Quality You Can Taste” – In-N-Out Burger prides itself on using fresh, never frozen, high-quality ingredients in its burgers, fries, and shakes, appealing to customers seeking a simple yet delicious fast-food experience.

 

Chipotle Mexican Grill: “Food With Integrity” – Chipotle emphasizes its commitment to serving high-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients in its Mexican-inspired dishes, appealing to health-conscious and socially conscious consumers.

 

Shake Shack: “Modern Day ‘Roadside’ Burger Stand” –  Shake Shack offers a nostalgic dining experience reminiscent of classic roadside burger joints. It focuses on premium, all-natural ingredients and made-to-order burgers, shakes, and fries.

Shake Shack

Roadmap for Building Your Restaurant Concepts USP

Now that you’ve seen what great USPs look like, here’s a roadmap on how you can develop a unique selling proposition for your own new restaurant concept:

 

Identify Your Strengths: Start by identifying the strengths of your restaurant concept. What makes it special or unique? It could be your culinary expertise, a specific cuisine, a particular cooking technique, a creative menu, or a dining experience unlike any other. Brazilian chain Fogo de Chão is an excellent example of this as they share the centuries-old grilling tradition of churrasco experience at each table with their patrons.

 

Understand Your Target Audience: Gain a deep understanding of your target audience’s preferences, needs, and desires. Consider factors such as demographics, psychographics, dining habits, and lifestyle preferences. Tailor your USP to resonate with your target market.

 

Conduct Market Research: Research your competitors to understand their offerings and positioning in the market. Identify gaps or areas where you can differentiate your restaurant. Look for opportunities to fulfill unmet needs or provide solutions that competitors overlook. Olive Garden, for example, has limited-time offerings catering to value such as their “Never-Ending Pasta Passes” or their ongoing never-ending soup, salad and breadsticks for on-premise dining.

 

Focus on Benefits: Highlight the unique benefits or value propositions that your restaurant offers customers. Think beyond features and emphasize how your restaurant enhances the dining experience, solves a problem, or fulfills a desire for your target audience.

 

Emphasize Your Story or Heritage: If your restaurant has a compelling backstory, heritage, or culinary tradition, leverage it as part of your USP. It’s easy to remember that Rubio’s is the “Home of the Original Fish Taco” as the popular chain shares its humble origin story in its marketing. Authenticity and storytelling can resonate with customers and create an emotional connection that sets your restaurant apart.

 

Create Memorable Experiences: Consider how to create memorable experiences for diners beyond just the food. This could include distinctive ambiance, personalized service, interactive dining experiences, or themed events that leave a lasting impression.

 

Offer Unique Menu Items or Specialties: Develop signature dishes, unique flavor combinations, or innovative culinary creations that become synonymous with your restaurant. Highlight these menu items as part of your USP to attract food enthusiasts and adventurous diners.

 

Focus on Quality and Freshness: If quality and freshness are central to your restaurant’s philosophy, make them a core part of your USP. Emphasize locally sourced ingredients, farm-to-table practices, or artisanal preparation methods that differentiate your offerings.

 

Provide Exceptional Service: Outstanding customer service can be a powerful USP in the restaurant industry. Train your staff to deliver exceptional service that exceeds customer expectations and leaves a positive impression.

 

Communicate Your USP Effectively: Once you’ve defined your USP, ensure it’s communicated effectively through your branding, marketing materials, website, social media channels, and customer interactions. Consistency in messaging is key to building brand awareness and attracting loyal customers.

By developing a unique selling proposition that resonates with your target audience and effectively differentiates your restaurant from competitors, you can position your establishment for success in the highly competitive restaurant industry.

 

Looking to open a new restaurant? We are here to help you turn your vision into a reality. Contact Synergy for more information: 888-861-9212.

 

 

 

Sources

Fogodechao.com
Olivegarden.com
Rubios.com
Openai.com

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TikTok Trends Taking Over Restaurant Menus

Feb 23, 2024

Move over, food blogs and celebrity chefs – a new trendsetter in town is shaking up the restaurant industry: TikTok. The social media platform, known for its short, catchy videos, now influences what ends up on our plates.

Chefs are increasingly turning to TikTok for inspiration and menu ideas, and diners are flocking to restaurants to try the latest viral food trends. From the Sleepy Girl Mocktail to burn-away cakes, Chickles, Turkish Breakfast, and chopped Italian sandwiches, these trends are spicing up menus and bringing in new customers.

So, what’s behind this TikTok takeover? Let’s explore some of the reasons why chefs and consumers are embracing these viral trends:

  • Uniqueness and creativity: TikTok is a breeding ground for new and innovative ideas. Chefs can discover unique flavor combinations, cooking techniques, and presentation styles to incorporate into their menus.
  • Engagement and reach: With its massive user base, TikTok offers an excellent way for restaurants to reach new customers and generate buzz. A viral video can turn a small, local restaurant into a national sensation overnight.
  • Authenticity and relatability: Unlike food blogs and celebrity chefs, everyday people often create TikTok content. This authenticity resonates with diners looking for more genuine and relatable food experiences.

Of course, not all TikTok trends are created equal. Some are simply fads that fade away quickly, while others have the potential to stay on menus for longer. The key for restaurants is to identify trends that align with their brand and target audience and to execute them in a way that is both creative and delicious.

So, the next time you’re scrolling through TikTok, pay attention to the food trends you see. You might discover your new favorite dish!

Here are some additional tips for restaurants looking to capitalize on TikTok trends:

  • Create your own TikTok account: This is a great way to showcase your restaurant’s personality and connect with potential customers.
  • Participate in challenges and trends: This is a fun way to get your restaurant noticed and generate buzz.
  • Use high-quality visuals: Food is all about visual appeal, so make sure your TikTok videos are mouthwatering.
  • Run contests and giveaways: This is a great way to encourage engagement and grow your following.

By embracing TikTok trends smartly and strategically, restaurants can tap into a new generation of diners and boost their business. So, get creative, have fun, and see what delicious trends you can cook up!

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Elevate Your Restaurant Business from Within: Strategies for Success

Oct 30, 2023

In the competitive world of the restaurant industry, growth and success depend on many factors. Many restaurant owners and operators look outside their establishments for solutions—expanding to new locations, exploring franchising, or investing heavily in marketing campaigns. While these strategies can be effective, the path to sustainable growth begins within your four walls.

Understanding the Importance of Internal Growth

Every thriving restaurant business shares a common trait: they understand the significance of fostering growth from within. The foundation of this principle is straightforward yet powerful—creating an exceptional dining experience for your existing customers can be more cost-effective and beneficial than constantly seeking new ones.

Know Your Audience

Effective internal growth starts with knowing your audience. You’ve likely gathered a wealth of data on your customers—what they like, what they don’t, their favorite dishes, and when they visit most frequently. Leverage this data to tailor your menu, ambiance, and service to cater to your core customer base.

Consistency is Key

Consistency is the cornerstone of building a robust and loyal customer base. Guests should expect and receive the same high-quality experience with each visit. It’s not just about serving the best meal in town; it’s about delivering it consistently, every time. This commitment to quality and reliability keeps customers returning and helps your reputation spread through word of mouth.

Menu Development and Innovation

Your menu is the heart of your restaurant. Regularly reviewing and updating it is crucial. Pay attention to trends, customer preferences, and seasonal ingredients. Innovation can be your most potent tool for internal growth. Offer exciting specials, limited-time promotions, or exclusive chef’s creations that entice your regulars to come in more often.

restaurant menu innovation

Staff Training and Motivation

Your staff is the face of your restaurant. Well-trained, motivated employees can significantly impact the customer experience. Consistent training programs, incentives, and a positive work environment will not only retain your best employees but also improve the service you provide.

Leverage Technology

Incorporate technology to streamline internal processes. Point-of-sale systems, reservation platforms, and inventory management tools can enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve overall operations. They allow your staff to focus on what they do best—providing an outstanding dining experience.

Regularly Seek Feedback

Keep a finger on the pulse of your customers’ needs and desires by regularly seeking feedback. Customer surveys, comment cards, and social media engagement can provide invaluable insights. Ensure you act on feedback, showing your customers that their opinions matter and fostering goodwill.

Marketing Your Internal Growth

Promote your internal growth strategies to your customers. Highlight menu changes, new dishes, and innovations. Celebrate staff achievements and emphasize your commitment to delivering the best dining experience to your loyal patrons.

Internal growth is an often overlooked but essential part of building a successful restaurant business. While expansion and external marketing play significant roles, the foundation of your restaurant’s growth begins within your four walls. By understanding your audience, maintaining consistency, innovating, and optimizing your internal operations, you can not only keep your existing customers happy but also attract new ones through word of mouth. So, start by looking inside your restaurant for the key to lasting success.

 

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Navigating Menu Price Fatigue: Strategies for Restaurants to Sustain Customer Loyalty

Aug 28, 2023

In an era marked by rapidly evolving consumer preferences and economic fluctuations, the restaurant industry faces a challenge that resonates with both customers and business owners alike – menu price fatigue. A recent trend suggests that consumers might be experiencing a sense of weariness when regarding the continuous rise in restaurant menu prices. In this article, we delve into the phenomenon of menu price fatigue, its implications, and strategies that restaurants can adopt to strike a balance between maintaining profitability and nurturing customer loyalty.

Unraveling Menu Price Fatigue

Menu price fatigue, as the name suggests, refers to the growing resistance among consumers toward consistently increasing prices on restaurant menus. With rising costs in labor, ingredients, and operational expenses, it’s no surprise that restaurants have adjusted their prices to accommodate these changes. However, customers’ budgets cannot always keep up with these frequent adjustments.

The Impact on Customer Behavior

The constant rise in menu prices can significantly impact customer behavior. While valuing the dining-out experience, consumers may become more selective about where and when they choose to dine. Frequent price hikes could lead to fewer regular visits, opting for more budget-friendly alternatives instead.

Maintaining Customer Loyalty

To navigate this challenge, restaurants must prioritize maintaining customer loyalty while maintaining profitability. Here are some strategic approaches:

  1. Value-Driven Menus: Craft menus that highlight value propositions. Offer bundled deals, special promotions, or discounted meal combinations that provide customers with more for their money.
  2. Transparent Communication: Be transparent about price adjustments. Clearly communicate the reasons behind changes in menu prices, such as ingredient quality improvements or sustainability initiatives.
  3. Menu Engineering: Strategically design menus to emphasize dishes with higher profit margins. Highlight signature items that offer a unique experience, giving customers a reason to justify their spending.
  4. Enhance Dining Experience: Focus on enhancing the overall dining experience. Stellar service, ambiance, and personalized interactions can offset menu price concerns, making customers feel they are getting more than just a meal.
  5. Loyalty Programs: Implement loyalty programs that reward customers for their repeat business. Discounts, exclusive offers, or free items after a certain number of visits can create an incentive for customers to return.
  6. Feedback and Adaptation: Regularly solicit customer feedback to gauge their perceptions of menu pricing. Use this input to make informed adjustments that resonate with their expectations.

Balancing Profitability and Customer Satisfaction

Balancing the need for profitability with customer satisfaction is a delicate task. Restaurants must be agile in their approach to pricing. Careful consideration of consumer sentiment, market trends, and competitive analysis is essential to make informed decisions.

The phenomenon of menu price fatigue presents an intricate challenge for restaurants to overcome. By focusing on value-driven menus, transparent communication, and enhancing the overall dining experience, establishments can mitigate the impact of rising prices on customer loyalty. Navigating this landscape requires a strategic blend of creativity, adaptability, and a deep understanding of consumer preferences. Ultimately, balancing pricing and customer satisfaction is crucial to sustaining success in a competitive culinary world.

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How to Host an Epic Grand Opening for Your Restaurant

Jun 02, 2023

The grand opening of a restaurant holds significant importance as it sets the stage for a successful launch and establishes the foundation for future growth. This highly anticipated event is a powerful marketing tool, creating a buzz on social media, generating excitement, and attracting a wide range of potential customers. A well-executed grand opening allows the restaurant to showcase its unique offerings, ambiance, and hospitality, leaving a lasting impression on guests. It provides an opportunity to make a memorable first impression, build brand recognition, and cultivate a loyal customer base right from the start. By carefully planning and executing a grand opening, a restaurant can create a strong foothold in the market, paving the way for long-term success in the competitive culinary industry.

 

To create a successful grand opening for a restaurant, here are some tips to consider:

 

Plan early: Start planning your grand opening well in advance to ensure you have enough time to organize everything effectively. Set a date and work backward to create a timeline for tasks and preparations.

 

Develop a marketing strategy: Create buzz and generate excitement about your grand opening. Social media is perfect for this, but you can also include media local print advertising, news outlets, email marketing, and collaborations with local influencers or food bloggers to promote your event.

 

Create an attractive invitation: Design eye-catching invitations or flyers that reflect the theme and ambiance of your restaurant. Be sure to include the date, time, location, and any special offers or promotions for the grand opening.

 

Offer special promotions: To entice customers to visit your restaurant, consider offering special promotions or discounts during the grand opening period. This could include discounted prices, free appetizers or drinks, or a special prix fixe menu.

 

Host a soft opening: Before the grand opening, consider hosting a soft opening for friends, family, and local influencers to get feedback and generate word-of-mouth promotion. Doing so can help you iron out any operational issues and create a positive first impression.

 

Plan a ribbon-cutting ceremony: A ribbon-cutting ceremony can add a sense of officialness to your grand opening. Invite local figureheads, media representatives, and influential community members to attend and participate. This can generate additional publicity and lend credibility to your establishment.

 

Train your staff: Ensure your team is well-trained and prepared to handle the increased footfall during the grand opening. Provide your staff with proper training on customer service, menu knowledge, and efficient operations to deliver a positive dining experience.

 

Make it festive: Consider using balloons, banners, and signage to attract attention and make your establishment stand out on this special day.

 

Offer entertainment or live music: Consider hiring local musicians or entertainers to perform during the grand opening. This can enhance the overall experience and create a memorable atmosphere for your guests.

 

Provide excellent customer service: Prioritize delivering exceptional customer service during the grand opening. Ensure that your staff is attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable. Encourage them to engage with customers, address concerns, and provide personalized recommendations.

grand opening tips

 

Capture the moment: Hire a professional photographer or videographer to document the grand opening. Use these visuals for future marketing purposes and to share on your website, social media, and menus.

 

Remember, creating a successful grand opening is just the beginning. Consistently delivering great food, service, and experiences will be essential for the long-term success of your restaurant.

 

Sources

Indeed.com

OpenAi.com

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Restaurants: Ideas for a Profitable Mother’s Day

Apr 20, 2023

Across the country, Mother’s Day is a time-honored tradition to celebrate that special woman who makes a big difference in our lives. Each year, mothers and their loved ones classically flock to the brunch spots around their area to spend a day celebrating them. This holiday lends a hand easily to restaurants because all mothers want time, space, good food, and a chance to relax. As a restaurant owner, Mother’s Day is an excellent opportunity to get creative and make the day memorable for customers, and super profitable for your business.

 

If it’s specialty foods a family is looking for, try setting a unique pre-fixe menu. Signature foods that your restaurant excels at, wine pairings, and specialty desserts are a great way to go, says Restaurant News. Having a set menu gives customers a way to try out different foods they may not otherwise order, and it gives you a manageable way to serve a fixed list of dishes when the crowds rush in.

 

It’s no myth that restaurants compete on Mother’s Day to drive in traffic. To help entice customers, make your prices fair. You’ll want mothers and their families in your place on Mother’s Day, of course, but long-term thinking is a good tactic, too. You are creating a dining experience that is tasty yet affordable, so they’ll come back to try more.

 

One way to get a mom’s attention is to accommodate her children. It’s the reason we’re celebrating her in the first place! Help moms feel comfortable bringing their small children to your restaurant by setting up kids’ menus, and a small entertainment spot to play while the adults order and chat. Making your customers, all of them, feel welcome will drive business on Mother’s Day and long after, says Restaurant News. ToastTab even suggests giving moms a special discount in exchange for an embarrassing photo or story of their beloved children.

 

Let’s talk about entertainment. While the food is excellent, the prices are fantastic, and the kids are cared for, why not add a little music? Bars and restaurants could attract families by offering live music to their dining experience. If you are a bar owner looking to attract families without children, the answer might be with live music, too, says ToastTab.

 

 

Thinking outside the box this year could be your ticket to gaining new customers, says Buzztime, who suggests that making Mother’s Day a two-day event might do the trick. Offer a drink and food menu the night before, maybe calling it “Mother’s Day Eve.” According to the article, moms will enjoy the extra celebration and the chance to spend a night out. Add a “moms only” drink special, a DJ, or even a mom comedian to make it extra entertaining.

 

Whatever route you take this Mother’s Day at your restaurant, the point is to make moms feel special. Fantastic food, great drinks, fun entertainment, and the feeling of your place as a treat will not only help you on the day but also give families a ton of memories to return to.

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Uber Eats is Taking Down Virtual Brands

Apr 06, 2023

Today, when a new virtual experience is announced, one might conjure up ideas of an alternate reality as seen in VR gaming or through the lens of a robot. But what about food from “virtual” or “ghost kitchens?” The food is real, but these eateries aren’t “traditional” restaurants.

Ghost kitchens have seen an incredible increase since the COVID-19 pandemic. When the pandemic was at its height, thousands of restaurants were forced to shut down their standard operating procedures. Many tried to adapt to a take-out-only model, and that is where ghost kitchens thrive.

What are Ghost Kitchens or Virtual Brands?

Ghost kitchens aren’t an illusion. They provide a food service for customers like traditional restaurants; however, the kitchen has no physical storefront. Ghost kitchens allow patrons to still make purchases for take-out or delivery.

On the other hand, virtual brands (sometimes referred to as “virtual kitchens”) are a bit different in that they’re an extension of a traditional, physical eatery that also offers take-out options.

virtual brands

Benefits of Ghost Kitchens and Virtual Brands

These ghost kitchens and other virtual brands have been successful over the last three to five years. And that success is expected to continue, even increase more. But what are the benefits of these ghostly food services?

Ghost kitchens offer many benefits to restaurants or chefs looking to strike it out independently. They require a lot less capital or start-up hurdles. There is no real estate to deal with, which significantly cuts operating or overhead costs.

But the most significant advantage is the size of the potential customer base. The vast majority of teenagers and adults have smartphones. That is the identical customer base ghost kitchens and virtual brands want to attract. Ghost kitchens can advertise on Uber Eats and GrubHub and see plenty of foot traffic – no pun intended.

However, delivery or take-out options can be limiting when developing a menu. Take-out food has to be travel-ready, and the food shouldn’t suffer during transit. Ghost kitchens that use third-party delivery – like Uber Eats and GrubHub – can also expect to lose a substantial profit. Those services can take 25-30% of a ghost kitchen’s sales.

Why is Uber Eats Removing Ghost Kitchens and Virtual Brands?

The biggest hurdle to starting and maintaining a ghost kitchen is those third-party delivery services. Uber Eats–one of the most popular food delivery services–is stopping ghost kitchens themselves.

Specifically, Uber Eats is removing duplicate menu offerings where virtual kitchens are mostly affected. The app argues that multiple listings of similar menus make the app cluttered rather than more manageable, easier to navigate, and ultimately, can drive customers to lower-quality options.

For the ghost and virtual kitchens that make it through the “decluttering,” new restrictions must be followed. Uber Eats will require that all ghost and virtual kitchens offer a menu that is at least 60% different from any other kitchen operating at the same brick-and-mortar location.

While customers will likely be happy with few options and a higher quality standard, restaurants could see some issues. They must craft a substantially different menu if a physical location is shared among several ghost or virtual kitchens.

Still, ghost and virtual kitchens are trending and are expected to continue. People still want the ease of restaurant eating without having to go physically to the restaurant. The Uber Eats crackdown will create better food and overall experience for everyone.

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Building a Strong Local Community Connection

Mar 27, 2023

Restaurants play a vital role in the community by providing food and drink, bringing people together, and creating a sense of community. Building a strong local connection is essential for the success of any restaurant, and here are some tips for doing so:

 

Get involved in the community

Participating in local events and initiatives is a great way to build a strong local connection. This can include sponsoring local sports teams, participating in charity events, and hosting community events.

 

Source local ingredients

Sourcing ingredients locally supports the local economy and helps build a connection with the community. By working with local farmers and producers, restaurants can offer fresh, high-quality ingredients and build a reputation for supporting the local community.

ingredients

Showcase local art and music

Showcasing local art and music is a great way to create a unique atmosphere and build a connection with the community. This can involve displaying local art on the walls, hosting live music events, and collaborating with local artists and musicians.

 

Engage with customers on social media

Social media is a powerful tool for building a connection with the community. By engaging with customers on social media, restaurants can build a loyal following and create a sense of community. This can involve sharing behind-the-scenes photos and videos, promoting local events, and responding to customer feedback and questions.

 

Partner with other local businesses

Partnering with other local businesses is a great way to connect with the community and attract new customers. This can involve cross-promotion, such as offering discounts to customers of other local businesses or collaborating on events or promotions.

 

Host cooking classes and other events

Hosting cooking classes and other events is a great way to build a connection with the community and create a unique experience for customers. This can involve hosting cooking classes, wine tastings, or other events that showcase the restaurant’s expertise and personality.

 

building local

 

Building a solid local connection is essential for the success of any restaurant. By getting involved in the community, sourcing local ingredients, showcasing local art and music, engaging with customers on social media, partnering with other local businesses, and hosting cooking classes and other events, restaurants can create a sense of community and build a loyal following, which will help you survive an economic downturn.

 

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The Importance of Guest’s Price/Value Perception

Mar 26, 2023

Maximizing the price/value perception of restaurant guests can be achieved through the following methods:

 

    • Offer quality ingredients: Using high-quality ingredients can improve the perceived value of a dish. Guests are more likely to pay higher prices for dishes that use premium ingredients.
    • Portion control: Proper portion control is essential to ensure guests feel satisfied with their meals. Small portions can leave guests unsatisfied, while overly large portions can lead to waste.
    • Presentation: The visual appeal of a dish can significantly affect how guests perceive its value. Plates beautifully presented and garnished can make guests feel they are receiving a higher-value dish. Restaurants should create visually appealing dishes that look appetizing and are Instagram-worthy.
    • Menu descriptions: How a menu item is described can greatly affect how guests perceive its value. Descriptive language that highlights the quality of the ingredients and the skill required to prepare the dish can increase the perceived value of a dish.
    • Offer unique menu items: Restaurants can differentiate themselves from competitors by offering unique menu items not commonly found at other restaurants. This can help to increase the perceived value of a dish.
    • Offer promotions: Promotions like happy hours, discounts, and value meals can help to improve the perceived value of a restaurant’s offerings. Guests are more likely to feel that they are getting a good deal when a special offer is attached to a dish.restaurant deals

 

  • Train staff to upsell: Restaurant staff can help increase a dish’s perceived value by upselling complementary items, such as wine or dessert.
  • Customize dishes: Offering the ability to customize dishes can help guests feel they are receiving a personalized experience. This can help to improve the perceived value of the meal.
  • Excellent service: Providing exceptional service can improve guests’ overall dining experience and increase the perceived value of a meal. Friendly, attentive service can make guests feel they are receiving a high-value experience.
  • Create a comfortable ambiance: A restaurant’s ambiance can significantly impact a meal’s perceived value. Creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere helps increase the perceived value of a meal.
  • Provide transparent pricing: Being transparent about menu prices can help to build trust with customers and increase the perceived value of a meal.

 

By implementing these methods, restaurants can maximize their guests’ price/value perception, leading to increased customer satisfaction, loyalty, repeat business, and ultimately increased revenue.

 

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State of the Restaurant Industry 2023

Mar 14, 2023

It would have been hard to predict how much restaurants would change over the last ten years, or even the last several years. Inflation, staff shortages, and illness have deeply affected everything from medical care to egg prices, and chances are if you’ve dined out, even semi-recently, you’ve noticed a big difference in your experience. Like everything since the outbreak of COVID, restaurants have had to pivot. It’s a new world for restaurants in 2023, but experts say there’s much to look forward to as well.

 

People Want to Go Out to Eat Again

 

Here’s some good news: People want to go out to eat again. They crave the dining experience and are willing to pay a little more for it. According to the National Restaurant Association, consumers are looking to spend their leisure time with family and friends, rather than cooking and cleaning up. Restaurant operators have reported business is getting close to “normal” (pre-pandemic customer numbers), and their focus this year is sustainable growth for the future, says the article. Many consumers seek bargains, loyalty programs, and discounts when dining out; however, Gen Z and Millennials  are the two groups most comfortable with their steady or growing finances this year. They are more likely to spend their money on entertainment and dining out, says QSRmagazine.

 

eating

 

In addition to that good news, here’s some more: the foodservice industry has been predicted to earn $997 billion in sales in 2023, says the National Restaurant Association. This is due in part to the rising prices on menus. The downside, though, is that most restaurant owners and operators are worried about high food costs that affect menu prices and portion sizes, says QSR.

 

High Food Costs are Top of Mind

 

High food costs are at the forefront of restaurant owners’ minds, and, unfortunately, there are some things that will make 2023 challenging for the foodservice industry. Since the lockdown in 2020, finding food service workers has been difficult. Not much is going to change in that way, says Restaurant Dive. According to the National Restaurant Association food service jobs are estimated to grow by 500,000 jobs by the end of the year. The dip in help has left owners and operators zeroing in on efficiency, and is likely, in the near future, that staffing will never look like it did pre-pandemic, says Restaurant Dive. That means more restaurants are implementing digital ways to reduce “front-of-house costs,” says the article, with pay-at-table options or tableside ordering, and even hiring remote workers for drive-thrus and walk-up counters. It also means giving staff more prep work before shifts alleviating some pressure during service hours.

 

Like many industries after the COVID outbreak, restaurants are slowly climbing their way back up. 2023 predictions aren’t nearly as stark as previous years, but they still present some challenges. Creative ideas, trying new methods, and leaving room for trial and error, are the name of the game these days. Restaurants across the country are stepping up to the plate.