Making sure a dish is delicious and craveable is only a small part of the equation. Here’s a look at what menu-making teams need to consider today, based on insights from Technomic's Generational Consumer Trend Report.
About two-thirds of Gen Zers and millennials say they follow foodservice via social media sites. Millennials’ preferred sites are Facebook and Twitter, while younger diners favor Instagram, Snapchat and Tumblr.
Social responsibility—for example, sourcing of ingredients and fair treatment of animals—is equally important to Gen Xers, millennials and Gen Zers, though the younger two are most likely to cite sustainability as a driver.
More than any other group, Gen Z is drawn to brands offering healthy options, but definitions of health differ. Younger generations view “natural” and “organic” as healthy, compared to older diners who value “low-sodium” and “trans-fat-free.”
Of all the food consumers order from restaurants, only 46% is for dine-in consumption; 38% is for takeout and 16% is for delivery. Millennials lead takeout orders and tie with Gen Zers for above-average reliance on delivery.
The Bottom Line: The salad chain’s stock rose 34% on Friday after sales and profitability were better than expected. The company’s shares are above its IPO price for the first time in two years.
Reality Check: The first three months of 2024 weren’t easy on restaurant chains, but spin-doctoring proved to be. Indeed, there must have been a run on shovels.
Nancy Kruse and Lisa Jennings discuss restaurant reservation scalpers, cancellation fees and what to do when you can't get into the hottest concept in town.