Today, the “Restaurant of the Future” is a hot topic among experts and food enthusiasts. It combines advanced technology with sustainability and community values. In this blog post, we will explore exciting possibilities like personalized menus, robot serving, eco-friendly practices, and inclusive dining options.
Rediscovering the Restaurant of the Future
COVID-19 has brought convenience and seamless digital experiences. Taco Belly’s Defy has revolutionized contactless dining for a new generation. Looking back at 2021, the restaurant industry faced a lot of uncertainty and disruption due to the pandemic. Deloitte highlighted the impact of COVID-19 on the sector. Two-thirds of surveyed consumers said they didn’t expect to return to their pre-pandemic dining habits within six months.
There’s one thing we’ve learned from COVID-19. The phrase “new normal” doesn’t capture the true essence of the innovative changes that have taken place. Many trends emerged before the pandemic, but COVID-19 accelerated their adoption.
Deloitte recently released another report, the first since 2021. It revealed that 55 percent of customers (surveyed in March 2023) reported dining in person at the same or higher frequency than before the pandemic. Additionally, 69 percent said they ordered takeout or delivery with the same or greater frequency than in previous years. Contrary to predictions, COVID-19 did not dampen consumers’ appetites as much as anticipated. Although the restaurant industry didn’t suffer as much as predicted, there has been a noticeable shift in how guests interact with brands.
Many preferences that emerged during lockdowns have persisted. Two themes from the 2021 study remain significant: the demand for ultimate convenience reflected in the growth of delivery and takeout and the importance of frictionless digital engagement. In addition to updating its 2021 survey data, Deloitte analyzed the future of the consumer industry to anticipate changes over the next decade. The company expects the implications for the restaurant sector to fall into three categories: markets, models, and mechanics.
The concept of “value” falls under the “markets” category. In 2023, there is a clear demand for restaurants, but many guests are trying to limit their spending. With rising prices, the perception of value has become crucial. Kinetic12, a consultancy that works with emerging brands, identified seven top value definitions:
- Food quality
- Portion size
- Pricing (discounting)
- Service
- Experience
- Cutting corners
- Consistent execution
According to Kinetic12, consistent quality is key to customer loyalty. Portion size is another important factor, with guests becoming more aware of “shrinkflation,” where prices remain the same while portion sizes decrease. One suggested solution is to offer two different portion sizes at different prices, allowing loyal customers to choose based on their preferences.
Consistent execution was identified as the top opportunity for revenue growth, followed by innovation and limited-time offerings, expanded catering and family bundles, expanded social media presence, and optimized online ordering and payment. Maintaining consistency in menus and streamlining the order and payment process is essential to deliver value consistently to customers. Deloitte’s consumer data also emphasize the importance of value.
When asked what to encourage them to order from restaurants, respondents mentioned cheaper options and higher-quality products for both dine-in and takeout scenarios. Considering the current economic concerns, cost savings will likely remain a significant factor in consumer decision-making. To provide practical value and meet evolving preferences, Deloitte suggests that restaurants invest in optional tools. This could include personalization engines for targeted discounts and marketing campaigns, diversified offerings, and channel-specific.
Revolutionize Your Restaurant Experience With SupplyCaddy
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With our headquarters in Miami, Florida, and manufacturing facilities in North America and Europe, we are strategically positioned to deliver top-notch solutions to businesses worldwide. Whether you’re looking for innovative packaging options, eco-friendly disposables, or custom branding opportunities, SupplyCaddy covers you.
Take advantage of the opportunity to elevate your dining experience and optimize your operations. Contact us today at [email protected] to explore how our extensive range of products can enhance your business. Together, let’s shape the future of the restaurant industry and create memorable experiences for your customers.
