2014 the year that consumers will be
spending more, which translates to more posteriors in more restaurant seats. Are you fully prepared to handle this new business.
Depending on your industry segment and region of the country; changes in products or
service style can be subtle or you you may need a major renovation. Here are a few insights to consider.
As industry consultants we're lucky enough to work with exciting chains all over the country. We've seen some trends popping up on menus that is sure to move mainstream in 2014. You need to reach new customer through their senses, both intellectual (ie: healthy eating or great value) and olfactory.
Fast Casual concepts with continue to fight each
other for market share as innovators like Modmarket Farm Fresh Eateries, Great Wraps and Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill focus on fresh & healthy, while
delivering taste sensations that consumer’s translate into dining value.
Multi-concept casual dining giants serving up more of the same
seafood and Italian dishes will continue to struggle with declining sales, but
they can look forward to improvements in 2014.
However, real growth in this segment does not come easily because the
faster moving and clearer thinking emerging chain innovators keep introducing
spot-on trendy products.
Savvy executives have discovered that re-imagining the menu is far cheaper and faster
than “re-branding.” They are looking to add new
seasonings, sides, toppings, and specialty breads...the nitro that has fueled the segment since early 2011.
Ask whether or not you have been providing what your customer needs – or
want he wants?
The “hot chain” concepts that we support have added culinary support to develop or refine new taste
experiences. Take time to tell customers why they are using
quality products ABF poultry, ZTF oils, red tomato, chia and Quinoa seeds, and roasted veggie toppings. As Chef Paul Ladouceur,
SPS-Culinary Services says, “try to add texture to products and discover how
intelligent ingredients are not only trendy, nourishing and taste good, but
they can produce a healthy bottom-line.”.”
QSR (fast food) restaurants will outpace
all segments in increased profits, partly because the Affordable Heath Care Act
forces foodservice organizations to move hourly-workers to 30 hours per week
(leaving them to toil without a health safety net). This unfortunate
situation does offer operators an opportunity to invest this political cash
gift (they don't have to pay insurance) in equipment upgrades and profit producing promotions.
Thoughts on Distribution
Not
even the Wall Street Journal knows how Sysco’s purchase (merger) of U.S. Foods will impact the marketplace. Lets just
accept the fact that it's hard to turn the Queen Mary even in calm waters, but they will find a safe harbor, even as they improve their Machiavellian category management program.
Look
for the continued growth of regional distributors and groups like, DMA and Uni-Pro (Mug-Group) that are sure to capture market share during the next 18 months. You can also bet that the super-cube
will emerge leaner and more profitable. To the average chain operator differences between distribution services will become even more obvious later in the New Year.
Food Trends – Eat
This List
PRETZEL EVERYTHING |
Breads, twists, wraps, nuggets
|
MIS-MASH |
Haute Jewish Deli (amped up chicken liver, peppered pastrami; other - Beef potato chips, marshmallows & macadamia nuts, Asian-American
comfort food (hand held)
|
The NEW COBB SALAD |
Trendy ingredients (jerk, ABF chicken, Italian ham, fried
avocados
|
More
BROCCOLI
|
Frittata, broccoli slaw, roasted, as pizza topping, and
Pizza oven-roasted cauliflower with whipped goat feta
|
TO-GO "car cups" |
Actually fit cup holders & not just for drive-thru's to
hold finger foods from fried fish to whiskey-butterscotch parfaits
|
Make a New Year's resolution to stay
current with your industry, attend a trade show, improve your product knowledge and remember to share your experiences by
mentoring the next generation of foodservice professionals.
To Your Success!
Fred
Fred
Favole, is Founder & President of Strategic Purchasing Services
(SPS), America’s most experienced firm specializing in chain purchasing & supply-chain management support. Ask Fred about a solution for your business; P:
912-634-0030 e-mail Fred@StrategicPurchasingServices.com
