With the turning of the year, many operators have fresh ideas and new initiatives they are rolling out to stay ahead of the competition and keep guests coming back. One of the areas that often affects guests most directly is the food that is served so here are a few expected menu trends for the coming year.
According to research compiled by Mintel Menu Insights, five of the biggest menu trends for 2012 include: “American regionalism, double-sided menus, consumer control, slow it down, and importing ideas.” Mintel states that their trends are predicted based on research done that the consumer level, areas other industries are shifting towards, and current movement within the restaurant industry.
American regionalism is described as embracing favorite cuisines of various regions around the country. People are expected to look for what is famous, well known, or recognized as the best when dining in a particular area. Double-sided menus means an expectation for more choices, including a fair representation of healthy options side by side the standard restaurant offerings. People are looking for more variety when dining out; a response to this trend will enable a restaurant to appeal to a wide array of people and allow a party with varying preferences to all have something to enjoy. Consumer control refers to options. People will be looking to customize their orders and have the ability to be in charge of what they choose to eat. While many consumers have been trading to quick service and fast casual, they will be looking for restaurants to slow it down in the coming year. While they appreciate the consistency and speed, people will be looking to get a sense that food was prepared with care just for them. There is an expectation to see an increase in descriptions referring to items being home style or hand prepared. Lastly, importing ideas will not necessarily mean a shift to global cuisine, but picking up on ideas that have taken off in other areas of the world that could translate well to what American consumers are looking for. While this trend may be harder to pinpoint, it’s a macro view approach that companies with forward thinkers could really embrace.
In the coming months there will surely be many more trends revealed for varying segments, but for those looking to get a jump on what’s expected, we hope these ideas may be helpful. http://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/five-menu-trends-2012?utm_source=jolt&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20111216µsite=9342
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