Dining trends are evolving, and mainstream chain, pub, and bar operators are stepping up to the challenge
Dining trends are evolving, and mainstream chain, pub, and bar operators are stepping up to the challenge, as highlighted in Lumina Intelligence UK Menu and Food Trends Report 2023, covered by The Morning Advertiser.
In 2023, persistent inflation led to an 8.5% and 6.5% surge in same-line dish prices during spring and summer. Operators countered this with strategic menu pricing, adjusting entry-level costs and introducing premium dishes aligned with current dining trends.
Healthier and sustainable options are mega trends shaping menus. Meat-free dishes in chain restaurants saw an eight-percentage-point increase, responding to the growing demand for plant-based choices. Garlic, pickle, and mushrooms emerge as popular vegetables, with “spiced” and “pickled” dominating menu descriptions, emphasising the need for nuanced approaches.
Value scrutiny emerged as a crucial mega-trend. Chain restaurants maintained entry prices while directing significant increases to premium offerings.
The report explores how lifestyle changes, including increased remote work, influence dining habits. Consumers now seek social media-worthy experiences, giving rise to the trend of party dining. The decline of late-night options has led to late-night entertainment in premium restaurants.
In response to these trends, restaurant directors are focusing on strategic menu engineering, adapting to evolving consumer preferences, and offering value-driven, memorable experiences to stay competitive.
Syrve: Simplifying Restaurant Success
For restaurant success, crafting an excellent menu is crucial, and Syrve UK is here to simplify the process:
Identifying Popular Items
Syrve provides real-time metrics, helping spot customer favourites and adapt to changing trends. The platform’s optimisation ensures that popular items contribute not only to customer satisfaction but also to the bottom line.
Creating a Profitable Menu
Syrve addresses pricing challenges and static menus. Its data analytics help strategically price items, balancing costs and popularity for a profitable mix. The platform’s recipe management adds flexibility to adjust to changing customer preferences and stay ahead of demand.
Improving Promotions
Syrve streamlines promotion management, making it easy to create and distribute promotions. Automation ensures consistent offerings during order-taking, and personalised promotions cater to individual customer preferences, enhancing engagement and satisfaction.
Attracting More Customers
Syrve offers multi-source ordering for convenience. External digital menus make offerings accessible and visually appealing, attracting and retaining customers. Flexible pricing protects margins on every channel, ensuring a balance between quality and profit.
In summary, the 2023 restaurant industry demands swift adaptation to evolving consumer preferences. Lumina Intelligence’s UK Menu and Food Trends Report 2023, as reported by The Morning Advertiser, offers essential guidance. Key strategies include strategic menu engineering, awareness of changing dining habits, and creating memorable experiences. Embracing technology, such as Syrve, is crucial in tackling these shifts effectively.
Source: The Morning Advertiser, Lumina Intelligence’s UK Menu and Food Trends Report 2023
