The foodservice landscape will evolve in 2019, driven by increased awareness around social and environmental responsibility and innovation in technology-enabled customer service, according to Mintel.
Diners are supporting restaurants with cultures and values that align with their own lifestyles. In the year ahead, restaurants are expected to take customer engagement even further by creating a sense of community with patrons, says Amanda Topper, Mintel’s associate director of foodservice research.
Mintel also predicts that sustainability will become the new normal and operators will need to take more innovative steps to stand out. This may include partnerships that put the greater good above competition and circular economies that benefit the environment and people involved in the food systems.
Amid rising labor costs and declining unemployment, restaurants will find even more creative ways to attract and retain top talent, therefore building loyalty in their communities. Topper adds that employee retention programs and community outreach initiatives will be crucial for brands in 2019.
Finally, operators must ensure that technology innovations benefit not only operational efficiency but first and foremost, customers. The way customers order will dramatically change moving forward, and restaurants will utilize technology to heighten customer experiences and provide value through more personalized service.
Related: Restaurants See Best Same-Store Sales Growth Since 2015; Opinion: Dining Out While Staying at Home.
from Industry Operations http://bit.ly/2FAoFaT
No comments: