The NPD Group have released what they expect to be the five top eating out trends to watch out in 2018…
Click and collect
According to the NPD Group, click and collect services are expected to be used more and more within the eating out sphere. Smart phones are expected to change the way operators and consumers interact and through this increased use of technology, foodservice operators will be able to serve more customers and drive profit. As well as this, data will be collected to develop much more personalised deals and offers.
Investment in staff
While this use of technology can help, staff on the front line are every outlet’s best sales people. It is important for operators to invest in the happiness, wellbeing and training of foodservice teams, which will in turn bring them better customer satisfaction and loyalty, as well as increased profits.
VIP treatment
Nowadays, discounts and offers have just become the norm. Instead, operators need to attract customers with more than this – personalised loyalty schemes and exclusive offers are what is expected.
Dodge broken promises
It is vital to never over-promise and under-deliver – you don’t want that complaint to go viral on social media. Competition in the market is expected to carry on increasing and with consumers shopping around more and more; outlets must be secure in their promise of support, service and quality.
Share recommendations
Consumers love recommendations and the technology now available can build upon this, where foodservice staff can make meaningful suggestions based on customer data. This technology can customise menu suggestions relevant to people’s mood, diet, hunger or reason for visiting.
