No industry relies on customer feedback like the foodservice industry. Without paying keen attention to what customers require, achieving success in the foodservice industry can turn out to be a mission impossible. Restaurants and food companies that are excelling in this field are those that keep meeting the ever-changing customer preference. With increased awareness of health matters, people everywhere demand a healthy meal service from their favorite restaurants. It assures them that someone is concerned about their health.
Trends in the foodservice industry
Even before coronavirus hit the world, the foodservice industry was already experiencing an unprecedented transformation concerning service delivery. In ensuring that customers are satisfied and happy, restaurants and food companies have always endeavored to meet their customers’ needs most professionally. Here are some trends that have characterized this industry:
Small menus
Regardless of your preferred meal, you would be happy if it was prepared in the right way. Just like in any other industry, specialization is the key to producing quality. Long menus compromise the productivity of cooking staff or chefs because they have to spend a lot of energy and time working on an endless list of foods. Adopting a small menu allows you to focus on quality, since much time is dedicated to preparing a few meals that automatically turn out to be tasty and yummy.
Delivery options
As the idea of working from home is continuing to take root in virtually every society, people are gradually minimizing outdoor movements, hence preferring home deliveries. The food industry has been compelled to rise to the occasion and meet this growing need. Customers can have their favorite dish delivered to their doorstep while warm through food ordering apps. As established food companies prefer to use third-party delivery services, small restaurants and companies are coordinating efforts with their hired staff to do the delivery. Those using third-party delivery services are bound to meet some challenges, they include:
- Lack of urgency-Since third-party personnel are not answerable to their clients; they end up being sluggish and insensitive to delivery deadlines.
- Delivery service taking credit-To maintain your customers; they have to feel your presence at almost every level. Using a third party to execute your delivery needs can greatly compromise your ability to make a lasting impression on the hearts of your clients.
- Customer service complaints-Incidences of customers being poorly treated or handled by delivery service personnel are all over. This is especially the case due to the lack of supervisory authority from the restaurant or food company side.
Online presence
There is no denying the fact that the online approach is taking over how most businesses transact. The foodservice industry is not an exception to this emerging trend. Creating a website would be the best route to achieving this objective. However, with all the costs involved in setting up a website, small businesses can opt for alternative approaches to setting up their websites. Here are workable options:
- Open table
- Reservation
- Online reservations
Green kitchens and environmental concerns
Restaurants and food companies that are alive to environmental preservation will automatically win the hearts of many customers. In recent times, biodegradable wares such as wax paper cups, paper straws, and fiber to-go containers have been used to caution against the harmful effects of plastic waste.
The foodservice industry has experienced a tremendous transformation over the years. Despite this progress, everyone must ensure that they are eating healthy food that is good for the body’s wellbeing. Keep in mind that there are evil business people in this industry who are only concerned with making a profit, even if it is at the expense of their customers. Your health should be your number one priority.