Guests views and opinions on 'quality' can really vary depending on where they are, the occasion and who they are eating with. It can be a difficult concept to pin down.
Yet, research shows that 'overall experience' is the most important factor when it comes to choosing to eat in one restaurant over another.* This supports the idea the successful operators should really be looking to boost quality in every aspect of their business. From ingredients to menus, front of house service to facilities, making real quality improvements impresses guests and contributes to the fantastic experience they are looking for.
Guests’ quality expectations are rising, even among the less adventurous groups. They are asking more about the food they are eating and making more considered choices. It’s time to think about quality in all aspects of your business.
*Peach Factory Food Trends 2010Consumers
associate natural ingredients with quality. 47% of consumers agreed
with the statement "my impression of a restaurant will improve if I know
they buy fresh ingredients".
Economic American Express
Market Brief
From fashion to food, consumers are looking for an "experience". This is as much about the quality of the food, as it is about the location, ambiance and service.
The
huge popularity of cooking programmes, celebrity chefs, cook books and
high profile destination restaurants, have put culinary expertise into
the mainstream. Consumers have a heightened awareness of global
cuisines, ingredients, cooking methods and quality.
The increasing success of restaurants that pride themselves on fresh, natural ingredients.
On menus Fresh labelling has increased, and we expect menus in the future to feature heavily with fresh foods, locally named producers and artisan ingredients.
The
consumer desire for a dining experience can be seen at the top end of
the market, right through to successful commercial operations in staff
feeding where the consumer watches their meal cooked fresh in front of
them.
