Nation's Restaurant News On the Go Newsletter #56
Nation's Restaurant News
The #1 source of news and business intelligence for restaurant and foodservice industry professionals
Don’t ignore Gen Alpha
Hey all,
Managing editor Leigh Anne Zinsmeister here, fresh off a recent trip to Phoenix for Technomic’s winter Foodservice Planning Program.
What a refreshing trip it was, and not just because of the 70-degree weather. This event was my first chance to see Technomic’s work up close in person, after we started working together last year. In just a day and a half, hundreds of suppliers and manufacturers received an economic update, a foodservice industry update, and in-depth presentations on three new Technomic reports. There were also two guest speakers, from Wendy’s and Gastamo Group, an outlook for the months ahead, networking breaks, and cocktail receptions. It was a lot, to be sure, but I can’t remember the last time I learned so much in such a short span of time.
For example: Two-thirds of 14- to 17-year-olds have a restaurant app on their phone, and 45% have 3-5 restaurant apps. Why? Most teens say it’s because the apps give them a way to earn free or discounted items. ?Meanwhile, 27% of the same age group follow a food, beverage, or restaurant brand on social media, to find out about new items, or get deals. And marketing to that age bracket (and younger) matters, because 74% of parents to Generation Alpha take their kids’ opinions into account when choosing a restaurant for the family. And for 15% of those families, the kids are the sole decision makers.
In addition to more power for Gen Alpha, for 2024, Technomic predicts less volatility (phew!), lower inflation (double phew!), a rebound in innovation, increasing government regulation and more. We’ll be sure to cover all of it here at Nation’s Restaurant News.
McDonald’s updated burgers are now available nationwide
McDonald’s first announced its “best burger initiative” in April, featuring more than 50 tweaks aimed at making the chain’s core product better. Those tweaks include everything from new, softer buns and more Big Mac sauce to changes in the cooking process to yield a more consistent sear and meltier cheese.
Now, these upgraded burgers are available nationwide and the company is leveraging its classic Hamburglar character to promote them. The latest campaign began last weekend for fans who opt?into McDonald’s text messaging campaign. “The person who runs the McDonald’s account” sent a text noting that the Hamburglar was on the loose, leaving with McDonald’s “best burgers ever in this vehicle.” The vehicle included a license plate with his signature catchphrase, “RBL RBL.” The text then prompted users to respond with their city, so they could alert us if he’s nearby and offer a chance to win a prize pack or free burgers for a year. So far, there has been no response.
However, we now know that license plate is part of a 1970 Plymouth Barracuda, called “Burgercuda,” which is making its way “coast-to-coast” for a burger-stealing heist. McDonald’s fans who spot the car and scan the vehicle’s code can earn an Arch Card and Hamburglar-themed swag.
Millennials’ favorite restaurants
Millennials, consumers born between the early 1980s and mid-1990s, are firmly in their adult years now. They were the first generation of the Internet and social media, which still plays a role in how they find and choose restaurants, and many of them have families of their own influencing the decisions they make.
What do Millennials love in a restaurant? For one thing, they are big fans of beverages and snacks, more so than full meals. They also love smoothies, possibly for the convenience, perception of health, and consistency.
In this gallery, meet 20 of Millennials’ favorite restaurant chains — 10 full-service brands and 10 limited-service brands.
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KFC debuts Smash’d Potato Bowls, $20 combo meal
KFC has introduced Smash’ed Potato Bowls, filled with mashed potatoes and topped with Secret Recipe fries, cheese sauce, bacon crumbles and a three-cheese blend. The bowls are now available nationwide for $3.49. They can also be topped with five of KFC’s chicken nuggets for $2 more.
The nationwide debut of the bowls comes after a successful test run in Pittsburgh in 2023. KFC first added its Famous Bowls in 2006 and, in 2019, added Mac & Cheese Bowls. The bowls are part of the chain’s strategy to attract younger consumers by adding more boneless, to-go offerings. During an interview late last year, Chavez said bowls, sandwiches and wraps are driving a higher mix among younger and more diverse customers and such options are the company’s “main priority right now.”
Dave & Buster’s to debut new prototype in Dallas before the Super Bowl
Coppell, Texas-based eatertainment brand Dave & Buster’s announced last week that the restaurant chain’s newest prototype will open on Feb. 9 in Dallas.
The location, at 9450 North Central Expressway, will host several events the weekend of the Super Bowl, which takes place on Sunday, Feb. 11. The Dallas Mavericks mascot Champ (a blue horse) and the Mavericks’ street team will give away prizes during the ribbon cutting on Feb. 9. That night and on Feb. 10, there will be drone shows. Dave & Buster’s has also partnered with clothing brand True Brvnd to release exclusive D&B Upside Down Dallas hats.
New elements at this location include a “wall-to-wall gaming environment” called The Arena, interactive social darts and shuffleboard bays, an “immersive” sports viewing experience experience, a self-serve beer wall, and a new menu.
NEW! RESTAURANT TECHNOLOGY SURVEY FOR RESTAURANT OPERATORS
Nation’s Restaurant News Intelligence is conducting its second annual?Restaurant Technology Survey to explore how digital innovation is shaping the future of foodservice. If you are a restaurant operator we want to hear from you. Take our short survey and you'll have a chance to win an Amazon gift card. You'll also receive premier access to our Restaurant Technology Market Leader Report including survey results.
PODCAST: Is Bojangles finally ready to go national? Hear from Jose Armario, CEO of Bojangles on their new strategy
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"Change before you have to," as Jack Welch wisely remarked. ?? It's inspiring to see Nation's Restaurant News leading discussions on the future of foodservice. Speaking of change and growth, did you know there's an upcoming Guinness World Record attempt for Tree Planting? It might be a great opportunity for innovative brands to get involved! Here's more info: https://bit.ly/TreeGuinnessWorldRecord ???
Hello ??! Love the dive into Gen Alpha and the evolving landscape of restaurant trends. As Jane Goodall said, "What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make." Excited to see how these insights shape the future of dining! ???? #ForwardThinking #FoodInnovation