?? Restaurant Roundup - 14th March 2024
Dawn Gribble
?? Hospitality Marketing Expert | MIH | MCIM | Founder HospitalityMarketingHub.com ?????
Hello, and welcome to the latest edition of the Restaurant Roundup
I’m your host, Dawn Gribble, an independent hospitality marketing strategist with over 20 years of international experience, serving the latest marketing news with a side of expert insights.?
Here's what's on the Marketing Menu this week
?? How Eatertainment Restaurants Are Transforming Dining??
According to data from Placer.ai , "eatertainment" restaurants, which offer a unique blend of dining and entertainment experienced a 20% growth in visits. This trend is also catching the attention of investors, who see potential in these concepts and the technology behind them. What sets eatertainment restaurants apart is their versatility.?
"When you combine casual dining's intense cost pressures with what is now more than a decade of consistent psychographic data stating modern generations have an appetite for experiences and will spend more to dine with them, it's created an eatertainment perfect storm," Robert Thompson - Punch Bowl Social?
The intersection of food and technology in eatertainment represents a new frontier in the restaurant industry. With unique concepts, proprietary technology and the support of industry veterans, these establishments are reshaping the dining experience.
?? Restaurants can offer eatertainment that ranges from family-friendly activities like trivia nights, axe throwing competitions, vintage arcade games, mini-golf and themed dinners and upscale experiences such as cocktail making classes. A personal favourite of mine is Jazz @ Pizza Express Dubai where you can kick back and enjoy live music with dinner.?
Don't forget to offer this to the corporate world too for conferences, team building and creative meetings.?
Learn more: ? Hospitality Customer Experience Trends
Sources: Smart Brief
?? DiGiorno’s Rescue Program Uses AI to Turn Pizza Mishaps into Coupons
DiGiorno has launched the Pizza Rescue Program, a unique solution to the common problem of damaged pizza during delivery or takeaway.?
Customers can upload a picture of their pizza to a dedicated microsite which uses AI to analyse the level of damage on the pizza. Based on the analysis, it will offer a digital coupon corresponding to the damage level. If the pizza is up to 30% damaged, the coupon will be good for $1 off. If it is up to 60% damaged, the coupon will be good for $1.50; if it is up to 100% damaged, the coupon will be good for $2.
?? An interesting?concept for improving customer satisfaction by proactively addressing delivery issues and deploying AI for efficient problem-solving. Directly engaging with consumers can certainly increase brand loyalty. However, I wonder about the system's potential abuse, with customers possibly manipulating photos to claim higher discounts. The tiered coupon system might not fully compensate for the inconvenience of a damaged pizza, potentially leaving some customers dissatisfied.?
What do you think? Let me know in the comments [Comments Button]
Learn more: ? How to Attract More Customers To Your Restaurant
Sources: Marketing Dive
?? KFC UK and Ireland Unveils First Nutrition Progress Update?
KFC UK and Ireland has introduced its inaugural Nutrition Progress Update, a report outlining the advancements it has made in enhancing the nutritional profile of its menu.?
Key achievements highlighted include the reformulation of KFC fries, which will reduce approximately thirteen billion calories annually, and the elimination of full-sugar Pepsi, which removes around eight billion calories each year from its offerings.?
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KFC has expanded its selection of meals under 500 calories, including rice boxes, salads, and Twister Wraps. In collaboration with the youth activist movement Bite Back, KFC has embarked on behavioural intervention trials to encourage healthier eating habits among customers, particularly during lunch.?
?? KFC's approach reflects growing consumer demand for healthier eating options and accountability from food service providers. Restaurants should note KFC's proactive steps to improve menu nutritional profiles and increase transparency in food and beverage offerings. Promoting health-conscious menu options and publishing insights into nutritional content can satisfy the increasing consumer demand for healthier eating choices and position the chain as a responsible and forward-thinking brand.?
Learn more: ? Why Communication is So Important on Social Media
Sources: KFC
?? Starbucks Debuts 2 Iced Lavender Drinks for Spring?
Starbucks is bringing a touch of spring to its menu with two new lavender-flavoured iced drinks. These limited-time offerings (LTOs) are targeted towards Gen Z and Millennial customers. This move comes as Starbucks focuses on its cold beverage category, which accounted for 75% of its drink sales in Q3 of 2023. On their recent earnings call, Starbucks highlighted this category's strength due to a generational shift towards cold coffee among younger customers.?
?? While Starbucks is known for its successful seasonal LTOs, such as the iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte, it remains to be seen if these lavender drinks will become a recurring option.
For restaurant marketers, this trend towards cold beverages is a reminder to stay on top of evolving consumer preferences and to offer limited-time specials with experimental flavours to entice a curious younger audience.?
Tropical flavours like pineapple, passionfruit, mango, dragonfruit, and papaya are predicted to be popular in 2024, offering a sweet-tart zing and supporting energy levels. Floral and botanical flavours, including hibiscus, lavender, rose, and the emerging honeysuckle, are also gaining traction, adding complexity and a touch of novelty to beverages. The combination of sweet and spicy is expected to increase, with innovative pairings like smokey vanilla, chocolate sriracha, mango habanero, and chilli pineapple offering unique taste experiences.?
Learn more: ? Flavour Descriptors
Sources: Starbucks Nutritional Outlook
?? Pizza Pilgrims Secures B Corp Status??
Pizza Pilgrims has achieved B Corp certification. B Corp certification is a designation that a business meets high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. It offers a competitive advantage by distinguishing a company as socially responsible, which can attract customers, employees, and investors who prioritise ethical practices.
To align with B Corp's values, Pizza Pilgrims amended its corporate governance to prioritise stakeholder accountability. Founder Thom Elliot expressed his long-standing aspiration to join the B Corp movement, aiming to leverage it as a guide and inspiration for making Pizza Pilgrims a force for positive impact. Other brands and restaurants with B-Corp status are Hawksmoor , Jamie Oliver Group, Sipsmith Gin, Innocent Drinks and Blacklock.
?? Given the increasing consumer demand for ethical and sustainable practices, other restaurants should consider pursuing B Corp certification. Aligning with consumer values and expectations can boost a brand's reputation, foster loyalty among socially conscious customers, and positively impact financial performance.
Learn more: ? The Importance of Brand Values
Sources: Food Service Equipment B Corp
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That’s a wrap for the week! I'd love to hear your feedback and suggestions for future topics.?
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Here's to Your Success ???