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ADvocate Jan 10, 2022
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Societally in the West, the New Year is a time to prioritize health and self-betterment. With the ecstatic countdown to summon a fresh calendar period comes the secret hope of renewed routines and the elusive best version of the self. These lofty goals certainly affect restaurant owners and business operators, as, for at least the first two or three months of a new year, consumers have stricter diets and higher expectations for their lifestyles. This means they may conjure the willpower to turn their nose at the best fried chicken, delicious ramen, or the juiciest burger in town more often than before.
There is something to be said about the correlation between the versatility and longevity of businesses. The ability to adapt to ever-changing consumer desires allows your restaurant the maximum chance to succeed long-term. Changing your restaurant menu for New Year’s resolutions might be the shift your business needs to satisfy your existing customers and possibly broaden your target market.
What to Consider When Adapting Your Restaurant Menu for New Year’s Resolutions
Of course, changing your menu does not happen overnight. It takes time and sound knowledge of the expectations of your target audience to develop dishes that have the most chance of success. There are however a few things you can do to help streamline this process and keep your (grumpy) kale-filed consumers satisfied.
Modify Existing Dishes
Keep your ingredient lists close at hand for those vegan, paleo, gluten-free, sugar-free, and keto diets. Knowledge empowers your guests to confidently make the right meal choice without fearing it negatively affecting their diet.
To start, there is no need to completely rework your entire menu. It is often easier to build something from a foundation and by using an existing model (ie: that best-selling entree). Consider slight adjustments your restaurant can offer patrons that cut calories and eliminate fried foods for their favorite dishes. For example, offer a side salad as an alternative to french fries. For those fried chicken lovers, plan to promote grilled chicken as a healthy option.
Create a Separate Menu Section for Healthy Alternatives
As you start to work through the process of developing New Year’s resolution proof entrees, plan to clearly label these items in your menu. Update your online and paper menus with eye-catching graphics and concise language. These should clearly communicate the healthy alternatives available to your consumers. Instruct your waitstaff to share these recent menu additions with restaurant patrons.
Capture Quality Promotional Content
Of course with all the work you are putting into this menu shift, you deserve a little recognition. As you develop new and improved dishes, take saliva-inducing pictures and videos to share on your social media platforms. Ask customers for their honest feedback regarding your alternative menu options. Include these positive reviews in your digital marketing promotions along with educational content surrounding a diet-conscious lifestyle. Healthy food should not feel like a punishment or a sore substitute. Carefully conveying your intentions for menu expansion helps increase inclusivity and comfortability for those who have dietary restrictions.
