Friends and families have always counted on their favorite restaurants to bring them together.
The COVID-19 pandemic has thinned out traditional gathering spots, but Kellogg’s suggests that bars and grills are still, “perfectly positioned to provide the social and celebratory experiences that people crave.”
These experiences certainly look different from pre-COVID days, but by capitalizing on the right trends and strategies, restaurants can give consumers a taste of the comfort and normalcy they’re looking for. In their Bar & Grill Survival Guide, Kellogg’s provides research and recommendations for driving traffic and customer loyalty.
Some of the tips include:
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Comfort foods have been the second-most-ordered menu items for takeout and delivery during shutdown, according to a Technomic study. Be sure to offer consumers familiar comfort foods from brands they trust.
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Visibly wipe down tables and practice other sanitation measures, so consumers don’t have to question the restaurant’s cleanliness.
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Plant-based protein is in demand, but it’s not just for vegans. To appeal to both vegans and flexitarians, offer traditional, plant-forward protein as well as meat analogues.
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Consumers expect their takeout and delivery orders to taste just as good as dine-in meals. Vented containers ensure off-premises orders maintain heat while releasing steam.
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Sell more than food. Offer an experience through meal kits. According to a Datassential report, 61 percent of consumers are interested in ordering burger kits from restaurants.
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Think of ways to add a personal touch to customer service. For example, give delivery and takeout customers a coupon to use when they’re ready to dine in.
Your Sourcing Solution
Gatherings may be on hold or greatly reduced, but bar and grill restaurants can still adapt and thrive by focusing on consumer needs. Download the Kellogg’s Bar & Grill Survival Guide to learn more about providing excellent customer experiences during the pandemic.
For plant-based comfort food ideal for carryout and meal kits, look no further than Incogmeato by MorningStar Farms. Dot Foods customers can order Incogmeato by MorningStar Farms Breakfast Sausage Patties and Burgers now by visiting our website.