We hear from countless operators around the country and often find questions in common.One that comes up regularly is about attracting a younger customer base.
Question:"What do you recommend when it comes to menu ideas that appeal to younger diners and staff?" – Healthcare Operator, Illinois
Answer:If you want to attract younger patrons, consider tapping into some recent food trends among Gen Z and Millennials.
Plant-Based Continues to Grow
Keep the Comfort Food Coming
77%
of millennials said nostalgia motivates their purchase.2
54%
of Gen Z said tacos are comfort food.2
44%
of younger generations said ramen is comfort food.2
Snack the Day Away
"Snack options are particularly important toMillennial and Gen Z consumers.3Operators should think differently aboutportions, variety and packaging.4
Menu Inspiration
金宝搏188dTo help you reach younger diners and staff, Tony Finnestad, Executive Chef of the Foodservice Group at Hormel Foods, has created a variety of menu ideas inspired by the food trends above.
Plant-based
Pupusas:
Stuff griddled corn cakes withHAPPY LITTLE PLANTS®Plant-Based Chorizo Style Crumbles, shredded mozzarella or Oaxaca cheese and roasted squash.Serve with cabbage slaw and avocado salsa.Omit the cheese for a fully vegan offering.
Plant-Powered Buddha Bowl:
Start with Kamut or Quinoa and add roasted portabella mushrooms, sautéed spinach, charred cherry tomatoes, grilled onion,HAPPY LITTLE PLANTS®Plant-Based Italian Style Crumblesand lemon vinaigrette.
COMFORT FOOD
Sweet Potato Tacos:
Fill griddled corn tortillas with avocado salsa, roasted sweet potatoes, cilantro-jicama slaw and flash-friedCAFÉ H®Chicken Carnitas.
Chili Crunch Garlic Noodles:
Toss ramen noodles with chile crisps, toasted garlic, scallions and basil.Top with pickled Fresno chiles andHORMEL®FIRE BRAISED™ Chicken BreastorHORMEL®FIRE BRAISED™ Flank Steak.
SNACKS
SPAM®Fried Rice Arancini:
Mix fried rice with dicedSPAM®Classicand roll into balls.Bread in panko and deep fry.Serve with chili soy dip.
Trapizzini:
You can add endless filling combinations to these Roman-style handheld pizza pockets.Try them withFONTANINI®Meatballsand marinara sauce or pistachio pesto.Top with mozzarella or parmesan cheese.
1 "7 Foods and Lifestyle Trends That Will Define 2021", Forbes, 2021
2 "The Simply Smarter Webinar: The Amazing Trends Episode", Datassential, 2021
3 "Decision Drivers in Supermarket Prepared Foods", Progressive Grocer, 2020
4 "The Gen-Z 2021 diet is here: Meet the three biggest food trends of this generation", Lifestyle Asia, 2021