The restaurant industry has been in the spotlight since the start of the pandemic. Government policies and new customer attitudes have contributed to huge changes in restaurants across the board. That’s why it’s more important than ever to keep up with restaurant trends and be prepared to adapt.
The term “trend” describes a more general change in behavior or situation. With this in mind, hospitality trends may include changes in the way customers behave, new ways of providing hospitality services, or general movements towards the adoption of new hospitality technology. Trends are often influenced by a variety of different factors.
These trends help us to know what is happening in the industry. They provide valuable information on what customers think and feel, as well as how this could affect your results.
In this post we want to highlight some of these hospitality industry trends for 2022 and how you can tailor your restaurant strategy to meet these trends head-on.
Restaurant trends to think about in 2022
Contactless or contactless payments are still going strong.
Many of the biggest hotel trends are related to reducing contact, and contactless payments have been one of the biggest examples of this. When contactless payments are accepted, customers save time sorting cash or entering their PIN. The emergence of things like Apple Pay and Google Pay also eliminates the need to carry a wallet.
They also improve the customer experience. Many customers and staff members are uncomfortable with handling cash, and providing the contactless option is seen by many as a necessity rather than a luxury.
Contactless payments are becoming an essential requirement for restaurants.
And the use of technology to help reduce contact is also used in other areas of the dining experience. This includes QR menus. Most restaurants offer these types of menus and you plan to continue as most customers want.
Safety and hygiene
There are a number of hospitality trends related to safety and hygiene that have become especially important with the emergence of COVID. These concepts should be a priority for hotels, restaurants, bars and cafes.
The measures they include are the provision of hand gel, greater cleaning of the areas where clients are, the implementation of policies related to the use of masks or other protective equipment, and ensuring that social distancing rules are respected. . Any special rules must be enforced so that people feel safe.
From your marketing area you must emphasize the safety and hygiene measures that you are taking. Explaining these steps could make the difference between generating bookings or having customers look elsewhere.
The online ordering option is a must.
Online orders skyrocketed during the start of the pandemic, a trend that is expected to continue for years to come.
There are several options for ordering online. One of those options is to use third-party apps, which offer variable rates depending on which one you choose. Another option is to integrate online ordering on your restaurant’s website.
Diversify your income stream.
Restaurants are facing a decline in sales, many have looked to other sources of income to fill the void.
Some examples of these diversified sources of income are:
- Merchandising, such as t-shirts, tote bags and mugs
- Cooking lessons
- Food and cocktail kit subscriptions
- Tastings
The challenge of labor shortages
Throughout the pandemic, we have seen an increase in labor shortages, a problem that has hit the restaurant industry especially hard. And although the situation improves little by little, there is still a shortage.
Technology such as tablets for displaying online orders, software for automatic customer payments, and delivery applications have helped restaurants streamline many activities. This technology frees up existing staff to focus on other necessary tasks.
Online reviews keep their importance
According to one report, 94% of diners use online reviews to make decisions about where to eat. Another survey showed that many diners even filter out restaurants that have a rating of less than four stars on such review sites. This reveals how important it is for your restaurant to shine on review sites.
Encourage customers to leave reviews on sites like Yelp, Google, and TripAdvisor. You could even include a discreet message at the bottom of takeout receipts or menus to remind people how these reviews help your business.
Emotional connections are important
Businesses that form an intentional emotional connection with their customers increase profits by 27%.
Study what is important to your customers. What causes are they passionate about? Are you looking for a sense of belonging or community? Do you long for excitement and adventure?
Then reflect on how your restaurant can meet these emotional needs. This will help your clients feel closer to you and will be willing to go the extra mile to support you.
