FOUR TRENDS THAT HAVE OUR ATTENTION
The new year is upon us and when it comes to the latest foodservice trends, we’re seeing everything from obvious to extreme. What does it all mean for you? Here’s our take on four trends that could be significant for your business.
Since the pandemic, many Americans have turned to brands and foods that remind them of simpler times1. Yes, old is the new new in the dining world, and we’re seeing everything from pimento cheese spreads and Baked Alaska to Dirty Shirleys and White Russians show up on menus.
Fast food chains are embracing this trend by bringing back a variety of seasonal items from the 80s2. Some are even going back to their 90s logos for a more retro look and feel3. On the fine dining side, we’re seeing twists on kid classics, like specially sourced premium beef for an elevated take on the corn dog.
Whatever the dish, restaurants everywhere are riding this nostalgic wave as the popularity of retro foods and drinks grows.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU
Nostalgia-inspired cravings can vary across the generations, making them the perfect inspiration for an LTO. Start with what you know by bringing back some of your own nostalgic favorites. Need a little retro inspiration? Get in touch and we can help you figure out what’s right for your menu.
Admittedly, the topic of sustainability in the restaurant world is too vast to cover in a few short paragraphs. What we want to focus on is just how significant environmental responsibility is to your customers. And ultimately for you.
Gen Z and millennials are taking the lead in the sustainability conversation4. For them, it’s now or never — the health of our planet is reaching a breaking point — meaning that the businesses they support must have a sustainability commitment that goes beyond table stake gestures5.
What’s important here is that operators across ALL segments (not just eco-conscious indie chefs) need to take a hard look at their carbon footprint, packaging choices and anything else that might impact the health of the planet5.
There’s a new generation of consumers emerging. People who want and expect their food to come from companies that are actively healing the planet through 1) carbon-reducing agriculture 2) ethical animal welfare policies and 3) the equitable treatment of those who grow and produce our food6.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU
Consumer expectations are high. Sustainability plans can no longer sit on the back burner. And whatever you can do to embrace more transparent and measurable environmental standards, the easier it’ll be to stay relevant to your customers.
Large restaurant chains are best equipped to make a visible impact on waste reduction, green packaging and sustainable sourcing based on the sheer volume of their output. That said, implementing such standards takes time, so nudge it to the top of your priority list.
Either way, now is the time to get started or expand what you’re already doing.
“Brine Dining” is expected to be one of the bigger trends of 20237. In fact, pickle-flavored food searches have grown by 55% in the past year8. We’re seeing new twists on these flavors show up in everything from drinks and cocktail garnishes to side dishes, entrees and desserts.
Why? It’s not totally clear — especially when pickles can be polarizing — but we do know that a big part of the intrigue has to do with their distinct flavor and texture. Pickles are salty, tangy, mouth-puckering and delicious (in our opinion). And let’s not forget that satisfying crispy crunch.
Then there’s the multiple uses for leftover pickle juice, which can add briny flavors to baby carrots, olives or pretty much any vegetable that will fit in the jar. Pickle juice can also be used in salad dressings, cocktail mixers and so on.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU
Whatever your take on the rising popularity of pickled things, now’s the time to incorporate more of them into your menu. Briny and fermented flavors are an ideal pairing with any animal protein (even smoked flavors) because the acidity of the vinegar balances the richness of the meat.
Add a pickle coleslaw to your pulled pork sandwich or complement spicy barbeque with the coolness of extra pickle chips. Want more inspiration? Get in touch and we can share our recommendations for protein and pickle pairings.
Whether you’re a TikTok fan or not, there’s no denying this social platform has become a significant driver for restaurant traffic9. In fact, 58% of all U.S. millennials have visited or ordered food from a restaurant after seeing it on the app and that’s only the beginning9. Users across all age groups seem to be turning to TikTok for dining “recommendations.”
TikTok’s growing popularity also means short-form video is the new food photography. Consumers want more than static shots of elegant dishes and beautiful backgrounds. They’re craving action — the food, the experience and everything in between10. Think cheese pulls, sauce drips, drink pours and tableside preparations.
Beyond TikTok’s influence in the food industry, the platform is expected to maintain its social reign well into the foreseeable future11. TikTok reached 1 billion users worldwide in 2021 and that number nearly doubled by the time 2022 came to a close11. All we can say is that it’s become quite the marketing opportunity for restaurants large and small.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU
The TikTok conversation is almost as vast as its number of loyal users. What stands out to us right now is the way large restaurant chains are tapping into TikTok influencers to test out menu hacks and LTOs. Depending on your following, that means crowd-sourced faves could lead to big business for you.
WANT TO CONTINUE
THE CONVERSATION?
Get in touch and we’ll have our protein trend extraordinaire,
Mike Durben, reach out and get to know your business.
LET’S CONNECT
Who is Heritage Premium Meats?
Born to two legacy brands, Heritage Premium Meats is a distinguished collective built on listening, collaborating and sharing ideas that solve real business problems. Authentically crafted protein solutions that are rooted in tradition and ready for the future.
For you, that means getting exactly what you need, just the way you want it. Whether it’s a private label product or flavor that’s uniquely yours, you can let your imagination lead the way when you partner with us. Because together, anything is possible.
1Food Network, 2022
2Restaurant Business, 10/2022
3Eater, 10/2021
4Tastewise, 2022
5Restuarant Business, 12/2022
6New York Times, 12/2022
7Yelp, 2023
8PureWow, 12/2022
9Bar and Restaurant, 11/2022
10Datassential 2023 Trends, 2022
11Delish, 12/2022