In the era of small plate menus, many restaurant and foodservice directors may be asking themselves if the buffet table is really relevant for today’s diet conscience customer. Now more than ever, choice matters!
Depending on your perspective or type of operation, the buffet still combines everyday value with a smorgasbord of food options. More choice in food selection, more choice in portion size, and best value take the guesswork out of the equation and gives consumer consumption control. Buffets are great additions to the dining experience if they are well constructed and the menu is focused on a flavor-filled, nutritional meal without the feel of a routine soup and salad bar.
A nicely designed buffet communicates “customer care” and has a broader appeal for every guest category from family to business.
#1.Sensory perception: Know your customer, and then connect the cuisine that tantalizes their senses.
- Sight: Guests generally “eat with their eyes first”. A buffet that portrays a “feast for their eyes” approach is inviting and stirs anyone’s foodie passion.
- Smell: Guests love the aromas of a fresh set buffet. Appealing to the sense of smell complements the visual and can promenade a protein such as prime rib or barbecue or think about garnishing the meal with freshly baked bread.
- Sound: A well-planned Buffet should appeal to the sense of sound. A “Buffet Beat” if you will, can enhance the guest experience and throw a cover over dead silence or undesirable kitchen noise.
- Touch: Finger foods appeal to the sense of touch. Finger foods should never hinder the guest but be appropriately textured and easy to consume. Consider guests’ beverages as part of the equation when thinking about the sense of touch.
- Taste: Ultimately, guests desire to “savor the flavor”. Even with a smorgasbord of options, the most trend to their favorite food first while others may be more adventurous and try new things. Whatever the choice, taste trumps everything. Buffet planning must preserve the flavor to the plate to complete the best most memorable dining experience.
