Trends in the Foodservice Industry
Keeping up with trends in foodservice can be a headache. With the everchanging needs of your customer base, it’s important that you not only work to serve your customer’s needs but that you set yourself apart from your competition. Below we’ve curated a listing of resources for trends in the foodservice industry to help you help your customers in faster, safer, and more efficient ways. We are constantly adding to this resource, so be sure to check back in with us throughout the year for updates on new trends in the foodservice industry.
Current Trends in the Foodservice Industry
Touchless Transactions
Touchless transactions have become more and more popular over the last few years. From tap to pay to have voice-operated ordering kiosks, touchless is definitely a trend impacting the operation of foodservice establishments. Another touchless implementation is electronic lockers that open when customers arrive to pick up carry-out orders. Customers can just enter a code on an app on their phone and their locker opens with their food ready to go. Not only are touchless transactions quicker and often easier for both the customer and the establishment, but it is safer with less spread of germs and less contact between customer and employee.
For more information on touchless transactions or for ideas on how to implement this technology into your foodservice establishment click the button below.
Quick & Safe Delivery
Food delivery is a key component of the foodservice industry, but as cuisine continues to evolve and foodservice establishments become more robust, quick and safe delivery is valued now more than ever. By offering delivery through third-party operators, foodservice establishments are able to reach a larger customer base, while also saving themselves labor, time, and money. However, this method of delivery does not come without concerns. The largest two concerns of delivery today are the quickness and safety of food over the delivery time. Foodservice manufacturers have worked to eliminate this problem through the use of freshness seals on delivery bags, the engineering of to-go containers, and portable food warming equipment.
For more information on quick and safe delivery or for ideas on how to implement this operation method into your foodservice establishment click the button below.
Touchless Equipment
The foodservice industry has been built around keeping customers and employees safe. Touchless equipment is a great option to reduce the spread of germs and best protect anyone who comes into your foodservice establishment. Touchless equipment is a trend that will be here to stay. Foodservice Equipment manufacturers have worked to develop many touchless solutions for your customers and staff. Touchless equipment has grown to include electronic sensor faucets, touch-free blow dryers, and even door levers so that you don’t have to pull a door open with a handle. These manufacturers have continued to create innovative solutions to reduce contact on surfaces and between your customers and employees.
For more information on touchless equipment or for help on how to implement this technology into your foodservice establishment click the button below.
Ghost Kitchens
Ghost kitchens are where virtual foodservice establishments can prep, produce, sell, and deliver food, without having customers come into a brick and mortar location. Virtual brands are delivery-only concepts, sold exclusively online and through delivery apps. Ghost kitchens are growing in popularity due to the explosive delivery success in the foodservice industry. Ghost kitchens have quite a few benefits including that they can be built in a variety of buildings in a wide range of locations or with layouts not typical of a normal restaurant or foodservice establishment. Ghost kitchens are also able to build a unique, specific menu that caters well to delivery.
For more information on Ghost Kitchens click on the link below:
Open Kitchen Concept
In the past, restaurants were known for food magically appearing from behind closed doors, with no indication whatsoever about how the food was prepared. However, the post-modern diner seems to want transparency rather than mystery. Not only are open kitchens a great way to achieve this transparency, but this method of operation can also be offered as a source of entertainment for guests.
For more information on the benefits of open kitchens or for help on how to design an open kitchen click the button below.
Schools and the New Normal
“New Normal” is a target that keeps shifting. Right now, it means not gathering large amounts of students into cafeterias & small spaces. Schools now must stagger lunches in order to avoid overcrowding in the lunchroom. How can lunches be served in a timely & efficient manner?
For product recommendations for adapting to and implementing this style of operation in a safe and efficient way click the button below.
Current Trends at Dine Company
Custom Stocking Options
At Dine Company, we have the ability to order and stock products that are specific to your foodservice establishment. This practice is beneficial for businesses with multiple locations that might need to order a product without any notice. Lead times on special order products can change in the blink of an eye, and custom stocking ensures that the product(s) will be ready to order whenever you are. Businesses often use this convenience for high turnover items that get lost, stolen, or damaged. For local businesses, we offer free in-store pick up, or we can deliver the product(s) within the same week that fall in our free delivery zone. For businesses outside of this zone, we have the ability to ship via post office, UPS, or freight.
For more information on custom stocking of products, please call 866-591-3463.
Additional Parts & Service Representative
We offer restaurant equipment parts and service for all our customers in the foodservice industry. Whether it’s a warranty issue after the sale, or expert technical advice on existing equipment, we are a valuable resource to keep your operation running smoothly. Due to increased demand, we have recently expanded our parts and service department to include another parts & customer service representative. We are proud to now have 2 experts who are able to diagnose what parts are needed based on your equipment’s manufacturer, model, serial number, and the problem at hand.
For more information on parts and service, please call 866-591-3463.
