Market Trends

• Market Trends – The market is constantly changing. To be successful, the menu planner needs to keep pace with changes. Research and consider the impact of new developments (fads and trends). Market trends allow owners and managers to understand the needs of the general or specific clientel associated with a particular business. They allow one to understand the restaurants are more than JUST a place that sells food and beverages.
  
• Over the last decade, the American eating pattern has changed dramatically. Americans have turned food into a hobby, with the success of restaurant television shows and the popularity of the food network. People have become more experienced in terms of restaurant usage, menu items, ingredients, seasonings, and spices. More Americans are growing up with ethnic flavors and are well traveled which makes the world such a smaller place. Increasing customers’ needs for flexibility and variety of menu items because of health concerns and well developed palate.

• Fads – Short-term popularity of an product, concept or service. Examples: Sizzle plates, sliders in fine dining restaurants, deep-fried Twinkies, diets.
  
• Trends – Long-term popularity that often evolves or has evolved generally from some political, social, economic or environmental influence. Trends are often woven within an individual’s lifestyle. Examples: Healthier eating (organic, natural, low fat), healthier lifestyle (health clubs, no smoking)