Technomic Identifies 2011 Restaurant Trends

Chicago-based foodservice research firm Technomic Inc. has unveiled its leading restaurant trends for 2011, dubbed “11 for ’11.” While most of the trends are food and beverage oriented, several in particular are driving the industry’s equipment and supplies direction this year. Among them:

• A “beyond bricks-and mortar” trend has led to a proliferation of food trucks, pop-up restaurants and kiosk-style facilities while causing regulatory agencies to scramble to keep up with zoning, competitive and food-safety issues.
• A trend by chain restaurants toward “carefully calibrated brand action” will see a return of capital spending. Technomic analysts predict a rise in “fast-casual brand extensions by full-service restaurants; more ultra-niche eateries with narrowly focused menus; and investment in brand refreshes and remodels instead of unit growth.”
• Social media and technology advances will lead to new marketing and operations methods, such as kiosk ordering, wine lists on iPads, tableside payment systems and more.
• And finally, Technomic expects to see a surge in convenience-store foodservice, a segment that has continued to expand aggressively for E&S during the economic downturn.

For more information, go to technomic.com.