In recent weeks, HRImag magazine has put online its guide to 2024 trends in the world of catering. It’s no surprise to anyone reading our “Fast Delivery” columns that the restaurant sector has been going through dark times for several months. After all, the most organized, scalable and creative leaders and those who have established market segments related to the traditional dining room best cope with the changing needs of consumers and will be expected to be more successful.
For consumers, read carefully: these are the new features that you will have to get used to over the coming months.
TECHNOLOGY
Paper is gradually being eliminated from the restaurant experience, with the increasing use of QR codes to access menus, providing ecological and hygienic benefits, as well as greater operational speed and efficiency.
However, the reliability of QR technology is being questioned by an expert, highlighting potential problems faced by tourists. Additionally, excessive use of technology can dehumanize the client-server relationship.
Electronic management of customer preferences becomes crucial, with the suggestion of using electronic tools to create and manage a customer database, although the balance between knowing practical needs and maintaining a human approach is emphasized.
ALCOHOL-FREE
The non-alcoholic offering is expanding to meet growing demand, with major brands and local businesses offering a variety of non-alcoholic alternatives, including cocktails, beers, and ciders.
RESPONDENT
Smaller restaurants are growing in popularity, offering a more intimate experience with capacity-restricted concepts and more direct interaction with the chef and staff.
FAMILY
Family-size portions are becoming a trend, offering the ability to order dishes to share, allowing restaurateurs to cut costs and offer lower prices.
Year-round patios are becoming more common, with restaurants adapting their outdoor spaces for colder seasons, using stoves, roofs and shelters to maximize their use.
Despite the adoption of technology and other trends described above, the importance of maintaining a human and relational approach with customers remains in order to generate lasting engagement.
