Appetizers are a big opportunity for restaurants. According to Technomic’s 2017 Starters, Small Plates and Sides Consumer Trend Report, 38% of consumers say they purchase appetizers on all or most of their restaurant visits. And the biggest reason they purchase them is because they want something to eat while they wait for their meal—47% say so.
But for the many diners out there visiting restaurants with their kids, many appetizer choices aren’t ideal. For instance, small children might not know how to safely (or neatly) eat chicken wings, which can turn into a big mess for parents. Other appetizers, like quesadillas or chicken strips, might be too large for their little stomachs—ruining their appetites for their main course.
As restaurants start to cater more to millennial parents and young families, appetizers can fulfill a need that many diners with kids have—giving hungry kids something to eat before the adults’ food gets to the table. And not just any appetizers will do. Check out these four options for kid-friendly appetizers and why they should be on the menu.