Consumer Trends
So Long, Dining Rooms
As off-premise continues to grow, an omnichannel approach may be on the horizon.
Ending on a sweet note
Tempting customers to buy dessert is a surefire way to boost dinner and lunch checks. But that means offering an irresistible and varied selection that hits every diner’s sweet spot. Suppliers have stepped up to the dessert plate with ingredients and products for operators at every level—from QSR grab-and-go treats to comforting family-dining pies and ice creams, to the speed-scratch cakes, pastries and mousses that differentiate casual menus.
The industry caught a glimpse of tomorrow through The Cheesecake Factory’s little-noticed discussion of Grand Lux’s future, Starbucks’ embrace of a new digital-wallet strategy, McDonald’s preview of a new service lab, and a mysterious posting about social media’s ill effects on service speed. And then there was the close-to-home lesson from a retailer on harnessing tech to cut risks to guests.