How to Get Younger in Your Dining Room

Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent Restaurants

Episode 152 How to Get Younger in Your Dining Room

https://restauranttopia.com/episode-152-how-to-get-younger-in-your-dining-room/

How to Get Younger in Your Dining Room

Offering a unique experience: Young diners are often looking for something that sets a restaurant apart from others. This could be a unique menu, a cool atmosphere, or a fun theme. Restaurants should consider offering something that will appeal to this demographic and make their establishment stand out from the crowd.

Providing shareable options: Young diners are often social and enjoy sharing food with friends. Restaurants can cater to this by offering shareable options such as small plates or appetizers that are perfect for groups.

Being social media savvy: Young diners are active on social media, and restaurants can use this to their advantage by creating visually appealing dishes that are "Instagram-worthy" and encouraging guests to share their experiences online.

Offering vegan and vegetarian options: Many young diners are health-conscious and may follow a vegan or vegetarian diet. Offering plant-based options can attract these customers and show that the restaurant is conscious of dietary restrictions and preferences.

Providing technology-based solutions: Young diners are often tech-savvy and appreciate the use of technology in restaurants, such as online ordering, mobile payments, and loyalty programs that can be accessed through a mobile app.

What not to do…

Providing affordable options: Young diners are often on a budget, so offering affordable menu options can make the restaurant more appealing. Restaurants can offer special deals, happy hours, or lunch specials to attract this demographic.

By incorporating these strategies, restaurants can attract young diners and create a loyal customer base for years to come.

When trying to attract younger restaurant customers, there are some things that should be avoided. Here are a few examples:

Being too gimmicky: While it's important to offer a unique experience, being too gimmicky can turn off younger customers who are looking for authenticity. Restaurants should be careful not to overdo it with trendy themes or menu items that feel forced.

Ignoring dietary restrictions: Younger customers are more likely to have dietary restrictions or preferences, such as vegan or gluten-free diets. Ignoring these needs can turn off potential customers and limit the restaurant's appeal.

Neglecting social media: Younger customers are active on social media and use it to make dining decisions. Neglecting social media or having a weak online presence can make the restaurant appear out of touch or unappealing.

Not providing good value: Younger customers are often on a budget and expect good value for their money. Restaurants that charge high prices without providing quality food and service will struggle to attract this demographic.

Offering limited options: Younger customers value choice and variety, and restaurants that offer limited menu options or lack flexibility with substitutions may not appeal to this demographic.

Not being eco-conscious: Younger customers are increasingly concerned with sustainability and the environment. Restaurants that don't prioritize eco-conscious practices may be seen as outdated or unappealing to this demographic.