Winning Over the Generations: 4 Ways to Appeal to Millennial Diners
Born between 1981 and 1996, millennials have distinct dining preferences from other generations. Catering to these four areas will help you attract their business now and on a regular basis.
- Keep Things Lively
Millennials rank dining at restaurants as a top choice of activities to enjoy with friends. Make yours an easy choice for gatherings by creating a social atmosphere with group-friendly seating and shareable menu items like Loaded Turkey Nachos with Tajin Crema. Highlight events or specials geared toward large parties to encourage diners to invite their friends.
- Mix Up the Flavors
These diners find dishes featuring sweet-and-savory and savory-and-smoky to be the most appealing flavor combinations. Incorporate these combos into dishes on your menu and watch the orders fly out of the kitchen. Sweet and savory meld perfectly in this mouthwatering Pimento & Turkey Bacon Jam Smashburger with hot honey and balsamic vinegar. Or offer this Mesquite Smoked Turkey and Red Quinoa Sedona Salad to bring the savory-smoky combo to the table.
- Highlight Healthy Options
Most millennials are on the hunt for nutritious foods. Capture their attention by offering a range of health-forward menu options and be sure to highlight their nutrition benefits. Turkey is rich with protein, vitamins and essential minerals that makes it an excellent ingredient to incorporate in vibrant dishes like Kung Pao Turkey Salad. Or offer a unique, healthy take on an indulgent breakfast classic with this Sausage Breakfast Sandwich, featuring turkey sausage, egg, grilled peaches, Calabrian chiles, Gruyère cheese and fresh arugula.
- Tap into Loyalty and Technology
Both loyalty programs and innovative technology are likely to entice millennials to choose your restaurant over others. Invest in a compelling loyalty program and integrate user-friendly features like mobile ordering and payment options. When promoting it, be sure to highlight these aspects clearly to make the choice even easier.
With a few adjustments to your business model and menu, you can make your restaurant a go-to destination for hungry millennials and their friends. How will you appeal to this generation? Share your thoughts on our Facebook or LinkedIn pages.
Source:
The Consumer Big Picture: Attitudes and Behaviors by Generation, Technomic (2024)
