Catering to Generation Z
March 18, 2019As time marches on, we continue to have new generations arising behind the ones we’ve already named.
Most recently everyone has been focused on Millennials, whose tech-savvy and focus on experiences over things have shifted the face of every industry.
Now, there’s a new generation coming of age – Generation Z. The oldest of this generation turns 22 this year, and they’re already affecting food service and other retail offerings.
How can you arrange for your commercial kitchen to meet the needs of Generation Z? Find out below.
Use Technology
This youngest generation is the first to grow up with no knowledge of life before technology. They don’t remember not having internet or mobile phones with online access and apps.
As a result, they are not only comfortable with technology, they are uncomfortable without it. To take advantage of this rising generation, incorporate technology into your commercial kitchen and restaurant service in any way possible.
This generation orders food on apps, is most comfortable in a work environment that features digital technology, and they aren’t afraid to do takeout or delivery. They are happy to use ordering tablets in your restaurant or even order fast-casual food from a kiosk.
If you haven’t started using technology heavily in your restaurant yet, consider this your starting shot. You don’t have much more time before these become must-dos rather than nice-to-haves.
Focus on Food Flavor and Quality
Every generation has had fad diets and a focus on losing weight and being healthy. The difference with Generation Z is that social media has made these trends much, much more pervasive and louder than ever before.
As a result, Generation Z takes for granted that good food is high-quality and has great flavor. They aren’t likely to spend scarce fun-money on eating at a restaurant that is only so-so. If they aren’t blown away or excited, they might as well eat at home.
If you don’t currently find ways to advertise the quality and taste of the dishes from your commercial kitchen, bring that to the forefront. Consider finding ways to work in seasonal ingredients or specialty cheeses.
Anything you can do to bring the level of your dishes up will catch the eye of this younger generation. Even better – you can charge more for this high quality as well!
Consider Including Fast-Service Options
Not all restaurants are fast-service restaurants, but both Millennials and Generation Z favor this kind of service. It would help you build your business if you include this type of option in your commercial kitchen offerings.
There are a lot of ways to do this while remaining a traditional restaurant. For instance, you can offer curbside delivery of takeout orders. You can offer a quick-fix lunch menu that gets people in and out quickly. You can even operate a food truck under the umbrella of your restaurant brand.
Is Your Commercial Kitchen Ready for Generation Z?
Incorporating technology, high quality, and fast service is quickly becoming the standard for successful restaurants. Doing those things well requires the right equipment.
Is your commercial kitchen ready? If not, let us help you get the supplies you need. We’ve been serving Little Rock restaurants for many years – let us assist you as well! Contact us today.
Uh Oh. Handling Restaurant Disaster Recovery
No one wants to think about a major disaster hitting their restaurant. Unfortunately, it can happen at any time. In Arkansas, large areas (including Little Rock) were declared disaster areas as recently as last summer. Severe flooding, wind damage, and tornados are...
Restaurant Supplies You Need: Technology in Your Business
Every business is impacted by technology, and restaurants are no exception. There are dozens of ways to use technology to build your business, improve your efficiency, and serve customers better. Sometimes restaurant owners feel like they’re too busy to implement new...
Key Restaurant Equipment for a Fast-Casual Restaurant
Fast-casual dining has changed how America eats and has impacted what people expect in terms of convenience, price, and food quality. Generally, fast-casual food is affordable and higher-quality than pure fast food. It’s a step above a McDonald’s, without the price or...
Equipment for Your Restaurant: Choosing a Restaurant Concept
Some people who start a restaurant know exactly what they want. They either buy an existing restaurant with a concept, or they create the menu based on their family traditions or ethnic flair. However, not everyone who wants to start a restaurant knows exactly what...
Restaurant Supplies: Using Herbs to Add Flavor to Your Dishes
If you’re looking for new ways to attract people to your restaurant, consider the ways you can add flavor without adding fat or calories. Consumers are more and more concerned about the quality of what they eat, both at home and in a restaurant. Home cooks generally...
Commercial Kitchen Debate: Stainless Steel vs. Non-Stick Pans
If you run a commercial kitchen, you probably have a lot of ways of doing things that just seem right to you. For whatever reason, you decided between a gas and electric stove. You made decisions about dishware. And you probably have a position on the stainless steel...
Restaurant Equipment: How to Handle Gluten Allergies
In the last five years, you’ve probably seen a dramatic increase in the number of restaurant customers you have that are avoiding gluten. Some of them simply don’t like it, and others have a life-threatening reaction if they eat it. As a restaurant owner, you want to...
Reduce Food Waste: Proper Kitchen Equipment and More
Food waste is a reality in any commercial restaurant, but it doesn’t have to be accepted blindly. Too many restaurant owners or head chefs feel as though there is nothing they can do about this waste. Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do to reduce food waste in your...
Restaurant Supplies: Furnishing an Outdoor Sitting Area
Outdoor dining is a very enjoyable experience for many people. In Little Rock the weather is generally pleasant, although humidity may make it hard to eat outside on the hottest summer days. Adding an outdoor sitting area to your restaurant can be a great way to...
Commercial Kitchen Fun: The Wonder of Chocolate
If there’s anything that almost everyone loves as much as coffee, it’s chocolate. In fact, there are multiple celebrations of chocolate each year. Chocolate Day is on July 7th, because historically that’s when chocolate was first brought to Europe in 1550. Don’t miss...
Cooking Equipment Spotlight: Safe Indoor Grilling
Indoor grilling is a great way for your restaurant to delight customers without having to run a big charcoal operation out back. There’s nothing like grilled meat and vegetables to put a great aroma in the air and encourage hungry diners to dig in. There are two...
Restaurant Supplies: How to Properly Store Spirits & Drinks
Spirits and other alcoholic drinks can add a lot to your bottom line as a restaurant. These drinks often have high margins, and people order more than one frequently. This leads to more revenue for your restaurant and better tips for your servers! In order to make the...
Going Green Can Benefit Your Commercial Kitchen
Do you feel like running a restaurant means that you have to give in to wasted food, materials, and even money? Great news – you don’t. If you want to build your business, consider going green! You can structure your commercial kitchen to help the planet while also...
Key Foodservice Equipment for Your Food Truck
Are you ready to start a food truck? While the restaurant industry climbs slowly at roughly two percent a year, the food truck industry has been booming. Growing nearly 8% per year over the last five years, trucks are one of the fastest growing parts of the food...
Cooking Equipment Spotlight: The Right Knife for the Job
Not everyone who’s involved in a commercial kitchen has had professional training as a chef. As a result, not everyone is aware of how to choose the best cooking equipment for each job. Having the right knife is one of the most vital choices you can make during food...