As we enter the new year, many restaurants look back at some of the biggest challenges they've overcome and how that knowledge will transfer into the future. By anticipating these trends in advance, operators can get a jump on the competition in their goals to satisfy guests and customers.
Here at Elevation Nation, we know all too well how fast the industry can change. All across the mountain states and the southwest, the restaurant scene is booming like never before, and these are some of the trends we're seeing:
The Popularity of Ventless Cooking Equipment
Some operators are shifting away from traditional gas cooking equipment. Because more and more municipalities are banning the use of gas, operators should consider the benefits of electric cooking equipment, and as an extension, ventless cooking equipment.
Because all ventless cooking is powered by electricity, the switch to electricity can also include the potential to eliminate expensive hoods and ventilation. Ventless also makes it easier for new restaurants to operate in spaces that aren't already built out with hoods and HVAC creating more versatile opportunities. If restaurants can shift to ventless cooking equipment now, they can stay ahead of potential regulations in the future while potentially taking advantage of ventless in the present.
New and Expanding Restaurants
Even though overhead expenses have gone up across the board for restaurants, there is still a significant demand for restaurants that provide something unique and different. As a result, money is available to fund new restaurant ventures, so expect to see new restaurants emerge in 2023. Some categories are more popular than others. For example, the quick-service restaurant category appears to be poised for growth.
The emergence of this category has blurred the line between traditional restaurants and fast-food establishments. In particular, as more people are lured away from fast food toward healthier options and customers continue to look for ways to save money, quick-service restaurants that use clean ingredients, shorter drive-thru lanes, and offer convenient options will become more popular.
Supply Chain Issues
Unfortunately, supply chain issues will continue to play a role. Even though the coronavirus pandemic has been put in the rearview mirror, supply chain issues continue to lurk. For example, the continuing conflict in Europe and the unpredictability of China have created significant supply chain issues for both equipment and ingredients.
Furthermore, changes in the weather are having an impact on supply chains as well. Wildfires, drought conditions, heavy snow, and hurricanes can make it difficult for restaurants to get the ingredients and equipment they need on time. As a result, restaurant owners and managers need to think about how they are going to mitigate these risks. For example, shortening supply chains and diversifying the number of suppliers available can make things easier.
Coffee Program Profitability
Finally, coffee is becoming more popular and profitable than ever. While there are lots of people who may feel like they cannot get up in the morning without a cup of coffee, coffee is also seen as an experience. People can get together, catch up, and even strike business deals over a cup of coffee. From hipster coffee to healthy coffee and coffee in the hospitality sector, this is a tremendous opportunity.
That is why coffee has been projected to grow by billions of dollars during the next few years, presenting a unique opportunity for restaurants across the board. Restaurant owners should capitalize on emerging trends in this area, such as bottled coffee, coffee cocktails, and even healthy coffee options.
Ready to implement new trends in 2023? Let the experts at Elevation help you cultivate an action plan for efficiency and profitability. Click below to visit the Chef's Playground.
