Since the start of the new year, there have been numerous lists and articles written each trying to predict what the newest trends in the food service will be for 2010. Trends such as "going green", using organic products, and "going local" showed up in a number of the articles, which was not surprising to me. One trend, which I was not expecting to see mentioned in so many lists was breakfast. Experts are predicting that breakfast in both fine dining and quick service restaurants will be on the rise. as consumers become more health conscience experts believe that consumers will recognize the importance of breakfast in their diets. Along with that, the recent economic crisis has left consumers trying to find alternatives to going out for an expensive dinner. With more diverse breakfast menus, going out to breakfast with a group of friends may can become a cheaper option. With the talent and creativity that today's chefs are putting into their breakfast menus, breakfast may become just as grand as a fancy lunch or dinner.
In the article,"The Breakfast Trifecta" author Marc Halperin examines the different types of breakfast consumers and divides them into three very different categories. The first of these categories are the A.M. Pit stop. The a.m. pit stoppers are those consumers whom are looking for a quick bit to eat that will fill them up with having to waste time. This category of consumers lends themselves nicely to the quick service industry which can offer customers a quick meal for a great price. Some establishments who have noticed the demand for quick, easy to eat breakfast option are McDonald's and Dunkin Donuts, whom in recent months have started to expand their breakfast offerings. In the article, Halperin suggest developing original smoothies and breakfast type wraps to accommodate the pit stop breakfast consumer.
The second group of breakfast consumer are those how see breakfast as a "Getaway Break". This group sees breakfast as a necessary part of their day and a time to relax and prepare for the days coming events. Halperin suggest that consumers in this group enjoy eating foods that are comforting and familiar to them such as breakfast sandwiches and pastries. To appeal to this group he suggests adding different types of hot cereals and bread puddings to a menu to separate from the crowds. This is an idea that many small establishments like diners and local bagel shops can expand upon.
Those who see breakfast as a "Personal Oasis" make up the final category of breakfast consumers. People who belong to this group usually make more time for their breakfast and eat a complete meal. To appeal to these guest the article suggests allowing the customer to make their own personalize breakfast combos. Although he also mentions the use of a swipe card, I believe that would require more money and training that some businesses may not be able to afford. The idea of the personal breakfast combo is something I believe many chain restaurant who are wanting to add breakfast to their menu could utilize.
Breakfast often becomes the over looked meal of the day, but by utilizing some of the tips from this article and really getting to know your client base it can become one of the most profitable meals. I have already seen quick service restaurants such as Dunkin Donuts and McDonald's expand their breakfast menus and I am sure that many more will follow in their footsteps. The idea of breakfast becoming a trend surprised me at first, but after researching the topic it is easier for me to understand appeal and the profitability it can have.
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The experts say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. A meal that is necessary to jump start the batteries and fuel your brain. One concept about breakfast that I haven't given a second thought is the different classes of breakfast eaters. This article breaks down these classes into three sections: Pitstops picks, Getaway breaks and returning to the oasis.
ReplyDeleteThe first class of pitstops are the type of people that eat on the run. These people barely have enough time to grab breakfast. This meal consists of danishes, coffee, and on the go bars.
The second class of Getaway breaks are the people who look forward to getting out of the house or office and sitting with friends, coworkers and family discussing events about the day. The foods under this category are ones that are to complex to make at home, eggs, sandwiches, pastries and etc.
The third class features the returning to the oasis group that wakes up early and takes their time getting up and seeing everyone off their seperate ways. The foods in this section are the same as above with the addition of having regular customers with regular orders.
This article expanded my awareness about how breakfast is divided into classes of people with different times allowed for that meal.
Breakfast is the most important part of the day, yet most people do not eat it, but some do. This article touches upon the different types of breakfast eaters. The first type are the Pit stop picks, these people are only looking for one thing and that is to be full and be on their way. When quick service restaurants want to figure out what would be more appealing to people they need to think about how fast it is to prepare and how neat is it. The next group are those who look for the get away breaks, where they believe it is a neccessary reason to pause their routine this gives them a small period of relaxation and regain energy before lunch. The final group are those who view breakfast as their own personal oasis, this group makes time or has time to enjoy a nice, not rushed, breakfast and want to feel like it is personalized by those who serve and make the meal.
ReplyDeleteThis article has opened my eyes and mind to more about how people view breakfast. Quick service restaurants are geared more towards the pit stop pick up group because they want to get something and go.
Breakfast is the the main staple of any day. You need breakfast to get you up and running in the morning. This articles talks about three different types of breakfast categories. The first is called pit stops, which is basically breakfast on the go. The second is the getaway breakfast,which is for people that just want to get out of the office or house and have a change of pace in there lives. The last one the called the oasis. The oasis is for the individual that has time to enjoy a long meal, that has no worries and does not need to rush to get somewhere else.
ReplyDeleteThis article made me realize that there is more to breakfast then we actually know about. That breakfast, the most important meal of the day can be broken down into the costumers desires.