In an unstable economy, it’s tough to predict what the trends are going to be for 2012 – especially in the quick serve restaurant industry. I’m no expert. Luckily for me, other people are experts and they can do a pretty darn well job of predicting quick serve trends for 2012.
• Double-sided menus: Experts predict that double-sided menus will be huge in 2012. This means that customers looking for a different option should be able to find it. Even places like McDonald’s offer oatmeal alongside that ridiculous “Big Breakfast” meal. People wanting healthier options rejoice!
• Small indulgences: Experts predict that consumers will turn to premium sandwiches and other premium items to reward themselves for saving money over the past year. After saving up so much, a small item like a quick serve sandwich won’t seem like such a dent in the wallet.
• New Definitions of Family: Family dynamics shifted greatly over the past few years and restaurants will start reflecting these changes. Quick serve joints will shed their masculine image of more meat and bigger fries and start focusing more on a more family-friendly persona.
• Locally sourced ingredients: slow-food restaurants have been embracing locally sourced ingredients for a few years now and now the quick serve gang is in town. Major quick serve chains like Chipolte and Moe’s Southwest Grill have been reworking menu items in order to get rid of ingredients like high fructose corn syrup and additives.
One Fat Frog • 11473 S. Orange Blossom Trail • Orlando, FL • 407-480-3409