Accounted for 32% of the population in the world, Gen Z (the demographic born between 1996 and 2010) is affecting the restaurant sector and the hospitality sector in general as it adopted different habits than older generations who have spending power.

Considering their large count in the world and as a business owner, you have to be aware of their dining habits and food trends to attract them to your restaurant since they’re looking for food that fits their lifestyles and resembles them by all means.

Despite their young age, Gen Z can impact businesses, especially since their large spending goes to dining since they don’t have many responsibilities.

There are several ways to attract Gen Z to your restaurant but you should first know what to serve them and which food trends to focus on.

The first thing to know is that they have tremendous access to technology and they rely on social media platforms to make their decisions. They seek fast service in the most convenient way to eat. Their accounts and others’ posts and reviews about food affect their decision-making process when choosing a place to eat.

What are the food trends and habits that you should adopt to attract Gen Z?

Convenience is a must

Generation Z is simply looking for fast and reliable service. With technology taking over their lives and decisions, you have to automate your services.  What you need is POS software that automates your operations and processes tasks with minimal or no errors.  

 By relying on technology to process orders, digitally browse the menu, and even encourage self-ordering through self-ordering kiosks in addition to automating all your back-office tasks like employee schedules, reservations, online orders integrated apps, inventory management, and much more, you’ll be providing a more convenient and reliable service for Gen Z that will appeal to them and eventually contributes in making them your regulars.

Work on your online presence to please them and encourage them to order from you with your application and delivery service in addition to the website design and ease of use. Make offers on deliveries or take-outs only.

Sustainability

Gen Z cares about the environment and they care whether their food and beverages are made in a sustainable way or not as 33% of the Gen Z population said that environmental sustainability impacts their food choices.

What is food sustainability?

Food sustainability refers to the production of food that should be made in a way that respects the environment and makes efficient use of resources to produce food for everybody on the planet.

Purchasing locally produced items for your restaurants, adding plant-based items, and using renewable resources for energy production are examples of a restaurant that encourages sustainability.

Healthy diets

This young generation is very health conscious and it’s not only about looks. Being health conscious means that they care about consuming nutritious meals packed with benefits, especially with social media trends that promote healthy and fresh eating.

Adding and promoting healthy meals to your restaurant that offers a variety of food attracts more guests to your business.

Authentic cuisines

This generation is all about trying new authentic cuisines from around the world and sharing their experience on social media of trying new cuisines. But when we say authentic, it includes the whole ambiance and restaurant décor.

Street food

 The need for convenience and fast service calls for street food. They offer different options, they are fast and feed the cravings of Gen Z even at late night hours or in festivals where restaurants opt to open a temporary food truck.

Deliveries and take-away

Gen Z might enjoy a nice dinner at a restaurant but they mostly rely on deliveries or take-out to work, universities, homes, and their gatherings.

• Always have interesting online offers to enhance their loyalty and retain them.
• Update your digital presence and be active with your posts and stories on social media. Update them with your menus, offers, new items, or any news.
• Create your own integrated online ordering system to serve their guests.

Social media-inspired food choices

It’s social media-inspired food time! Gen Z waits for TikTokers and influencers to post their latest food reviews. That’s why we’re seeing food bloggers all over the internet. Make sure you have a strong presence and ask influencers to visit your restaurants and give their honest reviews about different food items.

Gen Z is a large population and they impact the restaurant sector so make sure you have options that please them and satisfy their cravings.