The way we eat is changing. While traditional restaurants
still hold a place in our hearts (and stomachs), a new trend is emerging: the
grocerant aka retailers that sell fresh prepared meals and meal components for
takeout and delivery.
Steven Johnson the Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® continues
to see wider consumers migration between retail food sectors as time-starved, price
sensitive consumers seek cooking from scratch home meal replacement options.
Grocerants most often are restaurants, convenience stores,
and grocery stores that offer prepared restaurant-quality meals alongside
traditional menus, meals, or CPG foods. This migration towards grocerants is
having a significant impact on the restaurant industry, with some chains
struggling to adapt.
Here's a closer look at how consumer preferences are
driving this change:
·
Convenience is King: Consumers today are busier than ever, and they crave
convenient meal solutions. Grocerants niche retailers offer pre-made meals that
can be heated up at home, saving time and effort compared to traditional
restaurant dining.
·
Value Matters: Grocerants niche retailers often provide a more affordable
option compared to eating out. Shoppers can pick up a prepared meal for the
same price, or even less, than the cost of a restaurant entrée which
traditional commands a tip.
·
Variety is the Spice
of Life: Grocerant niche retailers come from
every sector of food retail, offer a wide selection of prepared meals, catering
to different dietary needs and preferences. This allows consumers to find
exactly what they're looking for without having to settle for a limited menu.
Traditional Chains Feeling the Heat
Battle for Share of Stomach
While grocerants niche retailers rise in popularity, some
established restaurant chains are facing challenges. Here are a few examples:
·
Krystal: This classic burger joint has been around for decades, but
it's struggling to keep up with the times. Their menu might not cater to the
current health-conscious consumer, and their bankruptcy filing in 2020
highlights financial difficulties.
·
Pie Five Pizza: This create-your-own pizza concept seemed innovative at
first, but it appears it hasn't captured the market share it was hoping for.
Grocerant niche retailers often have similar build-your-own meal options, but
within the grocery store setting and sell for much less.
·
Fuddruckers: Known for their high-quality ingredients, Fuddruckers has
seen a significant decline in locations. While new ownership might bring a
turnaround, the grocerant niche retail convenience factor poses a threat.
·
Steak n’ Shake: While their iconic menu items remain popular, Steak n’
Shake has seen a drop in restaurant numbers. Grocerant niche retailers might be
luring away customers seeking a similar burger experience at a more convenient
location.
While it's important to remember that the restaurant
industry is constantly evolving. These are just a few examples of how grocerant
niche retailers are impacting the landscape. As consumer preferences continue
to shift, we can expect to see further changes in the way we dine.
Don’t over reach. Are
you ready for some fresh ideations? Do your food marketing ideations look more
like yesterday than tomorrow? Interested in learning how Foodservice Solutions® can edify your retail food brand while
creating a platform for consumer convenient meal participation, differentiation
and individualization? Email us
at: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us or visit us on our social media sites by clicking the
following links: Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter
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