Top Seven Multigenerational Restaurants

 

To get a better understanding what is working today in the restaurant sector, and what has been driving the undercurrent of ongoing success within the restaurant sector we asked Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® what his insights were.  Here is what he believes:

In the world of dining, few things are as powerful as a restaurant that appeals to multiple generations. In the minds-eye of our Grocerant Guru®, these multigenerational establishments have cracked the code, blending menu diversity, ambiance, and service excellence to cater to everyone from Baby Boomers to Gen Z. Here are the top seven multigenerational restaurants.  

1. McDonald’s

The Global Fast-Food Giant

·         Ubiquity and Accessibility: With over 38,000 locations worldwide, McDonald’s is a familiar name across all generations. Its accessibility and consistent menu make it a go-to choice for families on the move, with 75% of U.S. adults having eaten at McDonald’s in the past year, according to Statista.

·         Menu Adaptability: McDonald’s has successfully adapted its menu to suit changing tastes, offering healthier options like salads and fruit in Happy Meals, appealing to health-conscious Gen Z and Millennials while retaining classics like the Big Mac for older generations.

·         Value Proposition: The introduction of the Dollar Menu and value meals has kept McDonald’s affordable for families, particularly appealing to budget-conscious Gen X and Baby Boomers who prioritize value.

·         Cultural Relevance: McDonald’s consistently taps into cultural moments, from collaborations with celebrities to limited-time offerings, making it a relevant choice across all generations, particularly among Millennials and Gen Z who value trends and exclusivity.

2. Chick-fil-A

The Fast-Food Favorite with a Focus on Service

·         Exceptional Customer Service: Chick-fil-A is renowned for its customer service, which appeals to Baby Boomers and Gen X who value polite, attentive service, with over 83% of Baby Boomers rating it highly according to a YouGov survey.

·         Consistent Quality: Known for its high-quality chicken sandwiches, Chick-fil-A maintains a simple yet effective menu that resonates with older generations who appreciate consistency and younger customers who seek quality over quantity.

·         Family Values and Community Engagement: Chick-fil-A’s emphasis on family and community involvement appeals to all generations, with 67% of Gen X and Baby Boomers citing community impact as important in their dining choices.

·         Embracing Technology: Chick-fil-A’s mobile app and efficient drive-thru service cater to time-starved Millennials and Gen Z, making it a multigenerational favorite for both convenience and quality.

3. Olive Garden

The Italian-American Dining Classic

·         Comforting Menu Options: Olive Garden’s menu features Italian-American classics that resonate with older generations while offering modern twists like gluten-free pasta and lower-calorie options for health-conscious younger customers.

·         Affordable Family Dining: With endless breadsticks, salad, and pasta deals, Olive Garden provides an affordable dining experience that appeals to families across all generations, with 78% of Millennials reporting they dine out to save time and money.

·         Inviting Ambiance: Olive Garden’s warm, Tuscan-inspired decor creates a comfortable environment for Baby Boomers and Gen X, while its casual setting appeals to younger patrons looking for a relaxed dining experience.

·         Strong Brand Loyalty: Olive Garden’s commitment to customer satisfaction has cultivated strong brand loyalty across generations, with over 75% of their customers being repeat visitors, according to Technomic.

4. Cracker Barrel

The Southern Comfort Destination

·         Nostalgic Appeal: Cracker Barrel’s rustic, homestyle decor and menu filled with Southern comfort food have a strong appeal to Baby Boomers who seek a nostalgic dining experience, with 68% of them favoring traditional American cuisine.

·         Cross-Generational Menu: While the menu offers traditional favorites, Cracker Barrel has adapted with lighter fare and healthier options to appeal to Millennials and Gen Z, who prioritize health without sacrificing taste.

·         Strategic Locations: Positioned along highways and near travel stops, Cracker Barrel attracts a wide range of customers, from road-tripping families to older adults, with over 80% of its locations strategically placed to cater to travelers.

·         Retail Integration: The attached country store offers a unique shopping experience that appeals to Baby Boomers and Gen X, while younger generations appreciate the novelty, making it a multigenerational favorite.

5. Texas Roadhouse

The Steakhouse with a Kick

·         High-Quality, Affordable Dining: Texas Roadhouse’s focus on hand-cut steaks and made-from-scratch sides offers high-quality meals at reasonable prices, attracting budget-conscious Gen X and Baby Boomers who prioritize value.

·         Lively Atmosphere: The energetic environment, complete with line dancing and a casual vibe, appeals to younger customers looking for a fun dining experience, while the family-friendly setting ensures it’s a hit with all ages.

·         Loyalty Programs: Texas Roadhouse’s effective use of loyalty programs and digital engagement keeps them connected with younger customers while offering promotions that attract older generations.

·         Community Focus: Texas Roadhouse’s involvement in local communities and charity events resonates with all generations, especially Gen X and Millennials, who value businesses that give back.

6. The Cheesecake Factory

A Menu That Has It All

·         Extensive Menu Options: With over 250 items on the menu, The Cheesecake Factory caters to diverse tastes, ensuring there’s something for every generation, from Baby Boomers to Gen Z, who crave variety and inclusivity in dining.

·         Generous Portions: Known for its large portions, The Cheesecake Factory offers great value, appealing to Baby Boomers and Gen X who enjoy sharing dishes and getting their money’s worth.

·         Stylish Yet Comfortable: The upscale yet accessible ambiance makes it a popular choice for older customers who appreciate a refined dining experience and younger patrons who enjoy the modern, Instagram-worthy decor.

·         Iconic Desserts: The Cheesecake Factory’s extensive dessert menu, especially its famous cheesecakes, has cross-generational appeal, making it a go-to spot for celebrations and special occasions for families of all ages.

7. Panera Bread

The Fast-Casual Health-Conscious Choice

·         Healthy and Customizable Menu: Panera Bread’s focus on fresh, healthy options and customizable meals appeals to Millennials and Gen Z, who prioritize health and wellness in their dining choices. Over 70% of Millennials prefer restaurants that offer healthy menu items, according to the International Food Information Council.

·         Casual Yet Inviting: The casual, coffeehouse-like environment of Panera Bread attracts Gen X and Baby Boomers who enjoy a relaxed setting to dine and socialize, while its free Wi-Fi and work-friendly spaces appeal to younger generations.

·         Digital Integration: Panera Bread has embraced technology with its mobile app, delivery options, and loyalty programs, making it a convenient choice for time-strapped Millennials and Gen Z.

·         Commitment to Transparency: Panera’s dedication to transparency in ingredients and sourcing resonates with all generations, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, who value ethical and sustainable practices in their dining experiences.

Think about this; these seven restaurants have successfully captured the hearts and appetites of multiple generations by offering something for everyone. Their ability to balance tradition with innovation, cater to diverse tastes, and create welcoming environments makes them leaders in the multigenerational dining space.

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

Cracker Barrel Let Us Cook Your Home Holiday Family Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner we Deliver!

 

Grocerant niche Ready-2-Eat holiday meal bundles include all day options for you family and guest this holiday season.  Are you having company?  Don’t cook, order meals and meal components from Cracker Barrel.

If you have demanding guest that like attention, you might not want to spend most of their visit in your kitchen, they might think you are hiding, according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® who stated, “why cook, when companies the ilk of Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores can cook each meal and provide quality snacks as well.”

Now Cracker Barrel has rolled out several affordable Ready-2-Eat and Heat-N-Eat fresh prepared meal options, limited-time holiday meals and a range of new seasonal flavors. They very well could be your meal quality control, time saving option according to Johnson.

Cracker Barrel SVP and Chief Marketing Officer Jennifer Tate, stated, “Due to inflation and rising food costs at the grocery store, many guests are facing additional stress preparing for gatherings with family and friends, unlike any other holiday season in years past,” ... “This season, we want to remind guests that Cracker Barrel is prepared to help alleviate those additional burdens, so they can spend more stress-free time together. Cracker Barrel’s selection of seasonal Heat n‘ Serve Meals, prepared sides, pies and homestyle catering options offer value beyond quality and convenience through budget-friendly price points to feed everyone at your gathering.”

Here are some of the new offerings include Homestyle Chicken n‘ French Toast, Cracker Barrel’s spin on chicken and waffles, featuring the company’s signature Sunday Homestyle Chicken and special-recipe French toast prepared with sourdough bread, hand-dipped in egg batter and fried on the griddle. Served with a choice of Hashbrown Casserole or Fried Apples, plus whipped butter and Cracker Barrel’s famous mini bottles of syrup, the hot ready-to-serve meal for 10 or more starts at $8.49 per person. Consumers can also pick up a Homestyle Chicken n‘ French Toast Family Meal Basket to go to serve smaller groups of five.

If your company is staying a while, say between Dec. 21 and Dec. 28, customers can pick up a complete holiday meal ready to heat and serve in three hours or under. Starting at $124.99, the Prime Rib Heat n‘ Serve Family Dinner serves four to six and includes prime rib plus au jus and horseradish, mashed potatoes and roasted gravy, a choice of two Country Sides, and sweet yeast rolls. Also available are Holiday Ham Heat n‘ Serve Feast, serving eight to 10 and consisting of sugar-cured ham, cornbread dressing, roasted gravy, cranberry relish, macaroni n‘ cheese, a choice of two Country Sides, sweet yeast rolls, apple streusel pie, and pecan pie, available starting at $159.99, and Holiday Ham Heat n' Serve Family Dinner, serving four to six and offering sugar-cured ham, cornbread dressing, roasted gravy, cranberry relish, macaroni n‘ cheese, choice of one Country Side and sweet yeast rolls, starting at $109.99. Those who pre-order now and schedule pickup on Dec. 22 or 23 will receive a free $10 bonus card with a Heat n‘ Serve Feast or a $5 bonus card with a Heat n‘ Serve Family Dinner.

Snacks anyone, Cracker Barrel’s new Barrel Bites can serve as a side, appetizer or snack, and are available for catering groups of 10 or more. Consumers can choose from a selection of Country Fried Pickles, White Cheddar Cheese Bites, Loaded Hashbrown Casserole Tots and Biscuit Beignets. Other items are Homestyle Sides, available to feed four to six or eight to 10, and prepared hot and ready to share or chilled to reheat and serve later, with options such as new Loaded Mashed Potatoes, Bacon Mac n‘ Cheese, Country Green Beans, and Holiday Pies, suitable as dessert or a gift, in such varieties as Cinnamon Roll Pie, Apple Streusel, Chocolate Pecan and Pecan.

Prices and item availability may vary by location. Cracker Barrel now offers Google Pay and Apple Pay to make paying easier.

Foodservice Solutions® specializes in outsourced business development. We can help you identify, quantify and qualify additional food retail segment opportunities or a new menu product segment and brand and menu integration strategy.  Foodservice Solutions® of Tacoma WA is the global leader in the Grocerant niche visit us for insights or just plain fun. 

Do you want a larger share of Wallet?

Ok then

Focus on a Larger Share of Stomach

Does Cracker Barrel Get a Face-Lift

Integrating dramatic change to a concept can cause ‘harm’.  Meaning a loss of customers resulting in loss of sales and profits according to Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.  One of the best ways for a branded restaurant company to drive growth is buying a brand with attributes and culture that can easily integrate into your current corporate culture according to Johnson.

One good example is Cracker Barrel’s recent investment into Punch Bowl Social.  Both Punch Bowl Social and Cracker Barrel are brands that are consumer interactive and participatory which drive customer loyalty and can be the bases for a good relationship.

So, when Cracker Barrel announced it was making an investment of up to $140 million into Punch Bowl, acquiring the stake that will give Cracker Barrel a noncontrolling stake in Punch Bowl but will give the company an option to buy the chain outright; a new platform for customer relevant growth was defined.

Cracker Barrel CEO Sandy Cochran stated “Cracker Barrel and Punch Bowl Social are both highly experiential brands that emphasize quality food and beverage, hospitality and fun,” … “We love what Punch Bowl Social has built and are excited about helping them continue to grow.” The undercurrent of commonality was clear to industry professionals who track customer migration.  

Punch Bowl Social founder Robert Thompson stated “the relationship with Cracker Barrel is a tremendous opportunity for the entire Punch Bowl Social family.” “Our continued goal is to be an experiential millennial and Gen Z lifestyle brand that creates authentic, social guest experiences,” he said. “Having Cracker Barrel provide growth capital and strategic resources sets us up for the next exciting chapter for Punch Bowl Social.” Consumers are dynamic not static if your consumers are moving how are your protecting your flank? Does your concept look more like yesterday than tomorrow?

Foodservice Solutions® specializes in outsourced business development. We can help you identify, quantify and qualify additional food retail segment opportunities or a new menu product segment and brand and menu integration strategy.  Foodservice Solutions® of Tacoma WA is the global leader in the Grocerant niche visit Facebook.com/Steven Johnson, Linkedin.com/in/grocerant/ or twitter.com/grocerant

Battle for Share of Stomach

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Heat-N-Eat Thanksgiving Dinner

Empowering consumers choice, shorting and simplifying the meal preparation, while satisfying all of the traditional holiday favorite flavors and craveability Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is offering three Heat-N-Eat holiday meal options with the promise of convenience and craveability.

For the second year Cracker Barrel is offering its Thanksgiving Heat n’ Serve Holiday Family Meals To-Go this year consumers can place their orders at crackerbarrel.com or through the new Cracker Barrel app available for iPhones.

The 2017 Heat n’ Serve Holiday Family Meal To-go dinner option one feeds 10 people and features roasted turkey breast, cornbread dressing, turkey gravy, cranberry relish, sweet yeast rolls, a pumpkin and pecan pie and a choice of three country sides. Choices for country sides include vegetables, like country green beans and whole baby carrots, to hash brown casserole or only $99.99.  Note you can order 24 hours in advance. Consumers can pick up their meals Nov. 21 through Nov. 23.

Option two the Homestyle Turkey n’ Dressing Family Meal To-Go feeds six guests and includes a turkey and dressing meal with a sampling of sugar-cured ham, turkey gravy, a choice of three quart-sized country sides, cranberry relish, and a choice of biscuits, corn muffins or a loaf of sourdough bread. This meal is available from Nov. 18 through Nov. 26 for $67.99.

Option three the Homestyle Turkey n’ Dressing Meal for dine-in will be served in Cracker Barrel restaurants from 11 a.m. to close. The meal features turkey and dressing with gravy, a sampling of sugar-cured ham, sweet potato casserole, cranberry relish, choice of a country side, a refillable beverage, buttermilk biscuits or corn muffins, and a slice of pumpkin pie for dessert. The dine-in meal is available for $12.99 per adult and $7.99 per child on Thanksgiving Day.

Cracker Barrel Vice President of Culinary and Menu Strategy Cammie Spillyards-Schaefer  stated “On Thanksgiving, our busiest day of the year, guests turn to Cracker Barrel so they can enjoy the holiday while leaving the cooking to us,” …“Every day throughout the year, we work to create a comfortable, ‘home away from home’ for our guests where they can relax with family and friends, which is why so many people trust us during Thanksgiving, an especially important time for gathering and connecting with loved ones.”

Invite Foodservice Solutions® to complete a Grocerant Program Assessment, Grocerant ScoreCard, or for product positioning or placement assistance, or call our Grocerant Guru®.  Since 1991 www.FoodserviceSolutions.us  of Tacoma, WA has been the global leader in the Grocerant niche. Contact: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us or 253-759-7869