The past few years have demonstrated a fundamental shift in how, where, and when consumers choose to dine out. Whether it’s flexible schedules and a desire for remote workers to leave their home, an increased need for in-person socialization or the effects of inflation on discretionary income, early evening has become a hot daypart in foodservice.
This “five o’clock somewhere” mentality is also associated with demand for happy hour specials, elevated bar bites and group grazing. For many, remote work has transformed daily commutes into free time and inflation causes consumers to prioritize value when going out. And with the growing demand for a comfortable work-life balance, happy hours are the ideal backdrop for fun, relaxing experiences that can be shared over social media.
CREATING AN IRRESISTIBLE HAPPY HOUR
We're here to help you build your business and increase customer satisfaction with ideas, insights and inspiration. This kit is designed both for those who are new to the world of happy hours as well as those with existing promotions who would like exciting new ideas and support. In this kit, you’ll find:
COMPARED TO TWO YEARS AGO, CONSUMERS ARE ORDERING APPETIZERS FROM FULL-SERVICE
RESTAURANTS 20% MORE OFTEN.
42% OF CONSUMERS SAY THAT IN-STORE PROMOTIONS INFLUENCE ORDERING NEW FLAVORS.
WINGS ARE FOUND ON 44% OF MENUS AND THE MOST COMMONLY FEATURED APPETIZER AFTER SALAD AND SOUP.
59% OF CONSUMERS ARE LIKELY TO RETURN TO THE SAME RESTAURANT AFTER TRYING A NEW MENU ITEM THEY LIKE.
ShareAbles Menu Inspiration
Throughout this guide, you’ll find recipe ideas for shareables that span a range of
cuisine types, popular dishes and hot trends. To help you get even more mileage out of these menu concepts, you’ll also find tips for adding dipping sauces and toppings and
ways to “plus up” speed scratch products with signature appeal.
DOWNLOAD MENUING GUIDE
WHAT TYPES OF APPETIZERS AND SMALL PLATES ARE CONSUMERS LOOKING FOR?
37% street foods
30% delivery-friendly appetizers
30% late-night appetizer
or small plate options
29% food mashups
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Sources:
Datassential Flavor, 2023
Datassential Menu Trends, U.S. menu penetration growth 2019-2023
Datassential Menu Trends, U.S. menu penetration 2023
Datassential, Appetizer Keynote Report, March 2021
Mintel, “Flavor Innovation on the Menu – US,” 2023
Technomic, “Flavor – Consumer Trend Report,” 2023
Technomic, “Starters, Small Plates & Sides Consumer Trend Report,” 2023
Amelia Lucas, "Restaurants expect strong sales this summer. Consumers aren’t so sure." CNBC, May 29, 2023
Joe Guszkowski, “Why early evening has become the hottest time to dine out,” Restaurant Business, October 11, 2023
Joe Guszkowski, "Inflation drives surge in happy hour traffic," Restaurant Business, July 18, 2023
“Here's to Happy Hour,” Foodservice Equipment & Supplies, February 15, 2023
Denise Greer and Jeremy White, “A Deep Dive Look at Today’s Pizzerias and Pizza Industry Trends,” Pizza Today, 2022