Author: Jonathan

Restaurant Color Design: All Colors Matter

Post author By Jonathan
Post date April 12, 2020
No Comments on Restaurant Color Design: All Colors Matter

All colors matter. They are everywhere and they play with your emotions without saying or doing anything to you. You, as a restaurant owner, can incorporate the power of color to grow your business strategically. Read to equip yourself with industry insights on common restaurant color design tactics.

But first, there is something to keep in mind: like cake, too much of one thing isn’t always a good thing. Too much of one color can backfire by causing reduced appetite.

Don’t go for just 1 emotion, learn these color design practices so you can bring out a range of desired emotions!

Restaurant Color Design and the Influence it Has on Customers

Listed below are common color schemes used in restaurants and how they affect customers.

Light, Bland Colors: Beige, White and Light Grey

Colors like white, beige, and light grey may be bland but work like magic when used the right way. Bright colors like white and beige for instance, give a spacious impression. As a result, walls and ceilings with these colors can put the clusterphobes at ease.

If your restaurant is small, you could alleviate the feeling of tightness by painting your walls and ceilings with these colors. Otherwise, these colors are still ‘magical’ for inducing relaxation, which will keep guests held captive (by their will!) for longer.

Restaurant color design with light colors for the walls and ceilings expand the room visually, promoting relaxation. Photo Credit: Flickr via‍ Compfight cc

Nature Colors: Green and Brown

Green symbolizes nature which helps promote feelings of harmony and tranquility. Along with green, brown also instills feelings of comfort and a sense of stability like roots grounded in the earth. Compounded together, these colors create an enchanted forest that encourages guests to linger and potentially order more food.

Green and brown are colors that represent nature, which help guests feel comfortable and grounded. It also compliments health-conscious menus.

Is your restaurant health-conscious? If so, using green in your interior design is the best way to place emphasis on your healthy and balanced menu.

Before you decide to paint your walls green…make sure you have good lighting or else risk giving off a ‘swamp’ vibe instead of lushly forest. Also, too much brown can create an unappetizing mood, so use it sparingly.

Fast Colors: Red and Yellow

Speed, excitement, high-energy, and superhero Flash. These describe environments that are red and yellow.

Studies show that when people see red and yellow, their heart rate and blood pressure escalates. This stimulates conversation and speedy, impulsive eating which is ideal for high-traffic restaurants.

Fast-food chains utilize these effects perfectly as their model is based on customers leaving as quickly as they came in. How many red and yellow fast-food restaurants come to mind in 1 minute?

Fast-food chains infamously utilize red to match their high-traffic model. Burger King, McDonald’s, KFC, In-N-Out Burger, Sonic, and Bojangles are few of many.

Unappetizing Colors: Blue and Purple

What is your favorite blue or purple food? If grapes and eggplants are the only foods that come to mind, then the point is made. These colors don’t encourage an appetite because they don’t remind us of any food.

What these colors do however is evoke thirst which makes it ideal for cafes, bars, or lounges. Blue also has a calming effect which entices guests to enter leisure mode and order ‘another’ last round of drinks. These effects work well in hookah bars or even the liquor spot in the corner of your restaurant.

Blue and purple are more suited for beverage shops or bars for their association with a variety of drinks

If you have a seafood restaurant, blue can encourage consumption of seafood and can help create an immersive ocean-themed ambiance.

Adventurous Colors: Orange and Yellow

Orange and yellow stand out in pretty much any setting. They are colors that represent boldness and a care-free attitude.

Cafes and dessert shops like yogurt bars are ideal for this enthusiastic color combo. It may trigger an adventurous indulgence in sugar land but that’s always good for the shop. The sugar rush will also get people talking and lounging around longer.

Orange and yellow go well with cafes, yogurt bars, and dessert shops for their carefree and fun expression

Choose the Right Color Design for Your Restaurant

“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”
Pablo Picasso

The color combinations and their effects on customers listed in this post are only general guidelines. To determine the best colors for your restaurant, you will have to first remind yourself what you want your guests to feel and how it connects with the restaurant identity. Use this post as a guideline but never shy away from a little experimentation!

What colors will you use? Why? Comment and let us know!

Looking for a fun way to grow your restaurant business? ChowEasy is a restaurant marketing app that helps locals discover your restaurant by matching their appetite and mood. Get full control of your promos by offering them on YOUR schedule and YOUR terms with your restaurant name revealed ONLY to committed diners. No upfront costs or commitments! Learn more now.

Tags color psychology, color theory, restaurant color design, restaurant colors, restaurant design, restaurant interior colors

Delivery Diners Organic & Local Restaurants

4 Major Ways To Support Restaurants During COVID-19

Post author By Jonathan
Post date March 27, 2020
1 Comment on 4 Major Ways To Support Restaurants During COVID-19

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic has left restaurants and even large cities vacant

Local Restaurants Depend On Your Help

With the recent Coronavirus outbreak, businesses are being struck hard. Social distancing has been ordered to help prevent the spread of the viral outbreak. Though it is completely necessary, it has forced restaurants to close it’s dine-in operations. As a result, the restaurant industry is estimated to lose 15.6 million workers and 1/4 of annual sales. So what can be done to support restaurants during COVID-19?

All restaurants are feeling the weight on their business but a little help from their loyal customers can help! Below are 4 major ways you can help your favorite restaurant during the Coronavirus outbreak.

Order Takeout

Many restaurants are still open for takeout and some are even incorporating it into their operations for the first time ever

Since many restaurants have been forced to shut down, they are forced to modify their business practices. Establishments have now opted to limit orders to drive-thru and take out only.

The pandemic doesn’t have to stop you from having a meal from your favorite restaurant. There is no concrete evidence that the virus can spread through food or the packaging.

Restaurants are coming up with methods for no-contact delivery, meaning food delivery without direct human interaction

For further assurance, you can even opt in for no-contact delivery. With this option, the restaurant will drop it off in a designated spot like in the hallway or front porch. Panera bread even implemented “pickup shelves” where customers pick up orders left on the counter and continue on with their day.

Since restaurants are making sudden adjustments, they are highly likely to update customers via social media. Check their social media pages for new delivery options or something akin to the Panera Bread’s pickup shelves.

Social media is the fastest way to get updated on delivery options

Buy Gift Cards

“Gift cards are like interest-free loans” – Steve Mchugh, chef and owner of Cured in San Antonio

Stocking up on gift cards is an excellent way you can help your favorite restaurant survive during the Coronavirus outbreak. When you buy, say a $25 gift card, the funds are instantly deposited into the restaurant. The result is like sowing the seeds for recuperation.

Surprisingly, many have been sold lately and restaurant owners have shown appreciative feedback. So go ahead and stock up on some gift cards for future birthday or holiday gifts! Get them for yourself even. If it’s one of your favorite restaurants, chances are you’re going to eat there anyway. You could even use the gift cards to buy merch such as t-shirts or mugs to support the business.

Not hungry? You can still use gift cards to buy restaurant merch

Sign A Petition To Support Restaurants During COVID-19

Online petitions calling for Government action are rallying tons of support

Currently there are many petitions going around to support restaurants during COVID-19 and you can easily contribute. You can find a petition to sign on Change.org. Among these petitions are:

A Call for Government action to help support food servers
Calls for emergency employment benefits for laid off workers
Requests to waive payroll tax
Rent and loan abatement requests
Permit requests for the delivery of alcohol by the bottle
Requests to waive zoning restrictions to allow interaction with potential customers via booths or tables outside

These petitions are quickly rallying up more support. A petition called “Save American Restaurants” for example had over 60,000 signatures just last week. Celebrity chefs like Alice Waters, James Beard, and more are also endorsing these petitions.

Write Positive Reviews and Give 5-Star Ratings

Giving a positive review on listings such as Yelp will help restaurants get a surge of new business as soon as things go back to normal

Here’s a powerful way you can use your time in quarantine to support your favorite restaurant. Positive reviews and ratings on local listing sites like Google and yelp go a long way for staying in business. Now that were encouraged to stay home, why not spend time on writing a quality review? When restaurants re-open, the positive review could help them hit the ground running by attracting a surge of new business.

Choose To Support Restaurants During COVID-19 Today

Is there a restaurant that’s been heavy on your mind (and stomach) during the Coronavirus outbreak? Restaurant owners work hard to host a memorable experience, support their employees and their families. You most likely dine at your favorite restaurant for more than just the food. Local restaurants have been the hub for a host of memorable conversations, budding friendships, and family-bonding. They bring our community to life. Let’s be proactive and give back today!

Restaurants Technology Trends

New Restaurant Technology Innovations To Look Out For

Post author By Jonathan
Post date March 20, 2020
No Comments on New Restaurant Technology Innovations To Look Out For

Currently emerging restaurant tech trends are going to change the industry forever

With the advancement of technology, nearly all industries can find new ways to increase efficiency and cut expenses. The restaurant industry is no exception. Ever wanted to hear every word on T.V in a crowded bar? Have you ever wished you could call over your server without saying a word at all? Take a look at some of these groundbreaking restaurant technology innovations that will forever change the industry.

Tablee – Get The Server’s Attention Without Gestures

Tablee, an innovative concept for getting the server’s attention

Ever have trouble getting the server’s attention? We totally understand and it’s not their fault with all the craziness on a busy weekend night. This however can sometimes be an inconvenience and is why Tablee was invented. With Tablee, diners will now be able to send a notification to the server through their app. Higher tips for faster service? We can only see both servers and diners benefiting greatly from this new restaurant technology trend.

Synk Delivery -Save That Gas Mileage

Restaurants will be able to efficiently map out deliveries with Synk and cut out excess expenses that most delivery apps have

The idea behind the Synk Delivery app help restaurants increase efficiency within the area that delivery companies fall short. What it does is group multiple orders from the same location for single delivery. This will allow restaurants to use their own drivers for bulk orders to the same office building, University, apartment, etc. Additionally, restaurants will be able to control radius, times, and limits of orders which will offer more power than popular delivery apps. Watch your back UberEats and DoorDash!

Tunity – Tune To What You Want To Hear

Ever wish you could hear the T.V at the bar or gym?

Here’s a really cool one that pretty much everyone can relate to. In fact, it’s already being widely used by sports fans from all over. Imagine sitting in a restaurant or bar and finding that 1 out of 20 T.V screens that’s playing what you like. We’ve all wished we could not only see it but hear it as well. Well, you actually can now with the Tunity App! Tune in to live audio from any T.V from sports bars to gyms. The app even tracks viewing patterns which can be used for targeting offers based on these patterns. Yet another clever way to have targeted ads directed to us…

Kiosks – Even Less Human Interaction?

Use of Kiosks are a restaurant tech trend that will surely become a norm in the near future

The number of restaurants using kiosks have increased and are expected to keep on popping. Customers can simply make orders through a touch screen interface usually on the top of the order counter. It even allows the customer to make requests based on their preference (i.e burger without onions). The benefits range from reduced human error caused by miscommunication to consistent service. Some kiosks even have analytics software built into it, providing restaurants useful insights of guest trends and behaviors. Some claim kiosks only distance us further from human interaction. However, it’s been counter-argued that front line staff would be more freed up to actively engage in conversation with the customer.

PathSpot – Could This Help In Times Like The Corona Virus Epidemic?

Restaurant health hazards will be better prevented through the use of technology

Last on this list of new restaurant technology innovations is one that couldn’t be more perfectly timed. With the current Corona Virus (COVID-19) scare, many restaurants are forced to shut down. We understand that these measures are taken to prevent the spread from one person to another. But what if the restaurant or certain foods were the culprit? Introducing PathSpot, restaurant tech invented to help prevent food safety disasters in restaurants. If it works as intended, it can instantly screen for norovirus, E. Coli, listeria, hepatitis A, and salmonella. Through hand scanning technology, pathogens are indicated. Restaurants that adopt this could have employees wave hands under the scanner and prevent devastating health hazards.

Uncategorized

The Movement To Ban Tips In Restaurants

Post author By Jonathan
Post date March 10, 2020
No Comments on The Movement To Ban Tips In Restaurants

Some restaurants are joining the no tip movement by banning tips and increasing prices

Why Are Some Restaurants Banning Tips?

We all know the protocol after finishing a great meal. You receive the check and pull out your phone to calculate how much to pay in tips. This standard courteous gesture however, has lately been challenged by a growing movement to ban tips in restaurants.

Restaurant tipping is a practice that dates back a few centuries. Tipping was adopted among wealthy Americans in the 1800’s and stretches back as far as the 17th century.

Like many ‘norms’ today, society is mostly accustomed to it without question. Sure, restaurant tips have been important in helping servers pay the bills and we don’t suggest you stop. Some restaurants however have been joining the movement to ban tips altogether. Diners have also been joining in the movement claiming that tipping is outdated and even unethical! Continue reading to learn why.

Tips Are Unfair To Kitchen Staff

One objective of a no tip policy is to equalize pay between the kitchen and front end staff

The purpose of the movement to ban tips in restaurants is to equalize the wages between untipped and tipped employees. In a restaurant setting, this means closing the gap between kitchen staff and servers. The average federal minimum wage for tipped workers is $2.13/hr. Although the wages are low, tips often accumulate to a higher income than Dishwashers and cooks. The initiative taken by restaurants is as follows: ban tipping, raise menu prices, and pay everyone a higher wage.

Tips Are Often Paid With Biases

The amount received in tips can vary between servers and sometimes may not be dependent on level of performance

Restaurants are also joining the movement to ban tips because of the bias behind tip amount paid. There are many factors that affect the amount of a tip given. Some are based on the quality of service provided where higher tips would be rewarded on excellent service. Others however, tip the same regardless. This means extra effort given by exceptional servers sometimes goes unrewarded. The amount paid then is in many cases, random. Not only are there arguments for the biases between servers on a performance level, but also on demographics. For example, studies have shown that women in general are paid higher tips than their male counterparts.

Why Some Restaurants Are Abandoning The No Tip Movement

Joe’s Crab Shack is a pioneer for the no tip movement. But even they are abandoning the no tip policy in a few locations

There are a handful of restaurants that agree with the flaws of tipping and proudly became pioneers of tip banning. Even a major restaurant chain like Joe’s Crab Shack decided to ban tipping. Joe’s Crab Shack and other restaurants haven’t stayed with the changes for too long however. So what is stopping restaurants from continuing the no tip movement?

Negative Customer Feedback

Joe’s Crab Shack was a pioneer of the no tipping movement, initially testing it in 18 locations. As a result of banning tips, the prices of menu items were increased. 60% of Joe’s Crab Shack customers showed opposition to the new policy. Customers doubted that extra payments were distributed to employees from management. They also believed that a no tip policy would decrease the quality of service. In response, Joe’s Crab Shack turned away from the policy but kept it for 4 locations.

Server Complaints

Customers weren’t the only ones to show negative feedback. Servers have also responded in opposition. The Bar Agricole Restaurant in San Francisco was losing servers in two locations because of the no tip policy. Thad Vogler, owner of the restaurant, said that management and kitchen staff were happy but servers left for other restaurants. Clearly, the no tip policy benefited the kitchen with raises and left servers with less. He said the mistake was in not raising the prices high enough to benefit both ends of the restaurants.

Tags ban restaurant tips, ban tipping, no tip movement, no tip policy in restaurants, Restaurant trends, Tip free restaurants

Dine In Diners Marketing Organic & Local Restaurants Technology Trends Uncategorized

7 Ways To Attract Millennials To Your Restaurant

Post author By Jonathan
Post date February 28, 2020
No Comments on 7 Ways To Attract Millennials To Your Restaurant

Social media, health trends, and social responsibility are among a few things that millennials value in a restaurant

According to Forbes, “millennials have over $200 billion in buying power and will make up 75% of the workforce by 2025.” This means that millennials are an important target for restaurants and learning how to reach them will be crucial. So how do you attract millennials to your restaurant? With endless dining options available at the fingertips, you need to stand out but also align with their values. Keep reading to learn 7 things you can do to keep them coming back!

Use High Quality Ingredients

Appeal to the health conscious generation by using high quality ingredients

Studies have shown that Millennials are willing to fork over more money for high quality food. Since healthy eating is a trend more than ever before, be sure to use wholesome ingredients for everything. These include organic vegetables and meats that are free of hormones/anti-biotics. It would also help to emphasize phrases like “sourced locally” and “non-GMO” in the menu.

Boost Social Media Presence

Stay engaged and present in your millennial guests’ lives through social media

Since Millenials and Gen Z are tuned into the world of social media, grab their attention there. Your internet presence speaks volumes to these generations. Promote your restaurant and menu in engaging ways like posting a question or a raffle for a free giveaway. Also leave trails in your restaurant that lead to your social media. A couple ideas include inserting hashtags or your social media handle in menus or cups. Finally, update your directory listings and ask guests for 5-star reviews on Yelp and TripAdvisor.

Prep Food For The Gram

Posting food photos on social media is still a trend and shows no signs of dying

You’ve seen it. Pictures of food being posted by the millions. Food pictures are hot content for Instagram and Facebook feeds so why not use this in your favor? First, you’ll want to make sure the presentation of your dishes are worthy of a photo. Then, take a handful of snapshots yourself and experiment with various lighting edits and filters. Don’t be afraid to spend significant time on these. The photo you select needs to be captivating enough to stop people from scrolling. And you have lots of competition.

Build a Brand and Tell a Story

Fatt Matt’s reinforces their brand through merch items and even their very own BBQ sauce

Your restaurant is a brand and should have a compelling story. Make sure your social media, theme colors, and logo all reinforce the story of your brand. Millennials love their brands and aren’t afraid to endorse them through purchased merchandise. Make T-shirts, stickers, and other merchandise to make them a part of the story. You can somewhat easily attract millennials to your restaurant but a cool story will keep them.

Host An Experience

Create an experience to keep them coming back for more

To keep millennials coming back, you have to transcend beyond just providing a great meal. You have to provide an experience. It’s been shown that millennials prefer to live for new and unique experiences. This priority extends to eating out which you can thank the wave of pop-ups, food trucks, and food festivals for. If you don’t know where to start, just put some heart and soul in the atmosphere. You can use ambiance, art displays, music and aesthetic interior design to help create an experience. Additionally, you can keep them coming back through game nights, live music, art shows, and open mic nights. When in comes down to it, you want to envelop them in an immersive world they can’t to return to.

Have A Unique Menu

Millennials like taking risks with bizarre novelty menu items like the donut burger from “Sublime Donut Burger” in Atlanta

As mentioned in the paragraph before, Millennials live for experiences. This means that novel menu items will go a long way with this generation. This generation is the most diverse and open to new cultural cuisines. With that being said, offer something fusion and even quirky. To top it off, give your dishes distinct names that’ll catch their attention. You don’t want to only offer what millions of restaurants can. For instance, offering only pizza in a market where you can get pizza anywhere. This is why many restaurant chains are closing.

Be Socially Responsible

Millennials intentionally endorse restaurants that aim to protect the environment and support social causes

Being a restaurant that demonstrates corporate responsibility will go a long way. With the accessibility of information through the internet, any news of unethical or controversial actions can be found. Studies show that millennials would rather support businesses that do good and have no hesitancy to boycott. Due to this, establishing a good online reputation and supporting a good cause would be key for longevity. To start, you can make it known that you use biodegradable wear and consistency recycle. “Millennials don’t mind spending more money on things that are good for the planet.”

Take Your Restaurant To The Next Level

Going through the list, it can seem like a demanding task to attract millennials to your restaurant. Though it takes a lot to catch the attention of this generation, your restaurant will improve in many ways. Have fun with it while you become more than just a restaurant, but a brand!

Tags Attract millennials to your restaurant, business owners, food industry millennials, millennials and restaurants, millennials favorite restaurants, restaurant marketing, restaurant owners, restaurant social media, Restaurant trends

Uncategorized

Iconic Restaurant Chains That May Close In 2020

Post author By Jonathan
Post date February 27, 2020
No Comments on Iconic Restaurant Chains That May Close In 2020

Get To These Restaurants While You Can!

It’s the last call for several restaurant chains in 2020

When visiting another state or city have you immediately craved a particular restaurant chain for that one-of-a-kind dish like we have? You may like everything on the menu or just the complimentary bread rolls and nothing else. More than just food, some iconic restaurant chains can provide a familiar environment that is consistent across the map. The result can be a ‘home away from home’ type of comfort for some. Though these restaurant chains have multiple locations and seem like they’ll be around forever, time isn’t on their side. Millennials, Gen Z, and endless food options available at the fingertips have hit these restaurant chains hard. Continue reading to learn which major restaurant chains we may lose in 2020.

Steak ‘n Shake

When wholesome steakbugers were all the craze

Shaken up to see this prime steak burger and joint on the list? Forming from the depression era, Steak ‘n Shake lived up to it’s slogan, “Famous for Steakburgers.” The steakburgers were made up of T-bone, sirloin, and round steak parts. What attracted customers was founder Gus Belt’s campaign to prove the wholesomeness of his steakburgers. At the time, there was much skepticism regarding the purities of ground beef. To break this stigma, Gus Belt performed live meat grinding demonstrations within the vicinity, leaving no room for suspicion. This stunt was groundbreaking at the time, but Steak ‘n Shake neglected other aspects that would sustain them today. Steak ‘n Shake stated in a letter to shareholders that their outdated kitchen design was anchoring them down. High overhead costs and slow service lead to the decision to close 100 locations until a franchise partner is found.

Steak ‘n Shake newspaper campaign ensuring purity of meat

Golden Corral

The greenhouse (pictured) was adopted after allegations of under cooked meat

Only a few restaurants can even come close to Golden Corral’s range of adaptability over the past few years. Formed in Fayetteville North Carolina in 1973, this classic all-you-can-eat buffet and grill has taken many punches and rolled with them. Salad bars were expanded after news of under cooked meat and renovations were made to appear more hip. Golden Corral also implemented a takeout component a few years ago and recently integrated delivery services like Grubhub and Ubereats. If anything, Golden Corral deserves acknowledgement for proactive adaptations. Despite this, incidents including salmonella outbreaks, norovirus epidemics, and improper food storage allegations hit the franchise hard.

Pizza Hut

The spot for birthday parties and date nights…in a distant era

Can you remember when Pizza Hut was a popular hub for birthday parties, teenage hangouts, and even dates? Pizza Hut’s prime days are like a distant memory. Pizza Hut is split into several different formats such as dine-in, carry-out, and bistro. There is talk of Pizza Hut moving in the direction of becoming a takeout establishment only. Pizza Hut Express, a fast-food version of the chain with a limited menu, has kept it relevant today. These days most customers are acquired through the express version of the restaurant. It is almost exclusively found in venues, college campuses, theme parks, and food courts. They are also often conjoined with sister brands like Wingstreet, Tacobell, or KFC. Pizza Hut announced its decision to close up approximately 500 dine-in locations within 2021. Go dine-in at the Pizza Hut around your corner while you can in 2020!

Applebees

Would monthly $1 drink specials convince you to make Applebees your new pregame spot? Applebees’ $1 drink specials successfully rallied enough attention from millennials and helped make an astonishing comeback in 2018. Before the drink specials, the casual dine-in almost completely disconnected from their millennial audience upon introducing pricey $20 steak dinners. Millenials were likely to eat at home or spend that kind of money at a local novelty restaurant. Applebees, like other casual dine-in restaurants, are struggling to juggle their mixed-generation audience. With over 200 restaurant closes since 2016, Applebees needs to carefully plan their next strategy. The $1 specials proved to be a success but will it be enough to carry them through 2020?

TGI Fridays

TGI Fridays is planning to go back to its roots – a trendy gastropub for singles

Fridays was yet another classic American dine-in that filled a unique demand for the time period but it isn’t aging quite nicely. Founded in Newyork in 1965, Allan Stillman wanted to create a public space to meet single women. With interior designs like brass rails, Tiffany lamps, and stained glass windows by the bar, the perfect public “cocktail party” environment was created. TGI Fridays nowadays is going through the same types of problems that all casual dining restaurants are facing. One possible solution is breaking away from the casual-dining industry altogether. TGI Fridays is doing this in 2020 by rebranding themselves as a trendy gastropub and shifting their focus to the urban market.

2020 – The End For Many Restaurant Chains

It might be unbelievable that 2020 may be the last year for these famous American restaurant chains. Millennials, food-delivery apps, health trends, and Gen-Z brought a whole new dynamic to the industry. Options are endless for today’s consumers and unless restaurants can learn to adapt to new demands, they will fade away.

Tags Closing restaurants, restaurant chains, restaurant marketing, Restaurant trends, Restaurants closing in 2020, Restaurants going out of business

Diners Restaurants Trends

Whole30, Keto, and Paleo – Demystify The Menu!

Post author By Jonathan
Post date February 14, 2020
1 Comment on Whole30, Keto, and Paleo – Demystify The Menu!

“I’m not dieting, it’s a lifestyle!”
-Your health conscious friend

Many Restaurants Are Adapting To Lifestyle Diet Trends – What Are They?

With increased awareness of how different foods affect our biology, many people have adopted Keto, Paleo, and Whole30 lifestyles. These lifestyle diets serve a variety of health-related functions and people with specific needs are infusing them within their everyday life.

Due to their popularity, many restaurants now provide Keto, Paleo, and Whole30 menu options to harmonize with their guest’s lifestyles.

Chipotle for instance, introduced “Lifestyle Bowls” containing ingredients that adhere to the diet regimen of customers following a Keto, Paleo, or Whole30 lifestyle.

It is no question that restaurants are starting to see the value in adapting to popular trends as more people convert. Have you seen these diet options in the menu but don’t know enough about them to place an order? Learn to demystify the menu today!

The Ketogenic Diet

More Fat = Weight Loss

Eat more fat to lose weight? Yes, the healthy kind mind you. Like there are good and bad carbs, there are healthy fats that are preferable to saturated and trans fats.

The ketogenic diet has gained a lot of traction with those who want to lose weight or stay lean. The diet consists of high fat, moderate protein, and low carbs. As little as only 20-50 grams of carbohydrates are consumed daily which forces the body into ketosis.

During ketosis, fat is broken down into ketones, which are then used as the body’s main energy source. In other words, the purpose of a keto diet is to essentially trigger the body to use fats instead of carbohydrates for energy.

The Paleo Diet

Eat like a caveman for optimal health!

Inspired by our paleolithic ancestors, the paleo diet suggests that peak health is obtainable from the hunter-gatherer lifestyle that humans evolved with. It’s followers blame obesity and metabolic diseases on food processing instigated by the Agricultural Revolution.

The paleo diet consists of foods that are rich in lean meats and seafood, accompanied with plenty of fruits and non-starchy vegetables. It is protein-rich, moderate in healthy fats, and low in carbohydrates.

The Whole30 Diet

Identify your trigger foods with Whole30

Cleanse your body. The whole30 diet is all about resetting your metabolic system by eating with a quality over quantity mindset. By temporarily adopting a pattern of quality eating, the body is being cleansed of inflammatory or digestive issues left by certain foods.

Many people participate in the cleanse to help identify the specific foods that are acting as triggers for a particular reaction. The foods to be avoided in a whole30 diet include: Added sugar, legumes, alcohol (cooking and drinking), dairy, soy, and grains.

Ingredients of processed foods such as carrageenan, MSG, and sulfites are also avoided. Lean meat, seafood, eggs, veggies, fruits, and natural fats are sought out in this diet regime.

Will Your Restaurant Menu Adapt To Keto, Paleo, and Whole30 lifestyles?

Even with the endless food options available from a variety of restaurants ranging anywhere from traditional American to fusion, people are restricting themselves in accordance with their specific dietary needs.

Like no other time in history, there is an increased awareness of the foods we are consuming and how it affects our individual bodies. Through an increase in awareness, people have become empowered over specific health limitations in their lives by choosing what to restrict and what to consume more of.

Will we see more restaurants adapt their menus to these trends to accommodate more guests? The people who follow these lifestyle diets constantly face limited options when eating out with friends. By modifying your menu to be Keto, Paleo, or Whole30 friendly, you can help others reach their health goals while increasing your business.

Tags healthy menu, healthy restaurants, Keto, keto menu, keto restaurant, lifestyle diet trends, lifestyle diets, Paleo, paleo menu, paleo restaurant, Restaurant trends, whole30, whole30 menu, whole30 restaurant

Diners

Most Popular Ethnic Cuisine Entrees

Post author By Jonathan
Post date January 27, 2020
1 Comment on Most Popular Ethnic Cuisine Entrees

It is said that america is the melting pot of the world. When it comes to food, this shines truer than ever. We can enjoy crepes for breakfast, grab some Cuban for lunch, and finish with some Chinese for dinner.

Additionally, when someone says “let’s grab some Mexican”, you already know what to expect. Tacos, quesadillas, burritos – the list goes on.

Every culture has its mainstay courses, its core entrees and staple side dishes. Some menus feel incomplete without them.

So below, we have listed the most iconic foods for America’s most popular food cultures / cuisines.

AMERICAN

Cheeseburger & Fries

For better or worse, American cuisine is synonymous with the Cheeseburger. Throw in some fries and you have the epitome of iconic American food.

Hot Dogs

For a time, there were very few things more American than enjoying a Hot Dog at a baseball game. From barbeques, to cookouts, to eating contests, Hot Dogs are truly an American classic.

Pizza

While not technically originating in America, Pizza is certainly heavily American associated, and deserving of a spot on its list.

JAPANESE

Sushi

Technically sushi has been around since 8th century AD, however it only has gotten popular in America since the late 1980s. So popular, that it grosses over 2 billion dollars per year, and things like the California Roll are common names.

Ramen

While sushi is synonomus with Japanese food, ramen comes in a very close second. Even so much that to the untrained eye, many asian noodle soups are mistaken for it.

Honorable Mentions: Teriyaki, Udon, Takoyaki

MEXICAN

Tacos

From fast food places like Taco Bell to speciality Taquerias, tacos are quintessential to any mexican establishment.

Burritos

The rise of restaurants like Chipotle, Moe’s, and Willy’s have proven that burritos are here to stay.

Quesadillas

Whether it’s the standard chicken variety or a custom creation, the quesadilla is an ever popular choice, especially with children.

Honorable Mentions: Guacamole, Salsa, Enchiladas, Fajitas

CHINESE

Orange Chicken / General Tso’s / Kung Pao Chicken

Considered by many to be “American” Chinese food dishes, and rightfully so, as they’re almost non-existent in actual China. Regardless, it’s hard to go to an American Chinese restaurant and not find these on the menu.

Honorable Mentions: Stir Fry, Eggrolls, Fried Rice, Lo Mein, Dumplings

GREEK (Mediterranean)

Gyro

Lamb(or other meats) wrapped in pita bread and tzatziki sauce, the gyro has become a hit classic.

Shish Kebabs

While traditionally made of lamb, kebabs can also be made from pretty much any meat that’s skewered, sometimes with additional vegetables / ingredients.

Honorable Mentions: Hummus, Falafel, Shawarma

CARIBBEAN / JAMAICAN

Jerk Chicken

It would be hard to find a Jamaican restaurant that didn’t serve Jerk Chicken. Made with pimento and habinero, Jerk Chicken is tasty with a bit of heat.

VIETNAMESE

Pho

On a cold day, a nice, hot bowl of pho can hit the spot. Like any soup, the broth plays a vital role, and with pho this is no exception. Rice noodles, soy bean sprouts and thinly sliced beef are also some of the key players here.

SOUTHERN / SOUL FOOD

Fried Chicken

Although clearly not first used or invented in the South, everyone can unanimously agree that fried chicken is as about as southern as it gets.

Fried Okra

When traveling to a state like Louisiana, Georgia, or Alabama, locating fried Okra is not a difficult task.

Honorable Mentions: Fried Green Tomatoes, Cornbread, Gumbo, Grits

ITALIAN

Spaghetti & Meatballs

As old as 5th century AD, Spaghetti is not only an Italian staple, but has become an American one as well.

Chicken Parmesan

Originating in the United States by Italian immigrants, Chicken Parmesan is much, much younger than Spaghetti, as it only became popular in the 1950’s.

Honorable Mentions: Ravioli, Lasagna, Fettuccine Alfredo

KOREAN

Kimchi

Althought it’s not technically a “dish”, some Koreans cannot eat a meal without Kimchi. Essentially fermented cabbage marinated in spices, Kimchi is extremely healthy.

Korean BBQ

Also not quite a single “dish”, Korean BBQ has become popular enough to warrant a spot on this list.

Honorable Mentions: Bulgogi, Bibimbap

INDIAN

Chicken Tikka Masala

Chunks of roasted marinated chicken combined with India’s famous curry is the foundation of this orange dish. The sauce is key here, and usually consists of tomatoes, cream, coconut cream and a variety of spices.

Butter Chicken

Apparently developed in the 1950’s by three restaurant owners, Butter Chicken has become an incredibly popular Indian dish.

FRENCH

Crêpes

Whether they are coupled with syrup, whipped cream, stawberries, Nutella or more, Crepes are a welcomed and iconic French dish.

Honorable Mentions: Souffle, French Onion Soup, RataTouille

CUBAN

The Cuban Sandwich

From Havana Sandwich Shops to places like Jimmy John’s, it’s clear that people like Cuban Sandwiches. Although debated on what a “true” version is, most include sliced roast pork, Swiss cheese, and dill pickles, among other ingredients.

Honorable Mentions: Empanadas, Tamales, Fried Yucca, Plantains