Corner Booth Blog | TundraFMP Restaurant Supply, News & Equipment Blog
I’m going to be up front with you, I am a late adopter when it comes to trends. Translation? I’m the girl that gets into skinny jeans just as everyone starts wearing gauchos again. So when I discover a new trend it’s almost guaranteed that that trend is on its way out.
I love these things as much of the next person, but like food trends, I think we’re all looking for the next big thing.
Are these trends at risk of being played out? You decide.
The Speakeasy
The “speakeasy” was a prohibition-era bar set up to serve alcohol in secret. Nowadays it’s become an excuse to charge $15 for a craft cocktail all because you walked behind a bookshelf. Some of today’s speakeasys are more hidden than others, with some even requiring passwords for entry that change on the daily. Admittedly, I will always be down for visiting any tiki-inspired speakeasy.
Family-Style Meals
Theoretically, I’m having family-style meals every day at home. The last thing I want is another family-style meal when I go out. Why? For me, restaurants are about indulging and being selfish—that’s why I pay 2-3 times more for a glass of wine at a restaurant than I do at home. Sharing is great and all, but sometimes I just want to order my own plate without compromising.
Secret Menus
These “not-so-secret” menus are popular with fast food chains like In-N-Out (who will tell you it’s not a secret, just a way customers like their menu items prepared). I’m not sure why restaurants choose to have a secret menu other than to say they have a secret menu. If you want to let people order something, just put it on the menu.
Food Halls
In all seriousness, isn’t a food hall just a glorified food court? Those 30+ will remember food courts, often situated in the center of a mall with foggy skylights and raised “islands” bordered in tile that housed an array of palm trees and ivy (fake or otherwise). Admittedly, the food halls of today feature tastier (and more expensive) options than the food courts of the 80’s and 90’s.
Limited Time Offers
From Unicorn Frappuccinos to Nacho Fries, the allure of these limited time offers (LTOs) often meet at the intersection of short supply coupled with outrageous ingredients. Though fun at first, LTOs aren’t always sustainable for businesses. Each new LTO is designed to top the last one, and it won’t be long before consumers become less engaged as they’re conditioned to expect a new LTO regularly.
