Follow the Crowd to Brunch Profits

What’s the top growth area in the restaurant industry? That’s breakfast and brunch, according to leading researchers at Datassential. Even fast food chains are increasing their breakfast food offerings. So if you’re seeking growth in your own establishments, brunch is where you can do it. 
 
Take Your Cues From Millennials
In breakfast in particular, a few trends lead the pack and are led by millennial choices. Avocado toast isn’t going away, and has led to a trend for fancy toasts with all kinds of premium ingredients piled on top. Restaurant-goers are simultaneously drawn to two main options: world flavors, especially Asian breakfast fare, and flashback comfort foods, like deviled eggs and bowls of oatmeal. Of course, all of these get an updated touch to really create the wow factor consumers are looking for at brunch.
 
All Day Adventure
Brunch isn’t just a late meal anymore. It’s an adventure, a chance to personalize your own experience and explore new flavors. And it’s blurred with other meals. Lunch and dinner items are showing up on brunch menus, and breakfast items are showing up on dinner menus. Enter the popularity of chicken & waffles, breakfast sandwiches, and even breakfast burgers and tacos.
 
Show Off Sustainability Efforts
A trend overall in the restaurant industry is sustainability. Consumers want to know where their food comes from, how it was grown, and how it impacts the environment. Be sure to let your diners know how you care about these same concerns—whether it’s by bragging up your sourcing or increasing your plant-based menu items.
 
Think “Sharable”
Brunch is the perfect time for sharing food with friends and followers.The trend for shared dishes spans broader than who’s around the table. According to Social Media Today, 69% of millennial diners take a picture of their food before eating it. Make sure what’s plated is not only delicious but aesthetically pleasing as well. 
 
“Despite changing consumer preferences, longtime staples still dominate restaurant breakfast menus, led by eggs, French toast, breakfast sandwiches, omelets and pancakes,” according to experts.
 
So what’s the sweet spot? Elevate those comfort foods with new flavors, create a comfortable environment for reconnecting with friends, and show your efforts towards sustainability.