5 Steps in the Menu-Building Process

CHICAGO -- Making sure a dish is delicious and craveable is only a small part of the equation. Here’s a look at what menu-making teams need to consider today, according to Technomic's Generational Consumer Trend Report ...

About 40% of millennials and 38% of Gen Xers prefer to visit operations that offer dishes with new or innovative flavors.

About two-thirds of Gen Zers and millennials say they follow foodservice via social-media sites. Millennials’ preferred sites are Facebook and Twitter, while younger diners favor Instagram, Snapchat and Tumblr.

Social responsibility—for example, sourcing of ingredients and fair treatment of animals—is equally important to Gen Xers, millennials and Gen Zers, though the younger two are most likely to cite sustainability as a driver.

Of all generations, Gen Z places the highest importance on customization, including the ability to change portion sizes.

Of all the food consumers order, only 46% is for dine-in consumption; 38% is for takeout and 16% is for delivery. Millennials lead takeout orders and tie with Gen Zers for above-average reliance on delivery.