In the ever-evolving landscape of the U.S. restaurant and takeout industry, creating a unique culinary brand identity has never been more crucial. The changing consumer eating trends, coupled with the concepts of going viral and “unboxing” videos on social media, is giving food brands more creative opportunities with marketing.
In this article we explore current consumer behaviour, food trends, and the possibilities personalized parchment paper has for developing culinary identity.
What Consumer Behaviour is Driving the US Restaurant Industry?
The US Restaurant industry is growing, with quick service restaurants (QSRs) growing the most in 2023. Current consumer trends are leaning towards QSRs over the traditional dining experiences, and more people are choosing to eat outside of the traditional mealtimes too.
The pandemic changed people’s definitions of where, when, and how to work, which is influencing new busy periods for restaurants.
More people are getting breakfasts and late-night snacks as thier lifestyle changes influence new eating habits. On the other hand, lunch and dinner traffic has reduced, along with an interest in in-dining experience. Overall, the sector is seeing less traffic in the traditional peak times, and more in mid-morning, mid-afternoon, and late at night.
Takeout popularity has also been growing for the simple reasons that more people want to feel comfortable and enjoy meals in their homes without the hassle of cooking. When there is such a variety of different foods available to buy ready to eat in the US, consumers aren’t cooking if they don’t have to.
Alongside the growing popularity of QSRs and takeout, concerns about value have also grown. Given the volatile last few years, one could expect consumers to be saving and not spending. Instead, it appears that consumers are just becoming more cost driven and actively seek brands who deliver on their prices and promises with good value.
Furthermore, sustainability in the food industry is also a concern for consumers, and this is not just a fad or trend. Acknowledging the demand for the upscaling of takeout packaging also means focusing on ensuring the environment won’t suffer because of it. Sharing gorgeous visuals of food and its wrapping, is much more palatable when it’s biodegradable and from a sustainable source.
Upcoming US Food Trends in 2024
It’s thought that the 2024 food trends will be driven by an influx of refugees from Central and South America. Street food like Venezuelan arepas and Salvadorian pupusas will become a popular alternative to the current options.
Hot honey was super popular in 2023 but experts in the industry predict a move to sweet and sour flavourings. In this prediction article, senior menu editor Patricia Cobe cites McCormick’s Flavour of the Year tamarind and pasilla chilies seasoning as typical of the flavours we’ll see in 2024.
That said, as casual and quick dining is still so prevalent, the casual and quick favorites such as burgers, falafel, pizza, burritos, gyoza, sushi, and wings are just as popular. Fries, followed by chicken quesadillas and mozzarella sticks were the most ordered food through Doordash in 2023.
Food customizations are also a growing trend. What was once seen as an annoyance for servers, the ability to customize food is making food more accessible for those with intolerances, allergies, medical or ethical diets, as well as the consumers who know what they don’t like, but won’t let that stop them trying something new. Being prepared for personalization requests will ultimately translate into happy and loyal customer who trust their favourite brands.
Social Media and Aesthetics in Culinary Brand Awareness
The digital age has ushered in an era where a picture is not just worth a thousand words; it’s worth endless brand awareness opportunities. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have become the new frontier for word-of-mouth marketing, with Gen Z and millennials actively sharing their dining experiences. This underscores the vital role of aesthetics in today’s food industry.
Upscaling traditional food packaging can be done in a variety of ways:
- Adding logos and branding advertises your business to possible new audiences.
- Use images to create an emotional connection with your customers.
- Add QR codes or hidden messages to launch competitions or encourage sharing.
- Share snippets of your culinary journey with text that tells a story.
- Divulge recipes or secret ingredients that make your food special.
- Release holiday or occasion specific food items in their unique packaging.
- Encourage play and social sharing through games to keep diners entertained.
So where does personalized parchment paper come in all of this? Parchment paper has long been a practical and visually inoffensive part of food protection, but by applying its use to brand awareness and aesthetics, new audiences can be reached.
What are the Benefits of Using Personalized Parchment Paper?
Personalized parchment paper goes beyond its basic utility of non-stick food preparation. It serves as a canvas for your brand, allowing you to imprint your logo, motto, or any branded elements directly where your customers interact most intimately with your offering – the food itself. Here are several reasons why personalized parchment paper should be a part of your branding strategy:
Reinforcing Brand Identity
Every time a customer unwraps a sandwich, cuts into a baked good, or posts a picture of their meal, your brand is front and center. It’s a subtle yet powerful way to reinforce your brand identity in the customer’s mind.
Enhancing Customer Experience
The unboxing experience matters in the digital age. Customized packaging, including personalized parchment paper, adds a layer of excitement and engagement for the customer, turning a simple meal into an event that they can showcase on their socials. Changing up the personalizations to coincide with holidays, launch special events or competitions, can also create a sense of excitement and ‘FOMO’ (fear of missing out).
Environmental Considerations
With rising consumer expectations for restaurants to adopt environmentally friendly practices, using biodegradable and customizable parchment paper aligns with the values of eco-conscious customers. It’s a step towards local sourcing, zero waste, and fresh produce that resonates with today’s diners.
Versatility Across Various Foods
Whether it’s a gourmet burger shop, a chic bakery, a cozy café, or a bustling QSR, personalized parchment paper is versatile enough to complement any type of food establishment. It’s not just about serving food; it’s about serving an experience tailored to your brand. Of course, many people may associate personalized parchment paper with a basket of fries or a wrapped round a take-out burrito. However, it’s also at home on a plate under pizza in a trendy Italian restaurant or as a handmade fortune cookie pouch given out with the check.
As we navigate the changing trends of the U.S. restaurant industry, the importance of creating a memorable brand experience cannot be overstated. Personalized parchment paper is more than just a tool for food preparation; it’s an extension of your culinary identity, telling your story one meal at a time.
Are you ready to elevate your restaurant’s brand experience? Browsing the options for personalized parchment paper and placing your order is the first step towards crafting a culinary identity that resonates with your customers. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to turn every meal served into a branding masterpiece.
