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Breaking False Beliefs About Catering to Food Allergies and Dietary Requirements
You might think catering to food allergies and dietary requirements is too complicated or costly, but let’s clear up some myths that could hold your business back.
Common Misconceptions and Realities:
Myth 1: Adapting the menu is too expensive.
Reality:
Initial costs are outweighed by long-term benefits like increased revenue and customer loyalty. Menu adaptation may initially seem costly, but it opens your business to a broader customer base. Many people seek out restaurants that cater to their dietary needs, so your initial investment will quickly pay off through increased patronage and repeat business.
For example, 99% of gluten-free customers would return to a venue if they had a good experience. (via Coeliac Australia, Gluten Free in Service Report)
BONUS: Diners with dietary requirements bring groups of friends & family to venues where they had a good experience, bringing additional revenue.
Myth 2: Accommodating dietary needs severely limits menu options.
Reality:
A flexible menu showcases inclusivity and attracts more diners. By offering various options catering to different dietary requirements, you show that your restaurant values all customers. This inclusivity can make your establishment a go-to destination for groups with mixed dietary needs, thus broadening your customer base.
Myth 3: Managing dietary needs is too complex.
Reality:
Proper training and clear procedures make it manageable. With the proper training and systems, accommodating dietary needs becomes a seamless part of your restaurant’s operation. Investing in staff education and implementing clear procedures will ensure that your team can confidently handle dietary requests, enhancing the overall dining experience for your customers.
If you want to make managing dietary needs even easier, click the button to get menu dietitian reviewed to drive more diners to your venue.
Myth 4: Few customers care about dietary accommodations.
Reality:
1 in 3 Australians have a dietary need.
As awareness of food allergies and dietary preferences increases, more customers seek restaurants that accommodate their needs and family or friends dietary needs. With a third of Australians having a dietary requirement, ignoring this trend risks losing out on a significant and growing market segment.
Insights and Data:
Revenue Boost: Restaurants catering to dietary needs often see significant increase in diners & repeat sales, driving an increase in revenue. Offer a menu that caters to various dietary requirements to attract more customers and increase your potential for repeat business.
Customer Loyalty: Customers with dietary needs often become loyal patrons, plus they bring groups with them after developing trust in your venue. Building a reputation for accommodating dietary needs fosters customer loyalty and word-of-mouth referrals.
Enhanced Reputation: Known for accommodating dietary needs, restaurants stand out. Your restaurant will be recognised as a leader in inclusivity, setting you apart from competitors and attracting a broader customer base.
Action Steps for Restaurants:
Evaluate Your Menu: Identify potential areas for adaptation and incorporate more dietary-friendly options.
Train Your Staff: Invest in comprehensive training programs to ensure your team is knowledgeable about dietary requirements and confident in managing them.
Communicate Clearly: Ensure that your menu clearly indicates dietary options and that staff can effectively communicate these to customers. Use tools like the Food Allergen Matrix to help staff manage and communicate allergen information.
Seek Feedback: Regularly ask for feedback from customers with dietary needs to improve your offerings and services continuously.
Dietitian Verify Your Menu: Have your menu reviewed by professionals to meet dietary needs. Increase visibility as a Foodini partner and boost diner confidence with the QR code feature for in venue personalised menus, making dietary management hassle-free.