Over the last few years, operators have had to adapt to one challenge after another, from pivoting to delivery only to streamlining menus in response to both supply chain issues and catering to what diners are most looking for, just to name a few. Now, as most operations have gone back to relative normalcy, operators are faced with yet another challenge: offering foods on the menu that not only customers will enjoy, but that their kids will, too. As more millennials become parents, operators are working overtime to ensure there are options for young diners, too.
The need for health, convenience and quality
According to Technomic’s 2022 Generational Consumer Trend Report, the top priority among millennials when choosing a restaurant to visit with their kids is, perhaps unsurprisingly, that the restaurant has a kids menu. Additionally, nearly half (46%) of millennials say they often modify their kids’ restaurant meals to make them healthier, while 43% say they would visit restaurants more if they offered healthier options for kids.
But health isn’t the only concern; convenience is key, too. Many restaurant visits are made while en route to another location, so many parents are looking for food options for their kids that are portable and easy to eat on-the-go. Operators need convenience, too—with an ongoing labor shortage across all segments, kids menu options that are low- or no-labor are a boon to the bottom line. Tree Top Fruit Pouches, available in an array of kid-friendly flavors (and a no-sugar-added option) are a perfect option for adding to kids meals, and are a great alternative to fried sides such as french fries. What’s more, since they are prepackaged and ready-to-eat, there’s no added labor in the back of house.
Better-for-you options
In addition to fruit pouches that kids will love, Tree Top also offers better-for-you beverage options and dried apple products that are perfect as snacks or sides. Juices made with 100% juices, including apple and orange juice, taste great for kids and are a better-for-you choice when parents don’t want to purchase other soft drinks or soda. And dried apple products, such as strawberry-flavored Apple Crisps, give kids a fun new option to try at snack time.
Appealing to millennials means offering options that they feel confident in giving to their kids. And amid current challenges operators are facing, if those products are a convenient, low-labor solution, that’s even better. Real fruit products from Tree Top, including fruit pouches, fruit juices, dried fruit and more are the perfect option for both operators and parents alike. To learn more, click here.
This post is sponsored by Tree Top
