For five days in April, Tesco opened the doors to an Easter pop-up serving hot cross buns with a twist. The Tesco Hot Cross Bun Cafe offered up brunch, afternoon tea and a five-course dining experience for guests. On the menu, there were items like vegan hot cross bangers and smash at brunch and hot cross scones for afternoon tea. Hot cross buns were also available into the evening thanks to options like hot cross bun espresso martinis and hot cross bun steak tartare.
The Easter pop-up cafe also offered plant-based and gluten-free options and all proceeds from the hot cross bun cafe will be donated to the supermarket's charity partner, the Trussell Trust, so that emergency food and support can be provided to people in crisis.
Hot Cross Bun Cafes
Tesco's Easter Pop-Up Put a Spin on Traditional Hot Cross Buns
Trend Themes
1. Hot-cross Bun Innovation - Opportunity to create unique and creative hot cross bun flavors and experiences in cafes/restaurants
2. Plant-based and Gluten-free Offerings - Increasing demand for plant-based and gluten-free options in cafes and restaurants
3. Charitable Pop-up Cafes - Growing trend of utilizing pop-up cafes as a way to create buzz and support charitable causes
Industry Implications
1. Food and Beverage - Industry can innovate and experiment with hot cross buns to create new products and spin-off businesses
2. Charity/non-profit - Industry can utilize pop-up cafes and other creative fundraising strategies to engage the public and support charitable causes
3. Hospitality - Industry can incorporate unique hot cross bun creations into their menus, attract new customers, and build brand