Restaurants go to extremes to get viral attention and keep customers coming
Implications - Traffic-inducing restaurant gimmicks are more important than ever with increased demand for unique dining 'experiences'. If restaurants surpass the test of a strong opening, they still need to innovate in order to retain fickle patrons, hence the rise in wacky extremes to hold customer interest.
Trend Themes
1. Extreme Restaurant Experiences - Restaurants are going to wacky and extreme lengths to create unique dining experiences that leave an impression on customers.
2. Pay-what-you-want Pricing - Some restaurants are experimenting with pay-what-you-want pricing models as a response to the economic downturn.
3. Hiring Marginalized Populations - Businesses are creating social impact by hiring marginalized populations, such as ex-cons and former inmates.
Industry Implications
1. Restaurant Industry - The restaurant industry is embracing wacky, attention-grabbing gimmicks to keep customers engaged and coming back.
2. Hospitality Industry - The hospitality industry is exploring unconventional concepts, such as treehouse hotels and restaurants, to create unique experiences for customers.
3. Social Entrepreneurship - Socially conscious businesses are hiring marginalized populations and giving them a second chance to succeed in mainstream society.
