Greg Ponesse — August 11, 2006 — Lifestyle
References: wired
I live in Berkeley, California, a town so dedicated to gourmet food that if you wanted to find artisanal cheese made with milk from a grass-fed goat that received daily shiatsu massage and affirmations from its own spirit coach, you might have to go to two stores to find it.
There was a time, before sushi hit strip malls, chai hit Starbucks, and Iron Chef hit the airwaves, that this was considered peculiar.
What's an arugula and why does it cost 10 times as much as good old iceberg lettuce? Berkeley prides itself on being peculiar, so all was well.
Things have been changing, though, as things do. I don't go to Sizzler that often, but I'm pretty sure they didn't used to have baby spinach and blue cheese crumbles to go along with the iceberg lettuce and shredded cheddar.
There was a time, before sushi hit strip malls, chai hit Starbucks, and Iron Chef hit the airwaves, that this was considered peculiar.
What's an arugula and why does it cost 10 times as much as good old iceberg lettuce? Berkeley prides itself on being peculiar, so all was well.
Things have been changing, though, as things do. I don't go to Sizzler that often, but I'm pretty sure they didn't used to have baby spinach and blue cheese crumbles to go along with the iceberg lettuce and shredded cheddar.
Trend Themes
1. Gourmet Fast Food - Opportunity for fast food chains to incorporate gourmet ingredients and flavors into their menu offerings.
2. Artisanal Food - Opportunity for small-scale food producers to cater to the growing demand for unique and high-quality food products.
3. Health-conscious Dining - Opportunity for restaurants to offer healthier options and cater to the increasing consumer interest in nutritious meals.
Industry Implications
1. Fast Food Chains - Disruptive innovation opportunity to transform traditional fast food menus by incorporating gourmet and healthier ingredients.
2. Small-scale Food Producers - Disruptive innovation opportunity for small food producers to stand out by offering artisanal and unique food products.
3. Restaurant Industry - Disruptive innovation opportunity for restaurants to adapt their menus and cater to the changing preferences of health-conscious consumers.
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