Better Beverages, Bigger Business

Operators are asking how to increase traffic in their operations as restaurant growth remains slow. Beverages continue to be a growth driver and a point of difference in a marketplace where consumers are focused on dining at home. Technomic, Inc. reports that total away from home beverage sales are $299.1 billion retail sales equivalent, with non-alcoholic beverages representing $189.8 billion.

Beverage sales in both dollars and volume continue to grow, giving operators a new reason to consider revamping their beverage menu. Overall cold specialty beverages have seen a 3.9% dollar increase from 2014-16 with hot coffee drinks posting a 4.8% increase during the same timeframe according to Technomic, Inc. There are some beverages that consumers prefer to purchase at retail, yet many of the specialty beverages they crave are prepared onsite including cold/iced coffee, smoothies, specialty coffee drinks and hot coffee, making beverages a profit center for those looking to drive traffic to their restaurants.

While non-alcoholic beverage sales continue to grow, the recent Technomic, Inc., Restaurants Directions Conference reviewed some key beverage initiatives that focus on innovation with an emphasis on fresh and functional flavors, and concentration on preparation methods like cold brew, blended and handcrafted. By adding beverages that focus on the key areas operators can cultivate a beverage program that keeps customers coming back.

Find all the Welbilt brand options to enhance your beverage program here.