From customization to BYO, consumers demand more

The definition of customization is evolving for customers and operators in the Fast Casual segment across all categories. Customization has advanced into “Build Your Own”. This new restaurant concept is the DIY of the foodservice industry, which has customers eating them up. Sales have increased by 22% since 2013 according to Technomic, Inc. Consumer Food Trends, Foodservice Happenings: MidYear Trends June 2015

The reason for such growth is consumers have changed their perspective on what they desire in their eating out experience. Fast Casual’s, “Why You Can't Afford to Miss the Fast Casual Pizza Revolution” webinar, reported that the top four factors in consumers choice in a restaurant are: great tasting food, good value for the money, high quality food, and fresh food. Building your own concepts meets all of these choice criteria, while still providing the convenience aspect consumers consider imperative.

While consumer’s wants have changed, the ability to meet the demands is being made possible by technology advancements in kitchen equipment. Smaller, more efficient equipment, that has multiple uses, like the Merrychef eikon® series allow operators to meet the demands of time pressed while providing quality, made to order products that meet the high standards for fresh great-tasting food at a good value.

Build Your Own concepts from pizza to sandwiches are also creating quite the stir in the restaurant industry and with consumers. This new Fast Casual subcategory offers consumers a new way to customize that drives profits, eliminates the veto vote and ensures repeat visits. Lets talk how we can help you deliver a BYO experience with a kitchen that is BYO. learn more.