In many ways, the trends rippling through the fast-food industry are the same ones we see reflected in the food industry at large, an example being the movement toward responsible sourcing of higher-quality ingredients. Secret Menu Items at Your 12 Favorite Fast-Food Chains The 15 Most Bizarre Fast-Food Menu Items of All Time Even though some technological innovations over the past year can easily come across as gimmicks. The fast-food sector has been embracing consumer-facing technology just as eagerly, if not more so than any other branch of the restaurant industry.

Key Takeaways:

• On the outside, it may look to you like fast food hasn’t changed too much in the past year.
• In many ways, the trends rippling through the fast-food industry are the same ones we see reflected in the food industry at large, an example being the movement toward responsible sourcing of higher-quality ingredients.
• For all the risk (and expense) involved in rolling out a new menu item, we’re still seeing some chains go all in on the gimmicks, which seem to grab people’s attention but do not always result in sales.

“In many ways, the trends rippling through the fast-food industry are the same ones we see reflected in the food industry at large, an example being the movement toward responsible sourcing of higher-quality ingredients.”

http://www.restaurantnews.com/the-10-biggest-fast-food-trends-of-2016/

Despite the popularity of no phone zones in venues, four in ten people said they always log in to the Wi-Fi when out for a drink or meal. Just over a third of customers surveyed said being able to access special offers via Wi-Fi would make them a more loyal customer, while 45 per cent said being offered incentives to pay online would do the same.

Key Takeaways:

• According to a survey of 1,000 people by marketing firm Purple, 60 per cent of diners said being given internet access would increase their loyalty to a restaurant.
• Gavin Wheeldon, CEO of Purple, said venues should use their smart-phone addicted customers as an opportunity to boost business.
• Just over a third of customers surveyed said being able to access special offers via WiFi would make them a more devoted customer, while 45 per cent said being offered incentives to pay online would do the same.

“Just over a third of customers surveyed said being able to access special offers via WiFi would make them a more devoted customer, while 45 per cent said being offered incentives to pay online would do the same.”

http://www.bighospitality.co.uk/Business/Diners-more-loyal-to-restaurants-with-free-WiFi?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+bighospitality%2Fnews+%28BigHospitality%3A+Latest+News%29